Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1890
Caliber: .40-65 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Half-Length Tubular Magazine
Serial Number: 49017
Barrel Length: 26?, Octagonal
Sights: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled to accept a peep-sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There are a few tiny losses and some discoloration around edges. There no cracks. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some areas going to a light patina. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case-Hardened
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 55% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has generally strong finish with some wear and erosion on the right at the muzzle and light wear on the top over the forend. The receiver's case color has mostly muted with some figuring still visible. There are scattered nicks and scratches, mostly on the barrel. There is some minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box / Accessories: Included is a copy of a Winchester records letter indicating that this serial number was produced as a rifle, .40-65 with octagon barrel, plain trigger, 1/2 magazine, received in warehouse and shipped November 29, 1890.
Our Assessment: The 1886 is another of John Browning's industry-changing designs. It is our favorite Winchester here, certainly the strongest built at the time and function leads to beauty. The 1886 was available in a variety of cartridges over its nearly 40 years of production and, while there were standard configurations, there were also special-order features which led to a wide number of variations available to the collector today. This 1890 vintage Model 1886 was ordered with a half-length magazine, allowing for a little faster handling with its 26" octagonal barrel.
This rifle looks to have seen a useful life, but used responsibly, retaining the majority of its original metal finish. The rifle is in great shape mechanically, showing wear consistent with its age and use in the field. While this would likely still make a good hunting rifle today, it’s also likely to attract Winchester collectors. Either way, this is a nice old Winchester, perfect for any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
