Winchester Model 1886 Lever-Action Rifle in .45-90 SOLD

A Classic Winchester Model 1886 Lever-Action Rifle

Superbly original antique Winchester lever gun in a Section 58(ii) UK calibre.  Can be held as an Antique or curio or if required for shooting, to be put on a section one FAC.  This fine Winchester has remained unmolested since the day it left the Winchester factory.  It shows absolutely NO signs of any refinishing and it is even possible that it has not been disturbed internally, as NONE of the screw heads bear witness to molestation by professional or indeed others.  Colours and finish on the steel are fading evenly all over and the stock is doing what timber does over time – improving with age.   The surface patina all over is even and the wood to metal fit is perfect.  There are minimal dings or dents with minor surface scratches expected in minimal form for a rifle that has been lovingly and carefully stored and preserved by successive owners.  Only one tiny loss is showing at the join between fore end cap and fore end, where a tiny chip has broken away from the top RHS (see picture below.)

The  Model 1886 was designed largely for big game and this one is chambered in .45-90 WCF.  Lever action with a full length tube magazine under which should hold 8 rounds.  The rifle carries the serial number “81509” for 1893.  Hard to believe this fully functioning rifle is 128 years old !  Other markings include: “- MODEL 1886 -” on the upper tang. “.45 – 90″ on the top flat of the octagonal barrel just in front of the receiver.  Midway along the top flat of the barrel; ” -MANUFACTURED BY – /  – WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. -”  Concealed beneath the underlever, when closed are the patent details; “PAT OCT. 14 1884 /JAN.20. 1885”   On the lower tang, case colour hardening colours are still visible.  As with a larger proportion of the LHS of the receiver.  The bore shows no more than light degradation from the use of black powder cartridges but is certainly not unduly damaged.  The rifling is complete and the bore clean. The magazine tube and bolt are blued, as is the special order standard length octagonal barrel.  The weight of the rifle provides a very steady shooting base but this can be most felt in the barrel. – Not that the rifle is barrel heavy!  as, using the steel crescent moon butt plate correctly compensates for that feeling.  Also the advantages of using a heavy rifle are most keenly felt when on horse back, as it compensates for the motion of your steed.  (well that’s the theory !  I don’t have a horse !)

The sprung loading gate still retains its blue on the RHS side of the action.  Thumb checked hammer with case colour colours internally.  Sporting style “Buckhorn” profile rear sights with standard profile brass tipped fore-sight.  The action on this rifle seems to have improved with age, though it does seem a little noisy if one were trying to creep up on a heard of grazing Buffalo, but it is no more than the standard Winchester clatter,; which may well be lessened by the presence of a full magazine and weighty rounds resting against the lifter and other components.  As you have probably guessed by now, this is one of my favourite rifles and I can not speak highly enough of this solidly engineered western wonder.  To say one might feel confident disappearing into the unknown Badlands with this rifle in your saddle, I think, would be an understatement.  Yet, it can be yours to own and add to your collection so you can watch it appreciate in value and enjoy the fact that you own a piece of history from a very different time………….

No Licence Required to purchase.

(Not Currently UK proofed)

£ 5995.  SOLD

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