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This isn’t exactly new but is one of my more recent additions…when I first saw this Model 86, thanks to John Madl’s published stats, I was fortunate enough to understand it was probably a rare bird. What caught my eye was the special order short, 1/2 octagon barrel on this deluxe rifle with a big bore .45-90. Per the Cody letter, it was shipped in May 1906 with the following specs:
Rifle, .45-90, 1/2 Octagon, 22 inches, Extra Light, Plain trigger, Checkered stock, Pistol grip, Smokeless, 1/2 Magazine, Shotgun butt rubber, Takedown, Oil finish, Nickel steel
So I asked Jesi and her team at Cody to perform a bit of research. It turns out this is THE only documented Model 1886 in a .45-90 with just the following 5 features: (1) takedown (2) 22″ bbl, (3) 1/2 octagon bbl, (4) checkered stock & (5) pistol grip.
There are 18 other rifle calibers with those 5 specs; 17 in a .45-70 and one in a .40-82. It seems that 22″ 1/2 octagon bbl is what really makes it rare for a Model 86.
Trish Smith and her team allowed me the privilege of submitting this for the 2016 calendar, which is shown for September. Attached to this post are more pics of the rifle for anyone interested in viewing. I call attention to the shot of the muzzle – that sure seems thin given the caliber. Bert looked over some of these pics at the Reno show and pointed out the Nickel Steel marking, advising that if I took off the forearm, I’d likely fins “WHV” (Winchester High Velocity) marked on the underside of the barrel. All in all, a very unusually configured rifle.
Best wishes and a Happy Thanksgiving to all,
Greg
Super nice looking and interesting special order rifle. Thanks for sharing.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
spursfan said
So I asked Jesi and her team at Cody to perform a bit of research. It turns out this is THE only documented Model 1886 in a .45-90 with just the following 5 features: (1) takedown (2) 22″ bbl, (3) 1/2 octagon bbl, (4) checkered stock & (5) pistol grip.
There are 18 other rifle calibers with those 5 specs; 17 in a .45-70 and one in a .40-82. It seems that 22″ 1/2 octagon bbl is what really makes it rare for a Model 86.
AND, of course, the fancy (2X or 3X) walnut stock.
It isn’t a given that those 18 other rifles have those SIX specs, as a checkered stock and a pistol grip do not ALWAYS mean the stock is of fancy walnut. This is often the case, but not always!
Greg,
It really nice meeting you in person and putting a face to the name, and chatting about your one-of-a-kind Model 1886.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
That’s a super, rare bird 1886 Greg. Awesome rifle. You’re right about the muzzle end…that looks like a straw!
Brad
A pleasure to see those photos. Thank you for sharing them. I have not heard of a High Velocity version of the 45-90 cartridge. Can anyone enlighten me? My few tables only show a 300 grain bullet leaving the barrel at around 1,500 fps.
45-90 WHV load: 300gr. bullet, 1925fps (at 50ft), 2466 ft.lbs. (at 50ft)1903 and 1905 catalog. 300gr. bullet, 1992.2 fps, 2644 ft.lbs., 1916 catalog, 300gr. bullet, 1985.7 fps, 2627.2 ft.lbs., 1920 catalog.
33grs. Laflin & Rand Sharpshooter courtesy of Winchester 1902-3(?) smokeless powder pamphlet, courtesy of w30wcf. I’m not sure that was the factory load, but it was the suggested handload in the pamphlet.
Hope that helps,
Brad
Those are moderately stout loads, and are nearly identical to the current 300-grain 45-70 loads of today.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
For those interested, attached is a summary page of research stats from Jesi’s team regarding how many rifles were configured with the 5 options (CS, PG, 22″ bbl, 1/2 oct bbl, TD). Greg
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