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Hello Everyone,
Thanks for letting me enjoy the forum. I was just wondering if someone could help me figure how rare the half-octagon/half round barrel barrel is on this rifle? I have been searching for info and if I am right, the rifle is an 1886 standard Sporting Rifle. It has a 119xxx SN, made in Aug 1899 (confirmed with a Winchester index card from 1973). Straight grip, no checkering, crescent steel butt plate, and it’s chambered in 45-70 govt caliber. It has the 26″ half-octagon/half round barrel. I found a site stating that the Octagon barrels were 65.3%, Round were 32.5% and Half-octagon/Half round were just 2.2% of total production. Are those numbers accurate? It’s not a take down model. The receiver and lever have a nice grey patina and some mild pitting (not much). The barrel still has most of the blueing on it, but faded. The blueing is wore off on the front of the magazine, barrel, front site, and the edges of the octagon barrel. The butt stock is great shape and the front stock has scratches and dents, no chips or cracks. Sorry, I cannot get the photo link to work and I’m only a guest right now. Any help and info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again everyone.
Online
I do not believe that the numbers you found are accurate. I based my statement on the results of the survey that I and a fellow WACA member are conducting for the Model 1886. Based on that survey, Round barrels make up a much higher production percentage than what you found. If you consider the fact that 100% of the Model 1886 rifles manufactured in the 33 WCF caliber have Round barrels, and that all of the Model 1886 Extra Lightweight (ELW) rifles and Line Guns (primarily 45-70 caliber) were Round barrels, and that all of the Musket variation were Round barrels, the actual overall production of the Model 1886 with a Round barrel was much closer to 50%, and might actually exceed 50% of the production.
In regards to the number that were manufactured with a half-octagon barrel, my research indicates that it was 4.2%… not what I would consider “rare”. Instead, I would classify it as “uncommon”, or “less common”.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Brooksy said
I believe the OP states his rifle has a qct/rnd barrel, not round.
Did you take the time to read the second paragraph in my previous post ?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Did you take the time to read the second paragraph in my previous post ?
Well, that’s embarrassing…..Obviously not.
I’ll blame it on not enough coffee.
Bert H. and Brooksy, thank you for replies and production numbers. Care to give a ballpark guess on the value ( I know, pics)? Something vague like, between $1500 and $3000? I can’t find any good comparable guns auctioned online. Thanks again.
Josh,
Based on your description of the rifle, the $1500 – $3000 value number you mentioned is the same number I would put on it.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Josh Close said
Bert H. and Brooksy, thank you for replies and production numbers. Care to give a ballpark guess on the value ( I know, pics)? Something vague like, between $1500 and $3000? I can’t find any good comparable guns auctioned online. Thanks again.
No way of knowing for sure until we see pics but I’m pretty sure the price range you mention is quite low if the gun is in original configuration and above average condition. I could be fibbing to convince you to join the forum and post some pics but maybe not. I like pics.
Mike
Josh Close said
Thanks again. I will try to figure pics this weekend.
Send them to me and I can post them for you.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
TXGunNut said
No way of knowing for sure until we see pics but I’m pretty sure the price range you mention is quite low if the gun is in original configuration and above average condition. I could be fibbing to convince you to join the forum and post some pics but maybe not. I like pics.
Mike
Certainly the .45-70 chambering factor helps this.
At the last RIACO auction I couldn’t buy a ’86 with a good bore for $3K. Except for a 33 and I wasn’t in the mood for a .33. Prices were very high. Very disappointed. I’ll keep adding to my stash untill I can snag something.
Josh Close said
Thanks everyone, you guys rock. Bert H., I emailed a few pics.
And here they are…
Based on what I am seeing, it is a $2,400 rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
The lands and grooves are well defined. There isn’t any damage or pitting in the bore.
November 7, 2015
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It appears to be a good, honest gun in very shootable but otherwise poor condition with very little original finish remaining, Josh. I like the gun but quite honestly the higher condition guns are grabbing all the attention these days. I love this gun and others like it because they have certainly been there, done that. I love wall hangers and shooters, just don’t have room for any more. This would be a great one!
Mike
I found the barrel and magazine blue fairly pleasing. As far as condition, the front half of the rifle is quite a different conditioned rifle vs. the back half. This of course has to do with how the receiver typically loses more finish than the barrel/magazine tube. It all depends what you are looking for. I have rifles in condition like this and I like them. BUT, I don’t need any more of them.
Looks like the wood has seen some sanding. Otherwise a neat rifle. I’m a fan of 1/2 round barreled guns.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
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