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July 19, 2013
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I’m looking at a 1886 Rifle that has been rebarreled from a 40-65 to a 50 EX. To do that change, does the receiver internal parts have to have a change made ?
The rifle is in an upcoming auction.
Bill
December 1, 2012
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That’s a good question, though I don’t know the answer for certain. All the 1886 cartridges are based on the 45-70 and have basically the same head design. The 1886 50 calibers were based on the 45-75 from the Model 1876 and therefore have a larger rim diameter than the other 8 chamberings. The rim diameter difference is only .01″ so I’m guessing that all the internal receiver guide and lifter parts would be the same.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
June 4, 2017
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Bill, To convert a 86 to 50 cal requires 9 different cuts to the receiver and related parts. The easiest way is use a real 50 as a pattern. The magazine tube is thinned on the top, the loading gate hole in the receiver, and various internal parts are machined to handle the larger bullet. Not easy to make it work right. The easiest way to tell if a 50 is original is cycle a round and inspect the machine cuts inside. Remember the serial number on a 86 is on the lower tang and easily changed. T/R
July 19, 2013
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Thanks guys. I remember reading about the changes to get to 50 cal. But not anything about from which 40 or 45 basis.
Without any receiver changes from a 40-65, 45-75 or 45-70, will a 50-95 or 50-110 cartridge even cycle ?
Thanks,
Bill
June 4, 2017
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Bill, No, the 50-110 will not feed but will fire. You would have to load one shell at a time from the top. The 40-65 is the same receiver as a 38 or 45. The 50-95 and 45-75 are to large for a 86 frame, they only fit the 76. T/R
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