Found a nice old 1886 in 40-65. #20212. I’m guessing 1888. Standard octagon barreled rifle. Buckhorn rear sight with serrations and a rocky mtn. Front. I scrubbed out the bore for awhile and was pleased to find nice rifling and a fairly bright bore. I also found a box of shells, so will be shooting it soon.
I recently bought the same rifle. # 43324, in 40-65, was shipped in 1890 making it the oldest rifle in my collection. It still has a lot of case color and one bad spot in the bore. I got a letter on it and it is just a plain Jane M1886. As a reminder, those early rifles were made for black powder and no matter how big that receiver is, be careful with smokeless powder. The rifles are not proof steel. If your shells are from an early date, they are fairly valuable. I have been looking for a period box of ammo for my rifle, as a collectable, not to shoot. Prices said to be close to $500 for a sealed box of 1890 ammo. Big Larry
jschaal said
Found a nice old 1886 in 40-65. #20212. I’m guessing 1888. Standard octagon barreled rifle. Buckhorn rear sight with serrations and a rocky mtn. Front. I scrubbed out the bore for awhile and was pleased to find nice rifling and a fairly bright bore. I also found a box of shells, so will be shooting it soon.
You’ll have to take a break from shoveling snow and shoot a few water jugs with it. Too cold tomorrow…
November 7, 2015

Hope it was a clean miss on the survivor, sometimes they charge when they’re wounded.
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