I ended up buying the 1886 in 38-56 From the same batch that had the Cosmoline covered 1873 second model. The 1886 looked the same, overall a dark brown. I cleaned it up and found a nice patina and decent barrel blue. Some case color is still on the receiver. This too seems to be an honest gun with no changes or modifications. It dates to 1897. Anyone see anything wrong with it?
THIS ALL STARTED WITH JUST ONE GUN!
Old Guns, aka Oh Gee :): I see two major problems with that Winchester. I don’t own it and… Envy! The upside a very nice looking, original specimen to me. The downside, I have no credentials to make any originality evaluation. I am happy that my more pedestrian several 1886, .33 Winchester chambered models closely approximate it in ‘elder’ finish. So I’ll be watching closely to view the expert opinions.
Re your remark concerning ‘collection origins’. Ah, those first innocent steps down ‘that’ road. Never to have assumed! Such the years! Lessons learned! Certain only whispered ‘rules’. For instance… Any gun safe not yet bulging full… Amazing phenomena! Those buggers in there… They breed!
Next thing you know; ‘time’. As in another safe. Then… Those big safes themselves, multiplying! Good gosh! Nowadays, wife’s scorn simply focused as “Safe collecting.”
🙂 🙂 🙂
Best
John
November 7, 2015

I agree; nice honest gun. Only problem I have is the chambering. I’d have to invest a fair bit in dies, brass and possibly a mould to enjoy it properly.
Mike
Thanks from me too for the happy ‘likely original’ finish conclusions concerning the subject 1886.
I’ll promptly, gratuitously, piggyback concerning my several similar appearing 1886 models finish. All c 1903 and round barrels;b one full mag. Also, with ‘common’ 33 Win chambering, lucky I’m not faced with difficulty securing ammo! Walmart, such! 🙂
But sincere thanks for the ever appreciated expertise… And free!
Best to all!
John

my 86 was made in 1893 in about the same condition in 40-82 and i do reload for it, the dies are redding and cost 93.00 several years ago. I have killed deer with it. one was pretty far back in and I walked the rifle(over 10 lbs) out first and then went back to drag the deer out.
November 7, 2015

Chuck said
To me chambering problems are fun to overcome. Lot of satisfaction when you are done.
I agree, been down that road several times. I just can’t help it sometimes even though I know it’s going to be an expensive adventure.
Mike
Nice looking 86. I have one I am considering listing for sale soon. It’s a bit unusual. It is a .33 and in decent shape. The bore looked dark but I worked it over some and it cleaned up. Rifling looks good and I’m thinking it will shoot just fine. The unusual thing about this 86 built in 03 is that although it is a rifle and not a carbine, it has a 20″ barrel. It hasn’t been shortened as the front sight is part of the barrel. I’m a little intrigued about this one. Probably a custom order gun.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
Old Logger said
Nice looking 86. I have one I am considering listing for sale soon. It’s a bit unusual. It is a .33 and in decent shape. The bore looked dark but I worked it over some and it cleaned up. Rifling looks good and I’m thinking it will shoot just fine. The unusual thing about this 86 built in 03 is that although it is a rifle and not a carbine, it has a 20″ barrel. It hasn’t been shortened as the front sight is part of the barrel. I’m a little intrigued about this one. Probably a custom order gun.
It would be a good idea to get a factory letter for it (to confirm the 20-inch barrel length). Factory “Short” Rifles in 33 WCF are known, but they are relatively rare. If the CFM letter authenticates the shorter than standard barrel, that will increase the value/sale price.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Hi, I’m a 38/56 38/70 1886 collector and I am interested in finding a nice 38/56 cabine.
If you all know of one, let me know
Bill Gray
Phone 541-671-2258
Thanks
1 Guest(s)
