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My understanding is that the 1886 did not get nickel steel barrels until 1895?
This rifle per the serial number dates to 1894, yet the barrel is stamped nickel steel.
Either my info is wrong, or this rifle got a new barrel at some point? Come to think of it, the 33 WCF didn’t come out until 1902?
Just curious if my info is out in left field?
April 15, 2005
Online
Nickel Steel barrels made their first appearance in late 1894 on the Single Shot rifles factory chambered for the 30 U.S. cartridge. Barrels marked “MADE ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” made their appearance in May 1895 on the Model 1894 rifles made for the 30 WCF cartridge. All of the early 1886 rifles manufactured prior to the introduction on the 33 WCF in 1902 were simply marked “NICKEL STEEL”.
The barrel on the rifle in question is a post-1902 production piece. It is possible that the rifle in question was sent back to Winchester years after it was manufactured (in August 1894) and rebarreled. However, the only way to confirm the status of that rifle is to contact the CFM records office.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert!
So it sounds like this rifle made in 1894 started life as some other chambering, then post 1902 or 1903 it was re-barreled and changed to 33 WCF?
Tim
April 15, 2005
Online
[email protected] said
Thanks Bert!
So it sounds like this rifle made in 1894 started life as some other chambering, then post 1902 or 1903 it was re-barreled and changed to 33 WCF?
Tim
Yes, that is most likely the case. If it was sent back to Winchester for the 33 WCF, it should have the R&R work order number stamped on the bottom of the barrel (hidden from view by the forend stock & magazine tube). A CFM factory letter or research sheet will provide the corroborating evidence.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Ok, cool. That, and the checkering on the wrist and forearm help explain the price. The rifle is not interesting to a collector (purist) but might be to a bloke like me who just appreciates old Winchesters and does not currently own a 33 WCF.
Not sure I have seen a better 1886 from that era for less $$.
November 9, 2008
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If the 86 was made in 1894 it would be CCH frame, this gun is blue with a smokeless frame that didn’t come about until a couple years later with the extra lightweight. This gun may have had the lower tang swapped out.
Another note: an early 86 would most likely be a metal SGB
Ok, mystery solved.
I called back to Bass Pro and got a serial number of 151824, dating this rifle to 1912.
So the barrel may well be original.
November 9, 2008
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The gun you have a link to is wrong the ser #91158
cj57 said
The gun you have a link to is wrong the ser #91158
Exactly…that is why I was confused. I called the Gun Library and had the guy check the number based on their SKU and he said 151824.
Someone at Bass Pro put the wrong number in the ad.
November 9, 2008
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That ad is not Bass Pro
cj57 said
That ad is not Bass Pro
You’re right, I copied the right link, but named the wrong seller!
Bass Pro is selling 151824, but not the rifle in the link that has a Nickel Steel barrel, but supposedly was built before Nickel Steel was available on an 1886.
September 22, 2011
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[email protected] said
cj57 said
That ad is not Bass Pro
You’re right, I copied the right link, but named the wrong seller!
Bass Pro is selling 151824, but not the rifle in the link that has a Nickel Steel barrel, but supposedly was built before Nickel Steel was available on an 1886.
How much? Can you post a correct link?
mrcvs said
[email protected] said
cj57 said
That ad is not Bass Pro
You’re right, I copied the right link, but named the wrong seller!
Bass Pro is selling 151824, but not the rifle in the link that has a Nickel Steel barrel, but supposedly was built before Nickel Steel was available on an 1886.
How much? Can you post a correct link?
The link was correct for the “mystery rifle” with a nickel steel barrel, which was made prior to the availability of nickel steel barrels.
The Bass Pro rifle that had Cabela’s/Bass Pro in my head was this rifle: Winchester~86~.33 WCF | Cabela’s
November 9, 2008
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That bass pro rifle is something I would pass on, it has non-factory checking, that kills it for me. I believe you could find a better condition standard 33 rifle for that money
December 9, 2002
Online
cj57 said
That bass pro rifle is something I would pass on, it has non-factory checking, that kills it for me. I believe you could find a better condition standard 33 rifle for that money
I agree, but we’re more so collectors, but if the OP, want it for a shooter, more power to them! 
Anthony
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