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I have 1886 Winchester rifle, with a 24 inch factory barrel, marked Model 1886-33 W.C.F- I think the barrel is a called a “pencil” round barrel. It has a 119,500 Serial Number, 1899 manufacturing date. From the appearance of this 1886, it appears all factory original, and is in excellent antique condition. According to the discussions, the 33 caliber did not appear until 1902. It makes sense that the receiver is 1899 and the rest of the firearm was assembled later. What this standard practice of Winchester to do this? I have three other 86’s. a 40-82 Standard octogen barrel rifle, and a short barrel 20″ Deluxe 86, same caliber, and a 45-70 Standard Rifle.
Thanks. Bennett Young
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Hello Bennett,
The barrel on your Model 1886 .33 caliber rifle is most likely the standard tapered contour used by Winchester for all of the rifles manufactured in that caliber. Winchester did introduce the 33 W.C.F. in the year 1902 (beginning in the 125400 S/N range). That stated, I have encountered at least a half-dozen rifles with earlier serial numbers. While it was not “standard” practice for Winchester to keep serialized receiver frames on hand for several years before using them to assemble a rifle, it did happen occasionally. The way to prove it happened for your rifle, is to contact the CFM records office and obtain a Factory letter for it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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