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February 17, 2022
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Anyone that has surveys going have any numbers on half round barreled 1886 ELW’s were made?
April 15, 2005
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I do not believe that I have seen a Model 1886 ELW with anything except a full round barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 17, 2022
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Bert H. said
I do not believe that I have seen a Model 1886 ELW with anything except a full round barrel.Bert
Just got this one. I asked because only one I have seen, not that that means much. Seems that Pirckel and Madl lumped all half rounds together with out differentiating barrel lengths. Sorry for the crappy pics.
April 15, 2005
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oldcrankyyankee said
Bert H. said
I do not believe that I have seen a Model 1886 ELW with anything except a full round barrel.
Bert
Just got this one. I asked because only one I have seen, not that that means much. Seems that Pirckel and Madl lumped all half rounds together with out differentiating barrel lengths. Sorry for the crappy pics.
What is the serial number on that rifle? Can you post a picture(s) of the front sight?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
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Tom –
Very nice. And it letters 
February 17, 2022
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Bert H. said
oldcrankyyankee said
Bert H. said
I do not believe that I have seen a Model 1886 ELW with anything except a full round barrel.
Bert
Just got this one. I asked because only one I have seen, not that that means much. Seems that Pirckel and Madl lumped all half rounds together with out differentiating barrel lengths. Sorry for the crappy pics.
What is the serial number on that rifle? Can you post a picture(s) of the front sight?
Bert
yes, but it will be a couple days.
February 17, 2022
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steve004 said
Tom –Very nice. And it letters
Thanks Steve. You know how I like letters!
January 24, 2025
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ser# 125393 The folder with the letters is floating around the gunroom and can’t be found. 22 inch elw steel shotgun butt 45-70. I saw one that lettered with a 20 inch a few years ago
April 15, 2005
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koathmann said
I would very much like to see the letter for it. Also, a better view of the front sight.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 17, 2022
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Bert H. said
oldcrankyyankee said
Bert H. said
I do not believe that I have seen a Model 1886 ELW with anything except a full round barrel.
Bert
Just got this one. I asked because only one I have seen, not that that means much. Seems that Pirckel and Madl lumped all half rounds together with out differentiating barrel lengths. Sorry for the crappy pics.
What is the serial number on that rifle? Can you post a picture(s) of the front sight?
Bert
Bert, here is the ser# of the rifle in question, 143657. I am going to attempt pictures, knowing full well they will be turned all around. I knom I know, you told me how to re orientate them, BUT I forgot to write down the instructions, and I can’t find the post, or maybe I just can’t remember which one it was. I don’t remember. So feel free if you have time to re-explain it again, LOL.
April 15, 2005
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Tom,
Thanks, and the pictures were great. It appears that there are a small number of 1/2 octagon ELWs out there.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 17, 2022
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Bert H. said
Tom,Thanks, and the pictures were great. It appears that there are a small number of 1/2 octagon ELWs out there.
Bert
Yes it would appear so. I find them quite neat as I have always been a fan of the half rounds. Has something to do with my grandfather, long story for another time. Would love to find one in a one off caliber like 45-90 or 33! Looks like there is potential for a new survey. Just kidding!
January 24, 2025
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Bert H. said
koathmann said
I would very much like to see the letter for it. Also, a better view of the front sight.
Bert
February 6, 2025
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Is there a known reason they produce the Half Round aka Half Octagon Barrel?
Balance? Weight?
June 1, 2023
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I can’t speak to why Winchester produced the 1/2 octagon barrel, but as someone who ones several rifles so equipped, I can say that the reduced weight (especially when paired with a button magazine) creates a rifle that balances nearly perfectly in my hands. Because of the excellent handling characteristics it is my favorite barrel contour on Winchester lever action rifles.
BRP
February 17, 2022
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348win said
Is there a known reason they produce the Half Round aka Half Octagon Barrel?Balance? Weight?
I can’t speak as to why Winchester produced them. I can speak only for myself, and that is as BRP stated, the weight balance is very nice. It sits right between your hands. Plus I think they’re just down right, well, sexy!
May 23, 2009
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In my opinion its also an aesthetic or the look of it that is more appealing. Same goes for Color Case Hardening VS Bluing.
As to why Winchester offered such options as barrel type, caliber, etc. I’d view it no different than buying a car today. Why do cars come in every available color and in different sizes of motor and different trim packages? Same mindset.
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
September 19, 2014
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I have a rather old but close friend who asked me why a part octagon barrel was offered and why I prefer them myself. He asked me years ago. Now, I was brought up as a shotgun hunter and there was never a doubt in my mind why a part octagon barrel is preferred by many–balance and handling! If you are trying to get the rifle into action quickly, say for a running shot at something, it just seems to spring to hand. Tim
February 17, 2022
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tim tomlinson said
I have a rather old but close friend who asked me why a part octagon barrel was offered and why I prefer them myself. He asked me years ago. Now, I was brought up as a shotgun hunter and there was never a doubt in my mind why a part octagon barrel is preferred by many–balance and handling! If you are trying to get the rifle into action quickly, say for a running shot at something, it just seems to spring to hand. Tim
Especially with a 22″ barrel. Which makes me think I might have to do some deer hunting with it this year. 
November 7, 2015
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348win said
Is there a known reason they produce the Half Round aka Half Octagon Barrel?Balance? Weight?
For me the balance of the half round rifle is near perfect. I like the looks of a full octagon barrel but for a field gun they almost always feel muzzle-heavy to me. I like the quick handling characteristics of a full round rifle. I haven’t noticed any performance difference among the three barrel types but these days character trumps fine accuracy, at least for my leverguns.
Mike
