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Does anyone have an example of a post WWII factory rebarreled 33 WCF gun? I have a loose, dismounted 86 factory barrel that has a model 70 type slopped front ramp. An old collector friend of mine told me thirty years ago that Winchester would rebarrel 1886 guns into the 50’s. I have posted on this subject before yet no guns turned up then. Does anyone recall ever seeing such a gun?
A few questions for you;
1. What is the 2-digit year number that is stamped on the bottom of the barrel right next to the shank threads?
2. Is the barrel marked “Proof Steel”.
3. Does the barrel have a “P” in an oval stamped top dead center near the threaded shank?
4. Is the barrel marked like the attached pictures below?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
These are pictures of my barrel. This barrel is a circle P barrel, dated 1951 showing the special 86-33 stamp and the model 70 style front ramp grooved for the hood.
34 years ago an old collector friend told me that Winchester was re-barreling any year made model 1886 into the 1950’s with 33 WCF barrels.
Our discussion had started as to the strength of the frames of early black powder era 1886 guns. He brought this consideration up: Winchester was happily rebarreling and proofing guns into the 1950s with smokeless 33 WCF barrels regardless of when they were made, even black powder guns.
Since then I have idly kept an eye out for such a gun. I have never seen such a gun or even a picture of a gun with a post war barrel. The depicted barrel I bought off eBay to study firsthand when I saw it for sale.
My thought is now this: my old friend may have been proven right? The barrel I bought is a circle P yet if Winchester was selling parts barrels dated 1951, they were likely installing them too after that date. What think you all?
Lastly, has anyone seen or heard of a bona fide 1886 factory barrel with a later date stamp, or is this the current record for an 1886 barrel stamp date?
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