Avatar
Search
Forum Scope




Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon
Opinions on "mid-range" M1886s?
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 8
Member Since:
January 8, 2024
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
January 23, 2024 - 12:25 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Everyone,

Looking for some input on what the experts on the board might consider a “nice” 1886 without getting into the tens of thousands? Or if this is even possible (without being very lucky, which we will assume I am not).

In just browsing around I see they sort of group into sub-$2K half mag examples that have little to no finish and are in 33 wcf. Or something like this in .40-82 (sorry all of my examples are Cabelas, this particular store must have bought a collection). I assume this one is not worth getting into given the corrosion on the barrel and condition of finish, etc:

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/winchester-rifles-model-1886/winchester-1886-40-82-wcf.cfm?gun_id=102385443

This is a different Cabelas, and this looks like a much nicer “mid-range” example. Maybe the wood is refinished? And I guess one would need to check the records to make sure it was ordered with a blued receiver depending on when it was produced in 1901?

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/winchester-rifles-model-1886/winchester-1886-40-82-wcf.cfm?gun_id=102574446

And then keeping with the .40-82 theme, the next step up seems to be something like this listed at $17K, which is out of my price range:

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/winchester-rifles-model-1886/winchester-1886-rifle-in-40-82-caliber.cfm?gun_id=102517086

Anyway, not necessarily looking to purchase any of these unless they are excellent deals, more just curious as to the split between the low and high end and if something like this one in the middle is a good example of what to look for. I did search the forum and this same question was asked a few years ago, and the answer was to buy a 45-70 in good condition. But anything that isn’t beat or “restored” is $10K+. But if that is the new baseline, so be it.

Thanks for your advice as always!

Avatar
The Great State
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 531
Member Since:
April 30, 2023
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
January 23, 2024 - 12:43 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I’m personally a fan of the “extra lightweight” 1886s, they’re later in its lifecycle and only available in 45-70 and .33 WCF. Many were takedowns are in great shape. They do not generate as much collector interest (meaning…$$$) and therefore it’s an easier sandbox to play in….I only have one but I”m thinking of making it an area of interest as I still do not have one…a real narrowed down focus that is… 

You’ll get some great insight here though, beyond my measly opinion!

Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 1784
Member Since:
June 4, 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
January 23, 2024 - 1:24 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

  TG,

 The first gun is antique which is good but it has a round barrel that makes it harder to sell. The second and third are blued 1886’s with small wood and modern which are not as desirable as case frame and large wood. All three are 40-82 which I like but not as desirable as the larger calibers. The first two guns are priced fair if they have no hidden flaws. The third seems high even if it’s all correct.

 If you want one nice 1886 buy case frame, antique, octagon barrel, and in a 45 caliber as nice as you can afford. Do it right the first time, avoid the upgrade later. I think older 1886’s just look better with the standard case colored receiver.

 Everyone has different tastes in guns so buy what you like and can afford.. T/R

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5585
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
January 23, 2024 - 1:29 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

You asked for opinions and mine is worth every cent you’ll pay for it. I think the “Deluxe” 1886 is one of the most beautiful rifles ever made. Quite honestly, tho, I’m not an 1886 collector but someday I hope to have a really special one in my collection. One thing to consider is whether you plan on shooting it, or in the longer term do you plan to sell it? The nicer guns will generally appreciate better and will always have buyers. I appreciate an honest gun and most of my Winchesters are closer to what you describe as mid-range. Unless Cabelas has changed their inventory numbering system they do not appear to have been bought as one lot. If these guns prove to be original they will hold their value better than the lower end guns as the latter generally have issues that will preclude their purchase by the more finicky collectors. If resale is not a factor then by all means, buy what YOU want. If you plan on shooting them give some thought to the chambering if you don’t reload. Some cartridges make shooting an expensive proposition. OTOH if you’re already set up to load for the 40-82 then you are in luck. 

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 734
Member Since:
February 17, 2022
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
January 24, 2024 - 1:28 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

TG, I will never call myself an expert on 86’s,but they are my passion. They can run from the mundane to the most exquisite rifles ever seen. My opinion is to look for condition. Junk will always be junk. Not to say I don’t have a couple that some would consider junk, but as you grow into this realm of collecting you will find yourself looking for better guns. I have at least one of every caliber except 2. my personal preference is 45-90wcf. Like Tr said the big bores are worth more. And like Mike said if you want to shoot it the 45-70 is a good place to start as ammo is available. My reasoning behind collecting 86’s is that it seems to be the epitome of Winchester’s customer service, ie we will build what ever you want. Now I have been known to deviate from condition for a gun that letters with special order stuff. And that you will find this is a real stickler with some people, BUT, in my mind when i get a rifle with lets say, 9 special order things, you probably have a one of a kind rifle. My other tidbit of useless advice is to join the Cody museum and try for guns that letter.    

Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 8
Member Since:
January 8, 2024
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
May 24, 2024 - 2:50 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Since I started this thread, I will follow up with the 1886 I ended up finding at the Greeley show last weekend.

Following advice of antique, case coloring, 45 caliber, and octagon barrel, here is what I ended up with that meets all of those criteria. Hopefully I did better than my first couple posts on this forum. Letter should be here in a few weeks. I absolutely love it!

1886_1.jpgImage Enlarger1886_2.jpgImage Enlarger1886_3.jpgImage Enlarger1886_6.jpgImage Enlarger1886_4.jpgImage Enlarger1886_5.jpgImage Enlarger1886_7.jpgImage Enlarger1886_8.jpgImage Enlarger1886_9.jpgImage Enlarger

sp_PlupAttachments Attachments
Avatar
The Great State
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 531
Member Since:
April 30, 2023
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
May 24, 2024 - 3:13 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Very nice and thanks for closing the loop! I think you may have traded up into a higher tier after all!

Avatar
LI NY
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 182
Member Since:
August 14, 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
May 24, 2024 - 12:03 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

You didn’t tell us what it set you back. That’s part of the story!

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5585
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
May 24, 2024 - 12:17 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Well done, Todd! You found what you were looking for and it appears to be an honest gun with character…and more than a little case color left. I won’t ask the price, in my case I’ll often pay too much for a gun I really like and if I think I stole it that’s my business, too. If you’re happy, I’m happy! 
Good pics!

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 4667
Member Since:
November 19, 2006
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
May 24, 2024 - 3:35 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I was not in on the advice-giving, but it looks like it paid off very well!

Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 1949
Member Since:
September 22, 2011
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
May 24, 2024 - 5:10 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

It looks fairly honest, and so the question is what did it cost—essential to determine if you did well or not.  One area of concern, but it could be an optical illusion—is the upper tang proud to the stock?  If so, possibly sanded and refinished or a replaced buttstock.

Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5004
Member Since:
March 31, 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
May 24, 2024 - 5:14 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Todd, if you are happy with it that is all that matters.  The 45-70 is a desirable cartridge and is easy to reload.

Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 346
Member Since:
November 9, 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
May 24, 2024 - 10:50 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Congrats! That’s a fine looking antique 86

Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 8
Member Since:
January 8, 2024
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
May 24, 2024 - 11:45 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thanks everyone! Not too concerned on price, I am pretty sure the seller is a member here and I think it was fair for both of us. Plus, anymore I’m fine just buying something I like versus trying to get a “good deal.”

Don’t think I can make it to the Cody show, but might try for OGCA later in the year. Seeing rows and rows of nice Winchesters in person can’t be beat!

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5585
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
May 25, 2024 - 2:08 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Todd-

Cool thing about your “new” 1886 is that you can take it to the range and see how she shoots. May even want to take her hunting, won’t hurt a thing! Hope the bore is good, suspect that is the case. 
Hope to see you at Cody some year if not this one. It’s truly a high point in any Winchester collector’s career. If there’s a Winchester you want to see, it will be there. If not there, the CFM is a nice walk or a short drive away.

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Forum Timezone: UTC 0
Most Users Ever Online: 4623
Currently Online: Bert H., twobit, John D., SureShot
Guest(s) 453
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
clarence: 7119
TXGunNut: 5585
Chuck: 5004
steve004: 4667
1873man: 4472
Big Larry: 2447
twobit: 2350
mrcvs: 1949
TR: 1784
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 18
Topics: 13480
Posts: 119028

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1897
Members: 9283
Moderators: 4
Admins: 3
Navigation