Hello Wesley,

The Model 1886 rifles made in 33 WCF were not ever officially referred to as a “lightweight”. Shortly after Winchester introduced the 33 WCF caliber for the Model 1886 (in 1902), a mechanical change was made to the magazine tubes and receiver frames. Specifically, the magazine tubes and receivers on the Solid frame rifles were threaded together versus the older “slip fitted tubes”. To denote the change, Winchester added a stamped “A” on the lower tang after the serial number (see the attached picture).

What is the serial number on the subject rifle?

Bert

S/N 128353 was manufactured in the latter half of the year 1903, and just before Winchester made the change to the threaded magazine tubes, Thus far, the earliest serial number I have verified on a solid frame rifle with the “A” marking is 128723. That stated, I have found several solid frame rifles up into the 129800 range that have the old style slip fit magazine tubes. Somewhere very near serial number 130000 all solid frame Model 1886s have the “A” stamped after the serial number (February 1904).

Bert

86can said
first of all let me say i love you guys. very informative. on the subject of threaded mag tubes, things must be differant in Canada. i own a 86 in33WCF. 1907 vintage. not only is it not threaded , it actually came apart ounce. i had a longer retaining screw made. it has a “A” in the serial number. food for thought. it looks new and only had at half box of Remington clean bore through it.. i have the half box , faded as it is.lol

  

What is the serial number on your Model 1886?  Does it have a full length, or a 1/2 mag ?

86can said
hi Bert. serial number 143xxx etc. It has a full length mag tube. when i get time ill put some pics up for you. Its 1906 i guess. i had to check the date.

  

I suspect that it is a 1908 production rifle based on the partial serial number you mention.