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Hello,
I have an 1886 45-70 round barrel 26 inch manufactured in 1905. SN is 135605. Wondering about the type of steel of barrel. Should be nickel steel; however there is no marking on left of barrel to suggest this. I took forend stock off and there is no CNS, BNS either. The VP oval, triangle with I, and letters D and S are present. According to my research the D and S are proofs for pre-fired and post fired inspections. I’m wondering if this is an older non-nickel steel barrel taken from the bin of parts to construct the rifle of this serial number and circa date, or is it an unmarked nickel steel barrel? The former seems more likely. I’m waiting for my letter from the Cody Museum. The standard Winchester proof marks are on both receiver and barrel. Either way, I’m hoping to be able to shoot commercial 45-70 ammo regardless of the steel make. Hornady 325 grain. Any help and advice is much appreciated.
At the time your Model 1886 was manufactured, Winchester was still using what they called “high strength” steel for the black powder cartridges. In 1905, only the 33 WCF rifles were standard with nickel steel barrels (usually marked “M.N.S.” on the bottom). If the somebody ordered a 45-70 for the Winchester High Velocity (W.H.V.) cartridge, a nickel steel barrel was used. There was a point where Winchester began using nickel steel barrels as standard, but it was several years after your rifle was manufactured.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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