1886 Winchester

[johnl]

Uh, oh, that butt plate doesn’t look right. However if it letters you got a doozy as in big bucks.

 

[gallen270]

Wow! What a rifle!

 

[Mike Webb]

By any chance does the barrel show British proof marks?

 

[tiriaq]

Get the letter.
Pre-99 makes it antique in the US and would ease importation.

 

[ken1989]

Hate to tell you this, the transition from octagon to round on the barrel is not in the correct location. Attached are a couple Win 1886 with half round barrels the letter perfectly.

https://imgur.com/rPi6FjG

https://imgur.com/DfikJ3r

 

[Mike Webb]

It is a special order rifle. Its possible the gun was ordered with a shorter than standard forend.wouldnt hurt to measure it.

 

[Valiant]

Hate to tell you this, the transition from octagon to round on the barrel is not in the correct location. Attached are a couple Win 1886 with half round barrels the letter perfectly.

https://imgur.com/rPi6FjG

https://imgur.com/DfikJ3r

Good eye for noticing that.

 

[gunlaker]

If I were you I'd join the Winchester Arms Collectors forum. There is a fee, but you'll get good information on the gun. There are lots of serious collectors on there, including Bert Hartman who manages databases of serial numbers and factory records. He has access to more information than I'd ever imagined and was able to quickly get me some information on one of my rifles.

 

[gunlaker]

Oh yeah, and if you ever intend on selling it, assuming the rifle is in original or close configuration, a Cody Letter will help a lot in the sale.

 

[BigTom]

Oh yeah, and if you ever intend on selling it, assuming the rifle is in original or close configuration, a Cody Letter will help a lot in the sale.

Thank you for your input. I have reached out for letter.

 

[BigTom]

Good eye for noticing that.

The Winchester factory stampings are on the barrel? I have reached out to the Cody Museum for a letter

 

[Valiant]

The Winchester factory stampings are on the barrel? I have reached out to the Cody Museum for a letter

Your gun could be 100% legit. I hope it is.
I'm not a Winchester 1886 expert.
If worth more I would guess be easy to make it into a half round barrel on a lathe.
But maybe Winchester just did it differently in different years?
It's a beautiful gun regardless.
If it was mine I would be shooting it and enjoying it.
(Smile)

 

[johnl]

Thank you for your input. I have reached out for letter.

Hey BigTom, would you mind keeping us updated on your findings? It’s exciting, well for me anyway in knowing that these gems are out there. I’m hoping it letters to the tee for you Best of luck.

 

[BigTom]

found two boxes of these. A original Winchester hand reloading tool and bullet molds for 300 grain and 350 grain.

 

[BigTom]

 

[BigTom]

 

[BigTom]

Just added these pics as some have asked for more pics

 

[Mr.Rigpig]

View attachment 1090362found two boxes of these. A original Winchester hand reloading tool and bullet molds for 300 grain and 350 grain.

How have I not heard of this place???
Does this place have a storefront? or is it something a fellow does out of his home?