Opinion: Value of Winchester Model 1886 38/70 Antique Rifle

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PorkyPig

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Hi there,

Wasn't sure if this was the right place to post this question or not, but I was wondering if anyone can help me determine the possible value of the rifle I've listed below. I inherited this rifle, and I was trying to decide whether to sell it or keep it. Of course, it definitely is a cool piece of history; but, I just don't think I see the same value in holding on to it as someone else would, say a collector for instance. I mostly have more modern firearms. In any event, as follows:

Winchester Model 1886 rifle
-Production = 1895
-Calibre: 38/70
-Lever action
-Barrel Type: Octagon
-Trigger: Plain
-Takedown

Rifle has been inspected by the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and I have authenticity through document provided by them. Rifle appears to be in good conditions, just had a friend look at it, and he is a lot more familiar with antiques than I am. Also, I previously took it into one of my local gun stores and had one of their guys look at it too. Rifle appears to be function and capable of firing.

Here is a few pictures of it, as follows:
https://ibb.co/v4hsbfw
https://ibb.co/VwTPsmf
https://ibb.co/vht54JK
https://ibb.co/4pX3t6w
https://ibb.co/LhmhzJG
https://ibb.co/6wWRtBw
https://ibb.co/grrWCKB

Thanks for your help.
 
To be honest you will have a hard time getting a good valuation from a web forum. The Winchester 1886 rifles are typically pretty expensive, but condition matters a lot. The .38-70 chambering is not very common and although it won't appeal to everyone, it certainly is more rare than a .45-70 or .33 WCF.

I know it's not much help, but I'd check out various action houses to see what others might have fetched. If I had to made a wild guess, assuming the bore is in comparable condition to the rest of the rifle, probably $4000 or more. I'm no 1886 expert but have owned a few, none as nice as this one appears to be.

Chris.
 
Just purchased one in 45-70
Takedown shotgun butt checkered button mag rapid taper barrel for 2500. If youre looking to sell it fast start there.

Not sure about 38-70 but 33wcf's are a hard sell even at 2500. Ammo availablity plays abit of a factor
 
My suggestion would be to hang onto it for some time. Your tastes may change and you might end up kicking yourself because of lack of availability and or cost at some point in the future. It cost nothing to keep it and if you sold it you would probably spend the money on something easily replaceable

cheers mooncoon
 
mooncoon said:
My suggestion would be to hang onto it for some time. Your tastes may change and you might end up kicking yourself because of lack of availability and or cost at some point in the future. It cost nothing to keep it and if you sold it you would probably spend the money on something easily replaceable

cheers mooncoon
Click to expand...

This is a good suggestion as long as you don't need the money. All of the Winchester 1885's I've owned are worth a fair bit more now than I sold them for in the past.

Chris.
 
This is very far outside my area of knowledge, but I have rarely seen an example in such good condition, with clear, unworn markings and intact screws. Collector-quality guns are rare, and getting rarer. I think you would regret selling it just-because, and a proper assessment by someone knowledgeable about this model and its value would be advisable.
 
Its a scarce caliber and to a serious collector who is trying to collect one 1886 in every caliber made....????? could bring some serious money at an auction. .........a very nice rifle.
 
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