Winchester 45-70 Model 1886?

**PSUWaz00** · September 23rd, 2013, 09:16 PM

So I have inherited an old 45-70 rifle that shall be kept in my family, since I'll be the 4th known owner (3rd continuous in my family), as it was given to my great grandfather by a friend way back when. I think it is a Winchester 1886, but it seems to have more of a Model 71 stock. Serial number marks it as an 1886, if my research is correct, because there were only 1-47XXX for the 71. If correct that would place that serial number in the 1902 range. Hopefully my pic's uploaded correctly, because I'm looking to confirm this or figure out what it is. What is not pictured are the words "Nickel Steel" on the left side of the barrel below the blade sight.

I'd like to shoot this from time to time and want to see what is what with my. My grandfather kept it decently oiled, altho much of that oil has caked and dirtied over the years. He last fired it about 20 years ago, something that I'd like to change as soon as I do some research and clean her up really well. Thanks in advance.

**PSUWaz00** · September 23rd, 2013, 09:31 PM

Apparently the Flickr thing didn't work, hopefully this does. Thanks again guys and gals.

**bamboomaster** · September 23rd, 2013, 10:00 PM

I looked at their SN records and your research appears to have arrived at the same conclusion: the SN indicates it's a Model 1886 that was produced in 1902.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/suppor...-Documents.pdf

Umm, totally your call about shooting it, but if it was mine, I'd just carefully clean it and then apply Corrosion-X on all metal parts. Way too nice to use as a blaster because depending on the condition of everything, it is likely worth more as a collectible - and you want to be able to pass this down (still in one piece) to your kids when it's your time to part with it.

Since it was made in 1902, the .45-70 rounds at the time were at lower pressures than most of the hunting rounds today. I wouldn't even consider shooting modern rounds designated as suitable for Trapdoor Springfields in proper condition in this sentimental piece.

Just my 2 cents...

**PSUWaz00** · September 24th, 2013, 10:06 AM

I don't want to create an everyday shooter, but I would like to fire it every now and then. My big thing is just making sure I find the correct pressure round to fire off once in a blue moon. Would there be an issue using black powder loads to be safe? I will be the first to admit I do not know squat about black powder. Thanks.

**Capt Quahog** · September 24th, 2013, 04:14 PM

Has yours got the octagon barrel?

Had one of those M1886 Winchesters in 45-70 way back in the early 1970s. Mine was a real bone with surface pitting and very little if any original finish. Even back then, those were valuable and highly desirable collector arms. The term "Nickel Steel" appears on those earlier vintage Winchesters.
Was finally able to replace that Winchester M1886 a few years ago with a Marlin lever gun in 45-70.

Enjoy your hand-me-down. Among family heirlooms a person no doubt could do much worse. That's a great item!

**deafsmithco** · September 24th, 2013, 11:32 PM

You have a Winchester extra light weight model 1886. You have a gold mine actually! Most of the ones you find are beat up .33 WCF with no special orders.

Special order features include take down, checkering, pistol grip, 2x or 3x walnut and I bet the tang sight was special ordered with the rifle.

People call these rare master pieces deluxe grade, but Winchester called the options extra finish.

Get it lettered from the Cody Museum http://www.bbhc.org/explore/firearms/firearms-records/

Get a copy of the Winchester Book by George Madis and a copy of Arthur Pirkles book on the 1892 and 1886.

The nickle steel will handle smokeless with no problem. At the time that was what Winchester used http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazin...d=30&tocid=416.

If it were mine I would hunt with it on nice sunny days and stay out of trees. I would load it with a nice shooting cast bullet load and stay away from Marlin 1895 and Ruger #1 and #3 loads.

Find a nice spot to sit and study on it scars, scratches and finish wear and think about the 86's early years and the people who carried it.

You may even get to add to it's resume.

Take down vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENKfZGPhk9c

Imo the 1886/ 71 are the finest lever guns ever made. I have owned several 1886's and my 71 is going with me. My Marlin 1895 feels like a crude pos in comparison.

Patrick

**PSUWaz00** · September 25th, 2013, 02:23 PM

No, it does not have an oct. barrel. Just rounded. I did find it a bit odd that the bottom of the pistol grip and the buttplate were plastic, but it's a beauty. Just needs some TLC. Thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated!