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LOT 40
Stunning Benchmark Example of the Iconic Winchester Model
1886 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 87193,
40-82 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured in 1894, this is a stunning and FRESH example
of Winchester’s omnipotent Model 1886. Designed by the legendary
John Moses Browning, the Model 1886 was not Winchester’s first entry
into the “express” rifle market, that is a claim held by their earlier Model
1876. The ‘86 was however, a departure from their earlier and weaker
toggle-link type actions, which significantly limited the power of the
chamberings they could handle. The Model 1886 was the second firearm
design that Winchester purchased from Browning, and it introduced
the incredibly robust locking-block action, which was strong enough
to handle even the most powerful cartridges of the time, making it a
true American “express” rifle. Not only was it capable of handling such
powerful cartridges, which many single shot rifles of the period were
also capable of, but it could also follow up its first shot with multiple
more, making it a true powerhouse of the time. The 1886, because of
the strength of its action, also easily made the jump into the era of
smokeless powder, only really needing to be fitted with a nickel steel
barrel to handle the higher pressures of smokeless cartridges, which
allowed production to continue until 1935. Due to its strength, rugged
dependability, and power, the 1886 was highly valued among many in
the American West.
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