Winchester Model 1886 Saddle Ring Carbine .45-70 22 Inch Lever Action Rifle 1899
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $3,001.65
The Winchester Model 1886 is one of John Browning’s most important lever action designs, built to handle heavier cartridges than earlier Winchester rifles and admired for both its strength and elegance. This 1899 Saddle Ring Carbine in .45-70 shows clear signs of long use and later refurbishment, but it remains a representative example of a classic late 19th century Winchester carbine.
Identification
MMA#: 260116JP004
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 120056
Year of Manufacture: 1899
Caliber: .45-70
Action Type: Lever action rifle with full length tubular magazine
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Note: The saddle ring is missing.
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a barrel mounted V notch that flips up into a ladder sight with a sliding V notched blade. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled with a screw.
Stock / Grip Configuration & Condition
The hardwood stock has a straight grip, barrel band, straight comb, and curved metal buttplate. A small nonfunctioning compass has been set into the right side of the butt. The nosecap shows surface erosion and a brown patina. There is a repaired crack at the bottom front of the forearm and a filled crack at the top tang area. These cracks do not flex. The wood shows scrapes, scratches, compression marks, and visible sanding marks. Length of pull measures approximately 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows surface erosion, oxidation, and wear. Overall stock condition: Good as refurbished.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
This rifle has effectively lost its original finish. Much of the metal has turned to a brown patina. The surfaces show scrapes, scattered scratches, and surface erosion. Screw heads show use. Tang markings remain well defined, while barrel markings range from light to faded. Overall condition: Fair to Good.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Light gray with deep rifling, oxidation, and scattered erosion throughout. There are two dark compression rings about one inch back from the muzzle, and the barrel is bulged in that area. Bore rated 6 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly on inspection. This firearm has not been test fired. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning and inspection are recommended prior to use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
None.
Our Assessment
The Winchester Model 1886 was designed by John Browning to provide a stronger lever action platform capable of handling powerful cartridges such as the .45-70. Over its production life, the model appeared in many configurations, including rifles, carbines, and special order variants that continue to draw interest from Winchester collectors today.
This example is a Saddle Ring Carbine produced in 1899 and chambered in .45-70. It has clearly seen long service and later refurbishment, including stock repairs and the loss of much of its original finish. The missing saddle ring, repaired cracks, and bulged barrel place it firmly in the category of a well worn survivor rather than a high condition collector example. Even so, it remains an interesting 1886 carbine with strong historical character and would appeal to someone seeking a representative Winchester to study, display, or potentially restore.
The Mt. McCoy Auctions Difference
At Mt. McCoy Auctions, every firearm is carefully documented and professionally photographed to create a detailed archival record. Our descriptions are written to provide collectors and shooters with a clear understanding of condition, features, and historical context.
