The powerful Winchester Model 1886 remains one of the most iconic lever action rifles. It was the first lever action rifle designed by John Moses Browning. Special order '86s remain especially popular, and examples in high condition like this one are highly sought after. It will make for a standout piece in any lever action collection. This is a stunning deluxe rifle with a factory letter stating the rifle was received in the warehouse on July 21, 1888 and shipped on July 23 with an octagon barrel in .40-82 caliber, plain trigger with a 2 1/2 lb pull, fancy checkered stock that was 3/4 inches shorter than standard length, forearm and grip thinner than standard, and blue frame and trims. A copy of the Winchester ledger for this rifle is included. Deluxe Model 1886s are rare. These were "working guns," and customers were not inclined to spend additional money for special features. As noted in the factory letter, there are several rare special order features in addition the deluxe wood. The trigger pull was special ordered. The stock is shorter than regular length and the forearm and grip is thinner than standard dimension. Models fitted with a non-standard stock length like this example are a Winchester rarity. Renowned Winchester expert and author George Madis noted, "Special stocks, varying from the standard in length or drop, would be custom made and fitted by the factory for the few customers who wanted them. The standard stock was made to fit and be correct in all ways for the majority of people, and very few customers found it necessary to order a special stock" ("The Winchester Book," page 602). This rifle is chambered in the desirable .40-82 W.C.F. This caliber was introduced in 1885 for the Winchester Model 1885 single shot rifle also designed by Browning, and was available for the Model 1886 into the early 20th century, but was then discontinued. The caliber was favored by elk and heavy game hunters, but rifles in this caliber are seldom encountered due to many being altered over the last century to more available calibers. The rifle is fitted with a period blade front sight featuring a base marked "C.W.G.", an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a Lyman folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation "40-82 W.C.F." at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The factory special order forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured XXX deluxe walnut. The left side of the lower tang is marked "132" and "XXX." The assembly number "132" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Excellent, retaining 95% plus bright original high polish blue finish with a couple small patches of light pitting/spotting on the magazine tube, thinning on the buttplate, and some handling marks. 95% original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The hammer and lever retain 85% original case colors. The wood is also excellent with some minor dings and scratches, mostly crisp checkering, and nearly all original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 lever action rifle with a number of rare special order features that will be a standout piece to any collection no matter how advanced. Its rare configuration and high condition will be nearly impossible to improve upon!