Winchester 1886 Short Rifle, .45-90 Caliber, Mirror-Finish Bore – Expertly Restored in the USA

Winchester Rifle – Model 1886 Short Rifle

Manufactured 1912 – .45-90 WCF Caliber – High-quality restoration – Mirror-finish bore

This Winchester Model 1886—a short-rifle version chambered for the powerful .45-90 cartridge—has undergone a magnificent restoration in the United States. It is presented in a deluxe configuration, featuring a formidable, near-mint bore with a mirror-like finish.

History

The Winchester Model 1886 marks a major milestone in the history of American firearms. Designed by John Moses Browning to meet the growing demand for more powerful cartridges, it introduced a mechanism significantly stronger than previous Winchester models. Thanks to its robust locking system, it could handle the powerful black-powder—and later smokeless-powder—cartridges used for hunting North American big game. It quickly became a favorite among hunters, ranchers, and adventurers in the American West. Available in numerous configurations, barrel lengths, and calibers, the Model 1886 was produced until 1935, with approximately 160,000 units manufactured. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after Winchester models for collectors, prized for its historical significance, legendary durability, and timeless elegance.

Our Model

This Winchester Model 1886 features the highly desirable "Short Rifle" configuration with a 24-inch octagonal barrel. The firearm has undergone a professional restoration in the United States. The metal surfaces now display a magnificent, highly uniform, glossy blue finish that perfectly highlights the lines of this iconic model. The original markings have been carefully preserved and remain perfectly legible. The Winchester address, military-style markings, and caliber designations are all correct, attesting to the quality of the restoration work. Serial number 152XXX indicates a date of manufacture of 1912. The wood features a superb finish with a beautiful, uniform light tone. Both the stock and the forearm are enhanced by elegant, high-grade checkering that further elevates the firearm's aesthetic appeal. The piece is in remarkable condition overall. The original buttplate, bearing the Winchester logo, fits the stock perfectly.

The action is in excellent working order. The cycling is smooth, the locking is precise, and the mechanism inspires immediate confidence—a testament to the meticulous restoration. The 24-inch octagonal barrel is one of this specimen's standout features. Chambered for the powerful .45-90 Winchester cartridge—now readily available from specialized manufacturers such as Sologne Cowboy Action Shooting—the bore is mirror-bright with crisp, deep rifling. Its condition can be described as near-mint.

Combining a high-quality restoration, a highly sought-after "Short Rifle" configuration, and an exceptional mirror-bright bore, this iconic Winchester Model 1886 represents a superb opportunity to enhance a collection of historic American firearms.

The firearm comes with its official Category D classification certificate, issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House.