The Winchester Model 1886 was a rugged rifle designed by John Browning that offered more firepower to the earlier Model 1876, but in a smaller, more robust package. Thus, just as its predecessor, the Model 1886 quickly found popularity among those on the frontier who needed as rifle as rugged as their lifestyle. Offered here is a well cared for Model 1866 carbine in rare .40-65 WCF caliber that will be a fine addition to any Winchester or lever action collection. The accompanying factory letter states this carbine was received in the warehouse on July 17, 1890, and shipped the same day and confirms the .40-65 caliber chambering. According to John T. Madl in his Summer 2018 article in "The Winchester Collector", only 433 Model 1886 carbines manufactured in .40-65 WCF were listed in the available factory records. This is certainly a very rare Model 1886! The carbine is fitted with a pinned blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight marked "1873" and graduated to 900 yards. The top of the barrel has the two-line Winchester ahead of the rear sight and "W.C.F./40-65" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang has the patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The left side of the casehardened receiver is fitted with a saddle ring . It is mounted in plain walnut forearm and straight grip stock with casehardened carbine buttplate.

Very fine, retaining 85% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and a series of scratches on the rear barrel band. 40% of the original nitre blue remain on the loading gate. The receiver retains 60% original case colors with the brightest colors in the protected areas. The hammer and lever retain 70% original case colors. The buttplate retains 90% original case colors with some pitting. The wood is also very fine with chip at the upper tang and otherwise some very scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An attractive and rare Winchester Model 1886 .40-65 WCF carbine that will look great in any lever action collection no matter how advanced.