Description:
Winchester, Year 1894, Gauge, .45-70, SN#85148
I love the old Winchester Deluxe special-order rifles. You can imagine the look on the cowboy’s face when the crate came with his new Winchester. The gorgeous wood, special sights, vivid case colors, and fine factory finishes would bring jealous envy from all his friends. The Winchester Model 1886 was the first lever model that could handle the heavier cartridges and bullets for big game and longer-range shooting. Offered in a large variety of cartridges, it was a heavy rifle with a receiver milled from a single block of ordinance steel. Manufactured from 1886 through 1932 (160,000 total), you will find all manner of rifles, carbines, and muskets from standard models to special order "Winchester Extra Finish" rifles like this special Deluxe Rifle, sn85148 made in 1894. What a gorgeous example we have here, FULLY DOCUMENTED BY THE CODY FIREARMS MUSEUM in a factory letter (comes with the gun) noting the ½ octagon barrel, checkered pistol grip stock, shotgun butt, and Winchester Express sights. This rifle also exhibits an original 2/3 magazine, a #4 Lyman ivory front sight, and a #1 Lyman tang-mounted peep sight. Our gunsmith department stripped this action down for Ultrasonic cleaning, inspection, and lubrication, and while apart photographed the assembly numbers and XX on the receiver tang further documenting this Winchester’s authenticity. THIS MODEL 1886 IS FACTORY ORIGINAL IN ALL WAYS, INCLUDING PARTS AND FINISHES, UNTOUCHED AND RETAINING MOST OF ALL THE ORIGINAL FINISH ON METAL AND WOOD. The only item not documented in the Cody letter is the tang peep sight, which was a common addition to these antique rifles. Please note in the photos the unique “bore rod” that came with this rifle, custom fit to perfection to rest in the bore of the rifle, the cloth on the rod retaining oil to protect the bore from corrosion. THE BORE IS BRIGHT AND SHINY WITH ONLY A LIGHT FROSTING, RETAINING STRONG, CRISP RIFLING, A RARE FIND IN AN ANTIQUE WINCHESTER RIFLE. A tiny fraction of Model 1886’s were produced as "Deluxe Rifles" and as such are remarkable, investment quality firearms that will continue to grow in value as you enjoy ownership and use. They made about 160,000 Model 1886 rifles, but only 120 had half-round barrels, 150 had non-standard magazines, 320 had special wood, 400 with pistol grips, 420 with special butt treatment, and 570 with checkering on the wood. This rifle checks all the boxes and is amongst less than a few hundred so produced. The barrel and magazine tube retain 95% factory blue, the action retains 70% factory case color (fading), and the wood finish is mostly intact. With highly figured wood, fine checkering, strong case colors, and numerous options, this antique Winchester is special. Add to the rarity of the Deluxe features the fine, untouched factory finishes, desirable .45-70 cartridge, excellent bore and you have one valuable rifle that breathes the history of the American West. Being an antique, we can ship this rifle to your doorstep with no paperwork required.
Barrel Length: 24"***
Bores: excellent***
% Blue: 95% factory blue***
Sights: #4 Lyman ivory front; Lyman #1 tang***
Action: lever***
Case Color: 70% factory fading***
Screws: perfect***
Trigger Type: single, crisp***
Trigger Guard Color: lever 50% case color***
Type: S shaped pistol grip; ebony inlay***
LOP: 13 1/8"***
LOP To End Of Wood: 13"***
Checkering Condition: excellent***
Butt Treatment: steel shotgun butt***
There are more photos upon request. We offer a 30 day mechanical warranty on this fine firearm.
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
Winchester
Model:
85148
Caliber:
.45-70 Government
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted: Yes.
Shipping Notes: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price represents the 3% cash discount price. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher cost)
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.
Sales Tax: 6% Michigan Only
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $230.00 within the continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK. We ship internationally with additional fees! (**NOTE that most all of this is INSURANCE.)
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
