Lot 1005

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .50 Express

Previous image preload Next image preload

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .50 Express

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,500

Starting Bid: $4,750

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Highly Desirable Documented .50 Express with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1900, this is a solid example of the venerable, John Moses Browning designed, Winchester Model 1886, chambered in the powerful and desirable .50-110 Express. These robust lever actions were a significant upgrade to Winchester's previous toggle-link designs, capable of chambering some of the most powerful cartridges of the time. The '86 found widespread popularity, particularly in the American West among settlers and hunters in need of a powerful rifle with immense stopping power. When chambered in a caliber like .50 Express, these rifles were certainly capable of stopping any danger in North America in its tracks. These rifles, particularly in standard configuration like this example, often saw hard use in on the unforgiving frontier, with many having not survived. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .50 Express caliber with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 16 May 1900 and shipped on 11 March 1903 to order no. 180119. The barrel and magazine tube appear to have been shortened by approximately 1/8 of an inch during the period of use. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The model marking is on the upper tang, while the two-line patent dates and serial number are on the lower tang. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight and elevation adjustable low-profile notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1886

BBL: 25 7/8 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 50-110 Express

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number121580

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Very good, retains 50% plus of the original blue finish on the slightly shortened barrel and traces of the original case colors with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, some scattered patches of light surface pitting, and some scattered light dings. The nicely figured replaced wood is fine with some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000