1886 Win Question

[Razz]

I have an opportunity to buy an 1886 Win. It sounds like it was originally chambered in 40-82 Win and was rebored to 45-70. Anyone know how common this was? I have a 45-70 Sharps and love shooting it with black powder. This would be a shooter for me if the dael works out.
Thanks

[torpedoman]

collector value takes a big hit if anything has been changed on a Winchester, good shooters are still 600 dollar guns. sounds like a fun gun.

[pastorp]

I've owned several 1886s in 45/70 but all were orgional. I believe I like the 45/70 best in the origional rifles.

I did have a 45/90 for a while but that round was designed for the 300gr bullets. Since my eyes are gone I can't shoot open sights anymore or I would still shoot a 1886 in 45/70.

Regards,

[NickSS]

I have an 1885 win that was rebarreled to 45-70.  I do not know what its original caliber was but this one shoots very well.  I also have a marlin Ballard rifle that was originally a 38-55 but was bored out and made into a 45-70.  It shoots better than I can hold it.  It was common practice in the old days to rebore and rifle a warn out of corroded barrel to a bigger caliber.  I have seen many of them over the years.

[geobru]

The 1886 was chambered in 40-82, which was a hard caliber to find ammunition for while the 45-70 was easy to find.  Since the 40-82 was a black powder cartridge, the barrels got corroded and it was fairly common to rebore the barrel to 45-70 to resurrect an old gun.

I'd sure like to know where you can find $600 shooter 86's in any condition!   

[FredWT]

Razz, what kind of price are you looking at?

I too would love run across a $600.00 '86!

[Razz]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the info.
Fred WT, I'm waiting on the price. My friend is selling it for the family of the original owner. NOt sure how the $600 price came about, weren't me. I'll let you all know when this comes together.
Thanks
Razz

[LONGTOM]

I did get a NIB repro 86 take down a few years back for $600.00.
Try and find one now anywhere near that price.
An original would be double that in rough shape.



LONGTOM

[FredWT]

I looked at those back in 2003, Winchesters with the tang safetys. Almost got one, they were over $900.00 then!