The Winchester 1886 Short Rifle in .45-70 Government is a lever-action rifle built on one of the strongest and most historically significant actions ever designed. Originally engineered to handle the powerful .45-70 Govt. cartridge, the 1886 remains a capable choice for hunters and shooters who appreciate classic American rifle design paired with genuine stopping power. This 24-inch barreled model delivers the balance of portability and performance in a package that handles like a dream—the straight-grip walnut stock and compact 43-inch overall length make quick shouldering natural, whether you're in timber or open country.
What sets the 1886 apart is its mechanical elegance. The action is rock-solid, the full-length tubular magazine keeps eight rounds ready (the supplier notes capacity; tube holds the stated load), and Winchester's attention to detail shows in every component—from the steel crescent buttplate that echoes period authenticity to the button-rifled barrel with recessed crown. The top-tang safety sits exactly where your thumb expects it, and the rebounding hammer adds a margin of security. Sights are practical: a Marble Arms brass-bead front sight for fast acquisition and an adjustable rear buckhorn for dialing in your load.
The Grade I black walnut stock wears a satin finish that showcases the grain without the gloss—a working rifle, not a safe queen. The brushed-polish receiver, deeply blued barrel and lever, and blued steel end cap create a finish that's both protective and handsome. Best of all, the receiver is drilled and tapped for an optional receiver sight, letting you tailor the rifle to your preference without permanent modification.
This is limited-production rifle, which means if the 1886 appeals to you, now's the time. It's a serious piece of American firearms heritage—and it actually works.
| Caliber | .45-70 Government |
| Action Type | Lever |
| Barrel Length | 24 inches |
| Overall Length | 43 inches |
| Weight | 8 lbs 6 oz |
| Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Barrel Rifling | 1:20 twist; button-rifled with recessed crown |
| Stock | Grade I black walnut, straight grip, satin finish |
| Receiver/Barrel Finish | Brushed polish receiver; deeply blued barrel, lever, and steel end cap |
| Buttplate | Steel crescent |
| Sights | Marble Arms brass-bead front; adjustable rear buckhorn |
| Safety | Top-tang, rebounding hammer |
| Receiver Sight Provision | Drilled and tapped for optional receiver sight |
This rifle is chambered in .45-70 Government, a cartridge with deep roots in American hunting and military history. It delivers substantial power and is well-suited to hunters pursuing larger game, as well as shooters interested in classic American rifles with real ballistic authority.
The full-length tubular magazine holds 8 rounds of .45-70 Government ammunition, providing good capacity while maintaining the rifle's classic lines and balance.
Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for an optional receiver sight, allowing you to customize your sighting setup without any permanent modifications to the gun.
The 1886 Short Rifle ships with a Marble Arms brass-bead front sight for quick target acquisition and an adjustable rear buckhorn sight for dialing in your load. Both are quality period-appropriate options that work well in the field.
Firearm Shipments:
To buy rifles or shotguns, you must be 18 years old, and for handguns, actions, or receivers, the minimum age is 21. By placing an order for this firearm, you confirm that you are the legitimate transferee/buyer, meet the legal age requirements, and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations necessary to purchase this firearm.
We only ship firearms to valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. At checkout we provide a FFL locator for your convenience.
We will need a copy of the FFL’s license to facilitate the process, kindly request your dealer to email us a copy of their FFL, as we cannot dispatch the firearm until we receive this document. It is imperative for the buyer to choose their FFL dealer, ensure they are willing to facilitate the transfer, and have them email their FFL copy to BOSQUE Outdoors. To avoid any confusion, the customer's name or order number must be mentioned in the email containing the FFL.
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Winchester
Winchester
