I am looking for information on an 1895 manufactured M1886 in a very rare configuration, helping a friend of the family settle an estate.

Any genuine authorities on 1886 and rare configurations? If so, please PM me. It’s not my rifle so I don’t feel right in showing a lot of photos on the forum, and in all honesty don’t feel like having 20 different guys give me a guess. I can do that.

Thanks,

For the information you're seeking you need to contact the Winchester Museum in Cody Wyoming or the Winchester Arms Collector's Association. Google either to get their contact information.

Great advice, you will know exactly what you have.

Thanks guys. I have sought out input from both sources, but more input from knowledgeable enthusiasts is never a bad thing.

The rifle is a 1895 manufacture takedown 38-70, so it’s not your typical 45-70.

What kind of input are you looking for? A Cody factory letter would provide the most definitive information available for the gun.

The Cody letter states the day the serial number was applied to the receiver, the makeup of the rifle when original, and the day it was shipped.

I would like to know how many in that configuration were produced, which Cody will not know as they use the original page-by-page notes, and what current market value may be.

I would think that that type of information would be in the Blue Book of Gun Values. They state % premiums of different calibers and configurations.

IMHO if you don’t get a Cody Factory Letter for the gun, you will never move off square one. For those who would lay down thousands of $’s for a rare caliber, rare configuration Winchester a factory letter is the definitive statement of originality. Condition is another matter. You’ve obviously done some homework and know it’s a rare caliber (only 830 38-70’s made), but there are so many other factors involved in the potential sale of the gun. Originality, condition and special order features (barrel length and configuration, stock configuration, triggers, deluxe wood, sights, checkering pattern, etc.) are all extremely important to a potential buyer. All of this info with the exception of condition will be available in a factory letter.

I absolutely agree, and have requested the letter.

Thanks for the input.

Go to winchestercollector.org and post about it or contact a forum member named Bert H.

He has done numerous surveys on 1886s. He is very knowledgeable.

I know some basics about features, but there are some on that forum who are extremely knowledgeable and Bert H may be at the top of that list.

If you don't want to register over there, let me know what you are asking about and I will be more than happy to post your request or PM Bert.

+1 on the above, the only way to get the kind of information that you are seeking.