I wouldn't feel bad about paying $1000 for one in good condition, but it looks like prices have gone crazy on them. Gunbroker prices are all over the place, from $1400-4k+
The 1886 in 33 WCF is pre-cursor to the Model 71 in 348. I have my share of 33 1886 rifles and still hunt with them. It helps to handload as ammunition is hard to come by since the 1950s. The take-down version is worth a bit more, as are deluxe checkered versions. Most good buys are found at local shops, individuals or gun shows. The auction sites are listing for more than actual worth or real purchase market value.
The 33 WCF cartridge in the 1886 was popular in Alaska in the early 1900s. Still very effective deer, elk or black bear cartridge with 200 gr FP bullets in the deep woods and thick timber. {If you find one and don't know what to do-PM me.}
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena-not the critic"-T. Roosevelt There are no atheists in fox holes or in the open doors of a para's aircraft.....
Thanks for the feed back, I'm just looking for a plain non take down version to hunt with. Gunbroker is the only place I have seen one for sale for along time and the prices just haven't made sense at all, Like Lar45 said prices all over the place.
Yeah it would be a hassle to shoot one, I picked up some dies for one awhile back and wouldn't need to have a lot of ammo on hand for it. More of a nostalgia thing to take out in the brush and shoot a blacktail once in awhile.
I had a 1886 takedown in .33 Winchester that I used for years. If you reload, ammo is not a major problem. Process is: 1. New 45-70 case 2. Size 45-70 case in 38-56 sizing die 3. Take case and size in 33 Winchester sizing die 4. Trim I always used Imperial sizing lube.
It shoots 45-70 and 45-90 which gives you a wide range of commercial ammo and the ability to handload for large and dangerous game. Mine performed so well in Africa with 45-90 loads of NF bullets(ele, buff, leopard) that I now have a 45-90 DR also. A friend has invited me to join him in South Texas to hunt Zebu this fall. Wild Indian humpbacked cattle - big enough to use my .458(45-90) DR on.
Last edited by crshelton; 10/31/22.
CRS, NRA Benefactor Life Member, Whittington Center, TSRA, DWWC, DRSS Android Reloading Ballistics App at http://www.xplat.net/
My father and lifelong hunting partner passed, and years ago used to hunt with a 33 win and always wanted another one, so it is more of a sentimental thing.
I had a short, several years as paying attention to the Model 1886 as gaining some reverence. I have three all in .33 Win as it was the "also ran" of the entire group of more valuable rifles at happy price points, all. My days a "clean one in .33 was around $300-$400 as decent with good bore. Typically finish gone or nearly but none the less rust free and attractive. Even then, I learned as casually seeking ammo! Still have them, but added a Browning Carbine in 45/70 from 1991 and a Winchester from about 2012 as my first close look at the sliding tang safety and buying into it as "inconspicuous". Both in 45/70. All those original '86 models from 1903. Two lightweight rifles with one as takedown and nicely 'tight'. The third full mag and 'gnarly looks. All otherwise pretty round barrel standard. Thought about having one redone into 45/70 but decided to keep all three original. Now with the 'new era' Browning and Winchester glad i didn't mess with my originals! Quik pix below of my full mag favorite of the trio! Best! John
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