If anyone is interested, local shop has an 1886 in 33 WCF for sale. PM me for the shops contact info or here's the website: https://www.steinersoutpost.com/
Not a museum piece, obviously used but seemed cared for. Looked like a shotgun style butt, no checkering on butt stock, custom carved forearm, white receiver and forearm cap, short magazine. Didn't fondle it to try action or look at bore.
The .33 Win is most likely a "Lightweight" model (Not extra lightweight.) The .33 was billed as the first Winchester smokeless cartridge design of origin. The rifle was actually a pretty common rifle and many in .33 seem to be dated in the 1905-15 period. It was a good round but largely unappreciated today, likely because it was common. The rifle itself is easy to handle, naturally pointing and comfortable to fire. I have a take down/solid frame and a full mag. All are .33, because I liked the '86 but didn't want to spend what was being asked for most other chamberings selling for more. My several l I believe are two from first decade and full mag was early post WWI. Pix of my Takedown below. (Lockup on these was good & tight with adjustability feature. ) Model recommended but for the ammo problem! Best! John
Hawk makes bullets for it. When I had mine, I bought already formed cases from Buffalo Arms. I know that many shooters form their own but my experiance indicated tha just a 33 WCF die didn't work.
