When it rains, it pours. I have 2 1886 Winchesters and have decided to sell them. One is a 45-70 rifle, and the other is a 33 Lightweight. Someone called me from out of the blue the other day and wants to sell another 1886 in 33WCF. That brought up a question in my mind: When did Winchester start producing the Lightweight version in 33 WCF? I need another 1886 like I need another woman... well, maybe that ain't so bad.
1886 Winchester
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
I don't know the exact year but I think the Extra Lightweight 86 became a standard item after so many people ordered the 86 with rapid taper, shorter than standard barrels, half mag and shotgun butt. Maybe first catalogued in the early 1900's. Around serial number 114,000 they started turning up with some regularity, say 1897 or 1898. A friend has one in .45/70 in the 113,000 range and it is considered a transitional model, a very early lightweight model. The .33 was introduced in 1902 and became a hit in the lightweight.
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
