Documented Factory Ballistic Lab Shipped Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1914, this Winchester Model 1886 is a fascinating factory-documented example. The rifle was shipped to the Winchester Ballistic Lab in the New Tools and Cartridge Department, as confirmed by the included factory letter. The letter lists the rifle in .33 W.C.F. caliber with a round barrel, full magazine, rubber shotgun butt, and takedown configuration, received at the warehouse on June 7, 1916, and shipped the same day under order number 782405 to “Ballistic Lab, New Tools and Cartridge Department.”

The rifle retains standard factory oval proofs on the top of the barrel and receiver (double struck due to a factory error) at the breech. The barrel has a “lightweight” tapered profile typical of the .33 W.C.F. caliber, marked on the left with the two-line address and patent dates, nickel steel marking, and caliber. The upper tang carries the three-line model and trademark information, and the serial number is on the lower tang. Both upper and lower tangs show two punch dots on the left side, possibly related to a factory stock replacement.

The rifle is equipped with a ramped Patridge blade front sight and an elevation-adjustable notch rear sight, and remains in takedown configuration. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight-grip stock, fitted with a steel crescent buttplate; both the buttstock and crescent steel buttplate are factory-repaired replacements.