Model 1886 Winchester 45-70

JFree1943

About 20 years ago I purchased this gun from a dealer that was liquidating an estate and his own stock on retirement for $200. It obviously has been reblued and stock refinished. Serial #72035. What intriqued me was that the barrel has "P.O.Ackley 45-70" stamped on it so I presume the famous gunsmith and author or his shop replaced the barrel. I bought the gun for it's beauty and it's shootability and ease of obtaining ammo. It is great on wild hogs at close range but has a mean kick particularly with the iron butplate even though it is quite heavy. Could the caliber have been changed when it was modified? It is in good condition. Value estimate?

Thanks

MIKE WISKEY

" Could the caliber have been changed when it was modified"... yes, it could have been almost any cal. before it was rebarreled, still a nice shooter and worth a lot more than you paid for it.

Bert H.

The only way to know for sure what original caliber/cartridge was, would be to contact the Cody Firearms Museum and purchase a factory letter. The letter will tell you the date it was received in the warehouse (considered to be the DOM by the BATF), the date it was shipped (sold), and what the exact original configuration was (e.g. barrel length, barrel shape {octagon, 1/2 octagon, or round), the caliber, trigger type, buttstock configuration, sights (only if they were non-standard special order), and any other special order options that it may have had) - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm

At the time your Model 1886 was manufactured, the factory chamberings offered were the following; 38-56 W.C.F., 38-70 W.C.F., 40-65 W.C.F., 40-70 W.C.F., 40-82 W.C.F., 45-70 GOV'T, 45-90 W.C.F., 50-100-450 (Express), 50-105 Express, and 50-110 Express.

JFree1943

Thanks. Sounds like the factory letter is the way to go. I know that modifications generally decrease value but perhaps the connection to P.O.Ackley would cut the decrease back some.

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by JFree1943
Thanks. Sounds like the factory letter is the way to go. I know that modifications generally decrease value but perhaps the connection to P.O.Ackley would cut the decrease back some.


It is kind of tough to reduce the value from the paltry sum that you paid for it[:0]. Yes, the non-factory original barrel does reduce its collectability (and potential value), but any functional Model 1886 in 45-70 is worth at least $1000. If you were able to find a highly focused collector (someone who collects P.O. Ackley marked guns), you might be able to double or even triple that amount.