Win 1886 date vs chambering

[DrDucati]

I found a Winchester 1886 rifle with serial number that, per couple sites dates it to 1898 or 99. But, the barrel is stamped 33 wcf.

I read that 33 wcf was first introduced in 1902. Would this suggest the rifle was rebarrelled or more likely an inaccurate date?

[bob208]

does it have a wp in a oval over the chamber ? if so that is the factory rework mark. remember Winchester was in business to sell guns. they would rebarrel to any cal. you wanted. or say the rifle was shot and not cleaned good then later it was sent in for a new barrel .

[Chill Wills]

does it have a wp in a oval over the chamber ? if so that is the factory rework mark. remember Winchester was in business to sell guns. they would rebarrel to any cal. you wanted. or say the rifle was shot and not cleaned good then later it was sent in for a new barrel .

That is a good piece of info Bob. I am going to look into that some more.
I am in the same boat with my 1886 33 Winchester, SN on action dated to 1890's and barrel marked with WP in oval - well before the 33 Winchester was on the scene. I belong to the Winchesters Collector's assoc. and should have this rifle documented; just never got a round to it.

Sorry - no hijack intended.

[DrDucati]

Chill Wills, on the contrary, your post is on topic.

I don't believe there was such a stamp on this particular rifle.

[skeettx]

Get a factory letter and you will KNOW the original configuration

https://centerofthewest.org/explore/firearms/firearms-records/

https://centerofthewest.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018_Winchester_SN-list.pdf

[square butte]

It is not terribly uncommon for a serial numbered receiver to remain tucked away somewhere in the Winchester plant ( a hold over of sorts ) - then barreled and finished up as a rifle at a date quite a bit later than it's serial number would indicate in the production sequence. Just another possible explanation for your rifle.

[pietro]

It is not terribly uncommon for a serial numbered receiver to remain tucked away somewhere in the Winchester plant ( a hold over of sorts ) - then barreled and finished up as a rifle at a date quite a bit later than it's serial number would indicate in the production sequence.

Just another possible explanation for your rifle.




Sans an original configuration letter from the Cody Museum, it's also possible that (after market) some .33WCF M1886 Lightweight's original owner switched out THEIR .33WCF bbl, then someone else bought/installed the removed bbl on the earlier Winchester receiver.

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