Winchester Special Order Model 1886 Deluxe .50 Express Lever Action Rifle

This Winchester Model 1886 is factory documented as a deluxe rifle in rare, highly sought after 50 Express caliber. Deluxe Model 1886s are rare. As a "working gun" customers were not inclined to spend extra money for special order features. Per Winchester expert and author George Madis, one of each 570 Model 1886s had checkered or carved stock ("The Winchester Book," page 354). As for the caliber, the .50 Express cartridge was one of the most powerful commercial cartridges available at the time, and it quickly proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Many Winchester rifles chambered for this powerful cartridge were shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. Demand for the cartridge in the United States was low however, and relatively few of these rifles were manufactured. The Model 1886 in .50 Express was only produced in limited numbers, especially when compared to the smaller calibers. Today Winchesters in .50 Express are highly sought after collectibles. Examples in any condition are proving difficult to find. The factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on October 31, 1891, and shipped on November 3, 1891, to order number 13604 and confirms the octagon barrel in .50-110 caliber, set trigger, and checkered pistol grip stock with shotgun butt. The full octagon barrel, full-length magazine, bolt and loading gate have a blue finish. The forearm cap, frame, hammer and loading lever are color casehardened. The rifle is fitted with a combination Beach front sight and a Winchester Express rear sight with folding leaves graduated for 50, 100 and 200 yards. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and "50 EX" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-." The lower tang has the two-line patent dates and the serial number. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured, fancy grain walnut with Style "H" checkering and varnish finish. The pistol grip has an ebony inlay. The left side of the lower tang is marked "375 XX S". The assembly number "375" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate. Deluxe Winchester Model 1886 rifles chambered for .50 Express cartridges are rare and extremely desirable firearms.

Condition: Very fine. The rifle retains 98% plus of the professionally restored blue and 85% original casehardened finish. There is some scattered, light pitting on the left barrel flat just above the hand guard between the rear sight and the receiver. The case colors on the top and sides of the frame, lever and hammer are vivid. The casehardened finish on the bottom of the frame and lever has partially faded to a silver patina. The period refinished steel buttplate has a smooth, mottled gray patina remaining with light pitting. The stock and forearm remain in very fine condition with a coat of protective oil applied, sharp checkering and only scattered and very minor handling and storage wear. All of the markings on the barrel and receiver are crisp. Mechanically excellent. This is an attractive example of a very desirable Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 .50 Express Rifle.