This is one of the famous line of Winchester World Standard arms. As one of the Classic Traditions models you can expect the same quality and satisfaction as with the original historic Model 1886 introduced over a century ago. And as with the original, you’ll appreciate its elegant design, strong action and smooth functioning. U.S. REPEATING ARMS COMPANY, INC. 275 Winchester Avenue New Haven, CT, U.S.A. 06511-1970 Administrative Offices: 275 Winchester Avenue, Morgan, UT, U. S. A.
New gun owner’s record. Use the space below to record information about your new Winchester Model 1886 rifle.
Page Contents Gun safety warnings ........................ General description ......................... Terminology and descriptions . Serial number Ammunition ............................ ............................. 8 9 11 11 12 Initial cleaning Oiling the action 3 .......................... Operation of the hammer & safety 12 13 ... 20 ......................... 20 ...... 21 ............................... 24 Assembly and Disassembly General operation Loading Unloading Firing .....
With the introduction of the 1886 the world of lever actions was changed forever. No previous lever action ever handled as well. No previous lever was as strong. No other offered chamberings in such powerful cartridges. A new standard was set, and it would be years before another lever action would even come close to the perfection of a Winchester 1886. This rifle accompanied settlers all across American. It soon became the premier big game hunting rifle.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THESE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BE THOROUGHLY STUDIED BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM TO ASSURE PROPER AND SAFE GUN HANDLING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS OR FAILURE TO OBEY ANY SAFETY WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS, OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR GUN. As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between life and death. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm.
not prevent an accidental discharge due to dropping, jarring, or bumping a gun. 3. Use only ammunition for which the gun is chambered as indicated on the barrel, to prevent excessive pressure and possible serious personal injury. 4. Incorrectly reloaded ammunition can cause serious personal injury and damage to the firearm due to excessive pressure. Reload only after proper instruction and in strict compliance with instruction and data contained in current reloading manuals. 5.
direction while loading or unloading to prevent serious injury in case of an accidental discharge. Never load in the house or in your vehicle. 12. Never shoot at a hard, flat surface or at the surface of water to avoid a ricochet and possible serious personal injury to yourself or a bystander. 13. Store guns in a clean dry place out of reach of children and separated from stored ammunition. 14. Never alter any parts of your gun.
The Winchester 1886 of today is a careful reproduction of one of the original configurations made over 110 years ago. The 1886 design hac always been rich in the visual beauty of complex machining and hand finish. These are qualities that are uncommon in most of today's mass produced guns. They are qualities that take more effort - but that you will appreciate for generations. There is one primary differ, ence between the original 1886 and today's version.
Traditional open sights. Easily adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage Cut checkering embellishes the walnut stock and forearm. The tubular magazine loads through the right-side mounted loading port in the receiver. The design was an instant success due, in part, to its ability to handle more powerful cartridges like 45-70 up to 50-110 Express, among others. The design of the her and Link mechanisms are both clever and unique.
Your new Model 1886 rifle is a modem version of the rifle that gained popularity at the height of the Wild West. It immediately became a favorite of hunters, ranchers and lawmen who demanded a powerful cartridge. With a few minor exceptions, the action is virtually identical to the way the originals were made in 1886. The primary difference is the addition of a top tang mounted safety switch for added convenience and an increased margin of safety.
Cycling the lever smoothly moves a cartridge from the tubular magazine to the chamber. After firing, working the lever ejects the empty cartridge nearly straight up and slightly to the right, over your head. Returning the lever upward cycles a new cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. The 1886's uncanny, reliable, smooth function made it an instant success in its day.
Throughout this manual the “action” refers to the mechanism of this rifle which loads and secures the cartridge in the chamber. IMPORTANT: Refer to Figures 2A-C for general part descriptions and terminology regarding your new rifle. You must become familiar with all part names listed before proceeding with the rest of the instructions in this manual.
The serial number is located on the bottom of the receiver, where the receiver meets the forearm (see Figure 3 ) . Record the serial number at the front of this book for future reference. Your Winchester Model 1886 is designed to shoot modem factory cartridges only. The caliber of your new Model 1886 is inscribed on the top of the barrel in front of the receiver. MAKE SURE YOU USE ONLY THE EXACT AMMUNITION/ CALIBER AS LISTED ON THE BARREL.
tion and in strict compliance with instructions and data contained in current reloading manuals. Winchester ammunition is always an excellent choice for your new Winchester rifle, delivering the unmatched performance and dependability you want. DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS, OR HANDLING AMMUNITION MA Y RESULT IN EXPOSURE TO L EAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY.
you should first wipe the mechanism completely clean, clean the bore and apply a few drops of quality oil on the following surfaces (See Figure 4): • Along the breech bolt surface. • Along the breech bolt rail surfaces. • On all pivot points and bearing surfaces on the lever mechanism. Avoid applying too much oil. Only a light film is necessary. Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions should be followed before each oiling.
rebound position and the safety (manual hammer stop) are intended to work together to provide protection against unintentional or accidental firing. HAMMER POSITIONS — The rebounding hammer on your Model 1886 has two positions as follows: • Rebound position. This position (See Figure 5 ) takes the place of the dropped and half-cocked positions found on the original Model 1886s of a century ago. The rebounding feature of the hammer essentially eliminates the dropped position.
hammer is moved to when firing is imminent (See Figure 6). It is also the position the hammer moves to when the action is cycled using the finger lever. WHEN THE HAMMER IS IN THE COCKED POSITION THE SAFETY SHOULD BE IN THE “ O N ” P O S I T I O N (WITH THE “S” SHOWING) UNLESS FIRING IS IMMINENT. SAFETY POSITIONS - The safety (also referred to as the manual hammer stop) is a modem feature built into the action of your Model 1886 to provide an additional level of safety.
“On” Position. When the safety is pushed all the way rearward it is in the “on” position (See Figure 7-A). In this position an “S” is visible directly in front of the safety. Moving the safety fully rearward and exposing the “S” blocks the hammer from striking the firing pin. THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED POSITION OF THE SAFETY FOR ALL TIMES EXCEPT WHEN FIRING IS IMMINENT. “Off”Position. When the safety (manual hammer stop) is pushed all the way forward it is in the “off” position (See Figure 7-B).
To place the safety (hammer stop) in the “off”posi- tion: Push the safety fully forward, covering the “S” inscribed on the rifle, and exposing the red warning dot. When the red dot is visible below the safety it is in the “off position (Refer again to Figure 7-B). The safety can be actuated with the hammer in the rebound or cocked position. LOWERING THE HAMMER — A t any time the hammer can be cocked either manually or by cycling the finger lever fully.
from the full-cock position (see Figure 8). Immediately remove your finger from the trigger and slowly and carefully allow the hammer to lower into the rebound position (see Figure 9). IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RIFLE'S SAFETY MECHANISMS — REMEMBER, NEVER RELY TOTALLY ON YOUR FIREARM'S MECHANICAL "SAFETY" DEVICES.
As is true with other firearms, when the safety mechanisms on this rifle are engaged, they are designed to prevent accidental discharge. However, these mechanisms may not necessarily prevent the accidental discharge of this firearm as a result of jarring or abuse such as occurs when a firearm is dropped. ALWAYS ASSUME THAT YOUR GUN CAN BE FIRED AT ANY TIME, EVEN WITH ALL SAFETY MECHANISMS ENGAGED.
Your Model 1886 comes fully assembled in the box. No assembly is required. No disassembly is required for normal maintenance. If your Model 1886 requires disassembly for any reason (such as requiring extra cleaning after being dropped in water) it should be performed by one of the U.S. Repeating Arms Authorized Repair Centers (ARCS). See“Service or Repair” later in this manual for details on how to obtain service for your Winchester rifle. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
felt. However, remember that this is a finely fitted action purposely made with tight tolerances. This assures your gun of good part-to-part fit for many years to come and is the sign of a finely crafted firearm. USE THE CORRECT AMMUNITION AS INDICATED BY THE INSCRIPTION ON THE BARREL. AS EXPLAINED PREVIOUSLY, BEFORE LOADING YOUR RIFLE MAKE SURE ALL GREASE AND OIL HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE BARREL AND CHAMBER, AND THERE ARE NO OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE BARREL OR ACTION AREAS.
pull it downward and fully forward with the fingers of your hand inserted in the finger loop (see Figure 10). Then return it upward to it's original position (see Figure 11). Keep you fingers clear of the trigger at all times when working the lever. IN EITHER CASE, ALWAYS FIRST PLACE THE SAFETY (MANUAL HAMMER STOP) IN THE "ON" POSITION, AND THEN PLACE THE HAMMER INTO THE REBOUND, POSITION UPON CLOSING THE ACTION.
LOADING THE MAGAZINE — The magazine is loaded through the port on the right side of the receiver. 1. With the action closed and the safety (manual hammer stop) in the “on” position and the hammer in the rebound position, press the spring cover inward with the tip of the first cartridge until all but the rim has entered the loading port (See Figure 12A & B). 2. Then, insert the next cartridge in the same manner, pushing the preceding cartridge into the magazine. 3 .
cover, allowing the cover to snap closed (see Figure 13). Do not exceed the recommended capacity of the magazine. BEFORE LOADING, ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO ALWAYS PLACE THE SAFETY (MANUAL HAMMER STOP) IN THE "ON" POSITION, AND THE HAMMER IN THE REBOUND POSITION. CAUTION: ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE CARTRIDGES ARE OF THE PROPER CALIBER FOR YOUR RIFLE. CHECK THE AMMUNITION DESIGNATION ON THE BARREL.
IT FULLY TO THE REAR UNTIL THE “S” JUST FORWARD OF THE SAFETY IS VISIBLE. KEEP YOUR FINGER AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER WHEN CYCLING THE ACTION. IMPORTANT: 1. WITH THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER, SWING THE FINGER LEVER DOWNWARD FULLY. THIS WILL EXTRACT ANY CARTRIDGE FROM THE CHAMBER AND EJECT IT. Capture (or pick up) the cartridge and return the finger lever fully upward. 2.
ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THAT NO CARTRIDGES REMAIN. After the last live round is moved out of the magazine and ejected, immediately lower the hammer to the rebound position as explained previously. IMPORTANT: WHEN YOU ARE PREPARING TO SHOOT, IT IS ALWAYS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU BE TOTALLY SURE OF YOUR TARGET. ALWAYS BE AWARE OF ALL OBJECTS BEHIND YOUR TARGET. KNOW THE EXACT LOCATION OF PERSONS WITH YOU AND ANY OTHERS IN YOUR VICINITY. PICK YOUR TARGET WISELY AND CAREFULLY.
2. Place the safety in the “off’position by pushing it fully forward, covering the “S”. CAUTION: YOUR RIFLE IS NOW READY TO FIRE. REMEMBER, THE RECOIL FROM A LARGE CALIBER CENTERFIRE RIFLE WILL BE SOMEWHAT HEAVY, SO FIRMLY SHOULDER YOUR GUN, TAKE AIM, AND — WHEN ON TARGET — SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER. 3. Firmly shoulder your gun, take aim and when on target squeeze the trigger smoothly, without jerking. After firing, let the trigger return to the fully forward position.
5. WHEN FIRING IS COMPLETED OR WHEN SHOOTING IS NO LONGER IMMINENT, IMMEDIATELY RETURN THE SAFETY (MANUAL HAMMER STOP) TO THE “ON” POSITION AND RETURN THE HAMMER TO THE REBOUND POSITION. IMPORTANT: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU MOVE ON OR CONTINUE TO HUNT WITH YOUR HAMMER OR SAFETY IN THE FIRE POSITION. 6. At this point you will need to either refill the magazine with loaded cartridges (if shooting is going to continue), or fully unload your rifle (if shooting is completed).
Only rarely will modem factory ammunition experience a misfire. If this ever happens to you when shooting your Model 1886 please follow these instructions carefully. CAUTION: IN CASE OF MISFIRE, KEEP THE BARREL POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, PLACE THE MANUAL HAMMER STOP IN THE “ON” POSITION AND CAREFULLY OPEN ACTION WHILE AVOIDING DIRECT EXPOSURE TO THE BREECH BY YOURSELF AND OTHERS. Carefully inspect the ejected cartridge.
Model 1886 rifles are fitted with traditional open sights. OPEN STYLE SIGHTS Your firearm can be adjusted to shoot higher by moving the rear sight elevator backward by one or more notches. In order to shoot lower, the elevator can be moved forward (See Figure 15). The rear sight is attached to the barrel in a dovetailed slot machined into the barrel.
ping the rear sight base (where fastened to the barrel) to the right, your gun will shoot more to the right. An adjustment to the left can be made by tapping the base to the left (See Figure 16). Care should be taken not to mar the finish or bend sights when adjustments are made. A NONMARRING BRASS, PLASTIC OR FIBER HAMMER AND/OR DRIFT IS ALWAYS PREFERRED FOR THIS OPERATION. The Model 1886 will function better and more reliably over a longer period of time if it is properly maintained and kept clean.
MAGAZINE ARE UNLOADED. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE SAFETY GLASSES DURING ALL CLEANING PROCEDURES. KEEP AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. DO NOT TEST THE FUNCTION OF YOUR FIREARM WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. ALWAYS PLACE THE SAFETY (MANUAL HAMMER STOP) IN THE “ON” (SAFE) POSITION BEFORE BEGINNING ANY CLEANING PROCEDURE. 1. Open the action. Use a cleaning rod with a tip and patch suitable for your caliber bore. Make sure the patch is large enough for a snug fit in the bore.
being withdrawn. 3. After fouling has been removed the bore should be wiped dry. Then pass a slightly oiled patch through the bore, for preservation. A fine, light gun oil is recommended. 4. Wipe all exposed metal surfaces of the receiver, forearm and barrel with a clean rag. Finger marks should be removed because they provide a place where moisture can accumulate. Any dried oil in the receiver area should also be removed. 5.
away from children. Make sure your gun is unloaded and always store ammunition separately. OTHER CLEANlNG SUGGESTIONS — • Never pour large quantities of oil into the receiver or other parts. It can drain down to the wood and and cause permanent damage and loosensoften it ing of the stock. — • After extended periods of heavy use, your gun should be taken to a qualified gunsmith to have the action disassembled for professional cleaning and lubrication.
To order parts, please write our parts department and furnish the following: your name, address, and telephone number. Also specify the model and serial number of your gun. When we receive your request, we will send an order form and a parts breakdown with prices. Write to: Pacts Department U.S. Repeating Arms Company, Inc. 275 Winchester Avenue New Haven, Connecticut 0651 1-1970 CAUTION: PARTS ARE MADE FOR WINCHESTER BRAND FIREARMS MANUFACTURED BY OR FOR U.S. REPEATING ARMS COMPANY, INC.
If you have other questions about Winchester rifles and shotguns, call or write our Customer Service Department: Customer Service U.S. Repeating Arms Company, Inc. 275 Winchester Avenue Morgan, Utah 84050-9333 Phone: 1-800-945-5237 U.S. Repeating Arms Company offers an information resource for you on the world wide web. • List of authorized repair centers. • Customer service information. • Answers to many technical and historical questions. • Links to helpful sites. Go to: www.winchesterguns.
You Are Responsible For Firearms Safety As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can mean the difference between life and death. Failure to follow any of these instructions can cause extensive damage to your gun and/or possible serious injury or death to yourself and others. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle any firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger.
6. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS, for the safety of both your gun and yourself. Mud, snow, and an infinite variety of other obstructions may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can ruin (swell or rupture) the finest rifle barrels. BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN NO LIVE ROUND IS IN THE CHAMBER AND THAT THE MAGAZINE IS REMOVED AND FEED MECHANISMS ARE COMPLETELY EMPTY.
11. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACKSTOP. Particularly during low light periods. Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or hard object. 12. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR RIFLE'S CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLIMBING A TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR NEGOTIATING OTHER OBSTACLES. Refer to "Unloading The Rifle" for instructions on the unloading of your rifle. Never place your loaded rifle on or against a fence, tree, car or other similar object. 13. WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING.
20. READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS in this instruction book, on ammunition boxes and with all accessories that you install on your firearm. It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information on the safe handling procedures of your Browning gun. Browning assumes no liability for incidents which occur when unsafe or improper gun accessories or ammunition combinations are used. 21. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE -- AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.
