Winchester 1876 early 2nd. Model .45-75 caliber sporting rifle, serial number 13144, made in 1880. The Model 1876 was Winchester’s first truly big bore repeating rifle. Essentially, it is a much larger version of their popular Model 1873 which was chambered for the “revolver length” cartridges .44-40, .38-40 and .32-20. The Model 1876 was designed for big game hunting primarily in the western part of the country where game much larger than eastern deer and black bear were commonly found. It is interesting to note that Theodore Roosevelt was a big fan of the Model 1876 and used several throughout the West that he had special ordered from Winchester. The Model 1876 was a serious specialized rifle that was made in limited quantities. It was replaced by the Model 1886 in that same year. This rifle with 28” round barrel is chambered in the powerful and popular caliber .45-75. This cartridge held a .45 caliber lead bullet weighing 350 grains in front of a full 75 grains of black powder. It was the most powerful .45 caliber offered in this model (the other being the lesser .45-60). This was a very potent cartridge that was used successfully on elk, grizzly bears and even buffalo, which were hunted in Montana as late as 1883. Most surviving 1876 rifles show very heavy frontier use and often abuse. The second model is identifiable by having the dust cover rail on top of the receiver held by screws. The final 3rd Model has this rail forged integral with the receiver top and lacks screws. This early example is in much finer condition than normally encountered today. The barrel, magazine and receiver display an attractive even, but uncleaned naturally aging blue/brown patina. The 28” barrel was factory fitted with the desirable flip-up “sporting ladder” rear sight with elevation slide intact that is dated 1876 as well as the correct original Winchester blade front sight. The barrel top retains sharp and clear Winchester markings and patent dates. The mellow brass lifter on the bottom of the receiver is also in fine condition. This example also retains the original dust cover, which is often missing on this model. The butt stock and forearm are both solid and show only light normal handling marks with one small and insignificance chip at the left upper tang receiver juncture. The wood to metal fit is tight indicating that the walnut stock and forend have not been sanded or refinished. The action is tight with strong springs and smooth functioning. The bore is excellent and retains fine, sharp rifling all the way through- this is extremely unusual for a rifle designed for black powder cartridges and is almost never encountered in this model. Overall, a most attractive and rare “big bore” 144 year old Winchester that is one of the most desirable, sought after, yet difficult to obtain, models in the entire lever action rifle field. The rifle weighs 9lbs 10oz. Serial Number: 13144. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.