Winchester 1886 26” round barrel rifle in the rare and desirable big .45-70 caliber. The serial number 121760 indicates a manufacture date of 1900. A scarce and desirable western big game chambering in the Mode 1886, the .45-70 WCF (Winchester Center Fire or .45 Government) cartridge was one of the most powerful chamberings used by Winchester in this largest of John Browning’s designed lever action rifles. The big Model 1886 action was the strongest and most potent lever action rifle of the day. Few surviving examples in this powerful black powder caliber remain today and are seldom offered on the collector market. The standard and correct 26” barrel displays a thinning blue finish and retains excellent Winchester markings that include: “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.” The upper tang is stamped with the earliest style marking and states simply, “MODEL 1886.” The bolt located on the top of the receiver also shows a deep and rich blue finish. The receiver blue is strong and like the barrel and magazine shows some restoration. The action is tight with strong half-cock safety on the hammer. This fine 1886 has had the butt stock and forearm professionally restored using fancy grained walnut, high grade wood finish, sharply cut checkering and a Winchester embossed correct hard rubber shotgun butt plate. The bore is bright and excellent with sharp rifling all the way through which is unusual for an early vintage cartridge rifle. Further, this early 1886 is fitted with a flip up rear barrel sight and typical Rocky Mountain blade front sight. The top of the octagon barrel ahead of the receiver is correctly stamped with the caliber designation “45-70” The 1886 in .45-70 chambering was very popular in the American West with riflemen who wanted even more power than most lever action rifle rounds provided. These large caliber rifles are rarely found with good condition bores, especially in the most powerful chamberings. This is an exceptional attractive and seriously powerful frontier rifle in particularly fine and visually appealing condition. The rifle weighs 8lbs 2oz. Serial Number: 121760. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic firearm, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.