Winchester 86

leesshop

June 16, 2012 16:00

I have a Winchester model 1886 made in 1904 in 45-70. I have a factory letter on it that lists as one of the features- Winchester High Velocity. What does this mean? Is it a different twist for lighter bullets, or only a front sight change for the lighter bullet? Any help would be appreciated.

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  Bert H.

  June 16, 2012 18:57

  Hello Lee,
  
  It means that it was made for smokeless powder. Way back in the day, Winchester made higher velocity smokeless powder loads for a number of different cartridges (for the Models 1885, 1886, and 1892 only). The sights on your Model 1886 are different than those on a standard rifle in 45-70. I do not believe that the twist rate is different.

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  62fuelie

  June 16, 2012 19:00

  I'm sure Bert H. will be the final source of info on this, but from what I recall the "High Velocity" marking indicated that the rifle was capable of withstanding higher pressures and generating higher velocities than the "standard" rifles of that caliber - i.e. the Trapdoor Springfield. The '86 is a good stout rifle and was well suited to the, then new, smokeless powder and the jacketed bullets that it drove.

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  leesshop

  June 16, 2012 21:38

  Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. It was a new one on me being listed in a factory letter.

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  Bert H.

  June 17, 2012 07:20

  Lee,
  
  You are quite welcome. The barrel should be marked "Nickel Steel" in plain view, and underneath forestock on the bottom, "M.N.S. or "W.H.V.".

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