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winchester 1886 sights variations

338weatherby
Hi, I am new to the forum and was wondering if anybody call tell me a little bit about the different sight configurations. I just bought one that was made in 1891 in .40-82 with a 26" oct. barrel. The gun is in great shape and is beleived to be 100% original. The rear sight consists of two folding leaves. One has a deep "v" and the other is flat with a white triangle pointing up. The leaves fold down in opposite directions. It also has a tang sight that may or may not be original to the rifle, but it looks as though it has been installed on it from the get go. I don't beleive the factory installed tang sights got in the way of the bolt when opened and mine needs to be folded. The fornt sight looks like a half moon with a white mark.
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10 comments

Date Votes
  • tsr1965
    338 weatherby,

    Hello, and welcome to the forums here on Gunbroker.com.

    Sounds like you have a real interesting 1886 on your hands. however, in order to give you the best information, that we can, we will need to see some very good, close up photographs of your rifle. The proof marks, if any, the sights, and any markings.

    To get real good close ups, use the Macro setting on your camera, and back off about two feet, then use your zoom. This helps get rid of the flash reflection. You will need to use a photo hosting website, such as photobucket.com, or hunt101.com, to post photo's here on the forums.

    We have a few resident experts on board, with one considered as being one of the very best. He goes by Bert H., and I am sure he will be along sometime shortly to give you some help. He will also ask for pictures, I'm sure.

    Best
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  • Bert H.
    Hello,

    The front sight sounds like it is a Lyman No. 4 Ivory Hunting sight. The barrel mounted rear sight is a Lyman No. 6 Folding sight, and it was very frequently installed when a Lyman tang sight was also installed.

    The sight set-up on your Model 1886 sounds like it is correct to me, and it was a factory special order option. The only thing that puzzles me, is the bolt hitting the tang sight when it is upright. If your sight has the correct "N" application code (stamped on the underside of the base), that should not happen. I recommend temporarily dismounting the tang sight, and checking to see what application code is stamped on it.
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  • 338weatherby
    All I have at the moment is about 35 pictures of the rifle. I am expecting it early next week. I will take the tang sight off then and look at the lettering. I have looked at some other '86's on line with a tang sight and they all look to be in the same position.
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  • 338weatherby
    I realize I shouldn't have posted questions regarding the tang sight without physically looking at it. The pics I have looked at show the sight folded down and the action open. After reading about '86's with tang sights I understand that the sight fits between the ears of the bolt? I guess I was too excited about my purchase and really have my fingers crossed tight that all of the sights are original. I sent in to Cody for a letter to see how it left the factory 120 years ago. I will try to post pics next week and would appreciate any input as to value and possible rarity??
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  • 338weatherby
    [img][/img]img0019ni.th.jpg

    [img][/img]img0020rn.th.jpg

    [img][/img]img0017fb.th.jpg

    [img][/img]img0012ss.th.jpg

    [img][/img]img0018vy.th.jpg

    [img][/img]img0013loo.th.jpg

    [img][/img]img0001hxs.th.jpg


    Here are some pics. Hope this works. I would like some info on the sights and if they are an original option. Any idea of value would be greatly appreciated. thanks
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  • Bert H.
    As I mentioned in my first reply, Winchester very frequently installed Lyman sights as a factory special order option. From all appearances, the Lyman sights on your Sporting Rifle are original to the gun. That said, the only way to positively confirm if they were factory installed is to contact the Cody Firearms Museum reserarch office and purchase a factory letter (a $60 cost for non-members).
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  • 338weatherby
    What kind of value does this rifle have if the sights are original and if they are not? I did send in for a letter about 2 weeks ago. I will let you know what it says when i get it.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by 338weatherby
    What kind of value does this rifle have if the sights are original and if they are not? I did send in for a letter about 2 weeks ago. I will let you know what it says when i get it.


    Let's just wait until you get the letter and see what it says. I prefer not to speculate on values without all of the facts.
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  • 338weatherby
    I recieved my letter from Cody, it states the rifle as it is, however it does not list anything regarding sights. Does this mean that they are not original or do they not always list the sight configuration? I had my gunsmith look at it and he said the gun is in great condition and the screw are not even turned. He thought that the sights look to be the same vintage and that the front sight definately looks to be originally installed.
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  • Bert H.
    Sight configuration information was not always listed in the factory ledger records, and I suspect that is the case for your rifle.
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