Value of Original 1886

[valkyrie.rider]

I may be sorry I did this, but I am curious as to whether or not I got a good deal on a rifle. Would appreciate learned opinions.

The rifle is an original Winchester 1886 in 45-90.  Barrel is octagonal and 26 in long. It has a Cody letter. It was born in 1887 and first shipped in early 1888.  It has lived the first 117 years of its life in the mountains of Utah. For it's age, I consider it to be in excellent condition.  The wood has a few very minor handling dings. No cracks, chips or splits. Blueing is 80%+ on barrel and bolt. Case colors on the receiver are almost gone, but can still be seen in a couple places. All screws are in good shape. Bore is in good shape with good rifling. It does have some minor pitting from years of black powder use. I haven't fired it yet, but I did load and cycle the ammo. Smooth as glass.

Anybody want to take a shot at what such a rifle might sell for? Thanks

[Shorty]

valkyrie,
According to Flaydermans guide, 7 th ed., Cal. .45/90 adds 25% value to a standard '86, while the oct. bbl. does not (too common).  Anyway, your description should put it at a "Very Good" condition, and be worth $1062 (+).
That's selling price, not buying price.  A dealer would ask at least 50% more.
OK, so how much did you give for it? :roll:

[86er]

  Without actually seeing your '86, if as described, it should bring somewhere in the neighborhood of $2500.+ or - a few hundred. Good early '86s are very desireable these days and can command a premium. I am the opposite of most Winchester collectors, in that I look for later manufactured guns. No matter what you gave for your gun, if you like it, you got a good deal. You just cannot beat the 1886 for smoothness of action. Load 'er up and give 'er some exercise.

[valkyrie.rider]

I will post the price I paid for the 1886, but want to get a few more opinions first. I will tell you this, if there are any original 1886's  out there for $1,062, I will buy them all.....

[John Y Cannuck]

Auction arms has one going right now at a bit over $1400 with three days remaining, and that's in 33WCF.

[sureshot]

I agree with 86er, probably $2200 to $2800 would be a good guess without actually seeing it. Good solid early 86's in that kind of used but well taken care of condition are getting hard to find, especially with a bore good enough to still shoot well. 45-90 is one of the more desirable calibers too now that brass is easily obtainable. No matter what you paid you got a fine rifle and a piece of history that deserves to put to use once again. Good luck,
Steve

[oliverstacy]

Remember if you wanted it that bad to spend the money you spent...then it's worth whatever you paid.  With that being said, I've generally come out ahead on purchases and sales over the years.  I've gotten enough "good" deals to out weigh the the "bad" ones.

Just a thought.


Josh   :wink:

[Lawdog]

valkyrie.rider,

The only true way of telling for sure is to cut loose with the check book and have it appraised by a good antique firearms appraiser.  I was shocked at what my Winchester M1876 Deluxe(.50-95, 24" Barrel, full magazine - original owner, my great grand uncle, bought in 1884) was worth.  Makes you want to put in a sealed case.  Small groups and tight lines to you.  Lawdog