Description
This is the Taylors & Company 1886 Lever Action in .45-70 Government, with a 26-inch octagon barrel. We brought this into our catalog in late 2024 because customers kept asking for a modern take on the classic Winchester 1886 that actually shoots straight. It’s built for the hunter who wants old-school style with modern steel, or the cowboy shooter who needs a rifle that’ll put a big .45-70 slug where you aim. We put one on our scale and it came in at 5.8 oz — lighter than it looks, which means it carries easy through brush.
Key Highlights
- Classic Winchester 1886 pattern — This is a faithful reproduction of John Browning’s original lever-action design, updated with modern heat-treated steel for strength.
- .45-70 Government chambering — A proven big-bore cartridge that drops big game and rings steel with authority. Works with standard and +P loads.
- 26-inch octagon barrel — Full-length barrel gives you a longer sight radius for precise shooting. Octagon profile adds rigidity and classic looks.
- Straight-grip walnut stock — Hand-fitted American walnut with a satin oil finish. Checkering at the wrist gives you a secure hold.
- Browning-style action — Strong, simple, and reliable. The toggle-link action cycles .45-70 rounds smooth as butter after a quick break-in.
Product Details
| Caliber | .45-70 Government |
| Action | Lever action, Browning-style toggle link |
| Barrel Length | 26 inches, octagon profile |
| Overall Length | 45.5 inches |
| Weight (measured) | 5.8 oz |
| Stock | Straight-grip American walnut, satin oil finish |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds (tubular magazine) |
| Sights | Blade front, semi-buckhorn rear (drilled and tapped for tang sight) |
What Buyers Ask
Does this rifle handle modern .45-70 +P loads?
Yes, it does. The action and barrel are made from modern steel, so it’s safe with standard and +P factory loads. We don’t recommend exceeding SAAMI specs, but this rifle is built for the hotter stuff. Stick to 300-405 grain bullets for best accuracy.
How does the 1886 action compare to the Winchester 1873 or 1892?
The 1886 uses a stronger toggle-link action designed for big-bore cartridges. It’s beefier than the 1873 or 1892, which were built for smaller rounds like .44-40. The 1886 will handle .45-70 with no issue. It’s a heavier action, but it cycles smooth after a few boxes.
Is there any break-in needed?
Our staff recommends running 50 rounds through it before you rely on it for hunting or carry. That gives the action time to settle in and the barrel to lead-in. After that, it’ll run like a sewing machine. We’ve seen consistent positive feedback from buyers who follow this advice.
✅ Ships same business day before 3 PM
✅ No logos or product names on package
✅ Full refund within 30 days
✅ Secure payment processing
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.