Winchester 1866 Lever Action Rifle

Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle with factory letter. 44RF, 24 inch round barrel, blue finish, walnut stock, manufactured 1882, serial #156090. This is a fourth model with the gradually sloped receiver in front of the hammer and the serial number on the bottom of the lower tang in script numerals. These rifles are one of the most iconic weapons of the American West. The direct descendant of the iconic Henry rifle, they bridged the gap between the Henry and the Winchester Model 1873. The Model 1866 was highly prized on the western frontier for its rapid firepower in comparison to many single shot arms of the time, and was used by people in all walks of life. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line Winchester address and King's patent marking. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with an iron trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The included factory letter confirms the round barrel and states the rifle was received in the warehouse on November 9, 1881, and shipped the next day along with nine other rifles with the same specifications and ten rifles with octagon barrels to the same order number. Very good condition. The barrel and magazine tube have a mottled gray patina associated with a well-traveled rifle along with a coat of varnish. The otherwise fine brass shows evidence of cleaning and is now turning to a mellow appearance. The lightly sanded and re-oiled wood is fine with some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Cisco’s has additional firearms in the Gallery post 1898. Call for itemized catalog.