[Chino Hills]

The "new" one is a Browning replica Winchester High Wall 45-70. Beautiful wood and blueing. Shot some SASS "rifle" matches with it. Did OK. Poor results were definitely not the rifle's fault. Did I mention beautiful wood? Not too long after I got this, they released several models, IIRC, with more appropriate stock finishes for "Old West" applications. Unfortunately, the hard glossy "plastic" finish can get dings and gouges, safe "accidents." So while it dings easily, I think the consensus is it's very difficult to remove. I'll set up better shots some day w/o the glare.

The next is an 1886 1886 (Winchester records in the museum in Cody show delivered in Dec. 1886) I believe the barrel has been shortened - it's not cut straight and either machined or a new bolt from a later model with a flat for a receiver sight and it looks like it was "rode hard and put away wet" from the pitting, looks like wrapped in cloth at some point. Stock is split and repaired yet some original finish remains. From an antique and western decor store. I was looking for a 45-70, again for SASS shooting. This is a 40-82. Price seemed maybe high for condition and caliber (not all that commonly available, etc.). But then I saw the serial number. Sold.

 

[Harleystoo]

Nice pieces. Good luck in your next shoot.

 

[wiz1997]

Love that 1886.

Always wanted a lever action in the collection, some day soon if all goes well.

 

[BoltTrash]

Gotta love those big frame WIN 1886's (!!) and it looks as if it had a peep sight on that bolt.

Remington and Browning used a heavy duty finish developed, by DuPont, for bowling alleys known as RKW Bowling Pin Finish. That is some really tough, durable and very persistent stuff and difficult to remove. It's more like a coating, than a 'finish,' IMO.

I had this stuff on a heart pine floor I was refinishing. It will actually fill and clog sand paper and can physically stop a power floor sander.

Good luck!

 

[m14brian]

Sweet rifles, love the 40-82.
m14brian

 

[Chino Hills]

Makes me wonder what tales it could tell.

 

[big bear]

Finish removal

If you go to Leverguns forum and search there are good instructions on removal of that finish to allow an tung? linseed ? oil matt finish. It can be done. I have similar rifles (Browning replicas 348, 32-20, 45-70, 218Bee) but am not inclined to go to that much trouble as I just use the rifles at the range and the shiny finish is not an issue. I hunt with scruffy synthetic stocked bolt actions.

 

[DudleyDR]

I had a long-barrelled '86 that was just under the 10K serial number range. It functioned perfectly and was still reasonably accurate. Capacity: the mag held 9 rounds plus one in the chamber. Loved it!

 

[grizzly71]

I'm a sucker for the old type of guns. The past 3-4 months I went on a spending spree and picked up an 1874 Sharps, an old 336 Marlin and a much wanted 1885 Winchester High Wall.

I deer hunted with the High Wall this year. What a sweet time carrying that work of art in the woods.

Nice rifles Chino Hills