I held a dream, and it was sweet.

[Dick Dastardly]

Stopped in at my local enlarged Gander Mountain store.  Great toy store.  I went into the den of inequity labeled "fine guns".  Therein I looked at guns and held a few with price tags up to, and including, $25,000.00.  It's nice to see how the better folks travel.  Then, I asked if they had any Winchester 86s. . .?  They have a new, in the box, Winchester 86 in 45-70.  I held it.  The pee ran rite down my hind laig.  Now, I've got a case of the wants so bad that only a big hunk of money will scratch it.

That gun has fit and finish that is a work of art.  The finish glows.  The wood has a very fine crotch cut figure with superb wood to metal fit seemingly to blend into each other.  The checkering is absolutely flawless.  The price was very fair.  It calls to me.  Take me home. . .

Did I say "Winchester"?  Yup, that's what it says on the gun and box.  I believe it was made before Winchester went under.

As I said, the dream was sweet.  And, it's still there and oh, do I ever feel guilty.

DD-DLoS

[Dai.S.Loe]

DD,

May I, in all good faith, just advise you to

GO FOR IT.

You have my permission to lay the blame firmly at my feet.

I have broad shoulders and a 10,000 mile location difference so as I said

GO FOT IT


Tell all who may be concerned that "that damm Kiwi made me do it"

[Frenchie]

You know what they say, Bad Man... "Life is uncertain, eat dessert first." Now you can blame it on me, too: "That damn Frenchman helped the Kiwi make me do it." 

We're gonna want pics!

[Fox Creek Kid]

D.D., not to rain on your parade, but try to find one of the Browning 1886 rifles made in Japan as they do not have that abominable tang safety that the new Winchesters have and which stands out like a t_ _ d in a punch bowl. I believe the Browning '86's are worth more in value as well.

[Dick Dastardly]

Thanks Kid,

For some reason I can't remember any safety on this gun.  It was made before Winchester went under and it was made in Japan.  I'll look again.

DD-DLoS

[Dr. Bob]

DD,

Get yerself back there when that den of temptation opens tomorrow and snatch that WINCHESTER up and lay down the cold hard cash.  [I keep my mad money in the freezer because it is fireproof!! ]  It won't be there long and you will spend the rest of your years kicking yourself in the a$$!  [Been there and done that. ]  Blame it on me, who had been down this road before! GO FOR IT!!!!

[Nichols Creek Ranger]

I have it on good authority that a member of hte Brady Bunch agin guns, is gonna buy that rifle and cut it up in effigy.  So if you aint already got it you better hurry.....

[Pettifogger]

Depends on what you mean by "before Winchester went under."  If you mean the actual Winchester Company in New Haven you have a rare piece if it is an original 86 in the box.  If you mean before USRAC quit making 94's, that had nothing to do with the 86's and "Winchester" never went under.  They are still in business ane still importing Japanese made guns and making shotguns.  If it has a tang safety, it is a modern made Japanese model.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Gotta jump in here.  I bought one from Davidsons a few years ago and have NEVER regretted it.  Yes, it has a tang safety, yes it has Japanese markings on it, yes I would prefer an "original" in many ways, but it is one fine gun.  It is so well made that I can't really find any flaws.  It is very accurate.  What can I say?  I love that gun!  (Not that you can see anything, but it is the rifle I'm holding in my avatar photo.)

I say BUY IT.  You can always sell later if you find a Browning or another Winchester you like better.

[Dick Dastardly]

The gun at Gander Mt. does have a tang safety.  I passed it up because a relative has an original Winchester 86 without the tang safety that I'm doing a trade for.  I won't say price or person, but it's a good deal.  The gun is around 95% in the blue and the wood is very good.  It's old, but I think the serial number will tell the actual age.

So, one in the hand is worth two in the bra, but this second gun looks like a real original in all regards.

DD-DLoS

[Pettifogger]

All of the 86's are exceptionally well built.  But, if you can get one, you can't beat an original.  One with 95% original finish is a real prize.  Sounds like you are getting a good one.  What caliber is it?

[Dick Dastardly]

She's a 45-70 Larsen.  I've had my eye on it for a long time.  The gun got very little use because it was replaced by a model 94 30-30.  Seems Wisconsin folks don't cotton to carrying that much gun around for Bambi killin'.  Here in Wisconsin the 30-30 Winchester has ruled the deer hunt for many years.

FWIW, I have buckets full of 30-30 brass that folks gave me cuz they knew I reloaded.  I've found that they fireform nicely into 38-55 for my Win 94 in that caliber.  That gun has a slightly shorter chamber and some 38-55 brass is too long for it.  The brass I make from 30-30 works great in it.  The gun is very accurate.  I hope the 86 will shoot as well.

DD-DLoS

[Coal Creek Griff]

See now, if I had had a chance at an "original" '86, I'd have gone that way as well.  I spent several years (off and on) searching far and wide for an '86 in .45-70 that I could afford before I bought the new one.  Given the choice, I'd go the same route you did.

Congratulations!  It sounds like you have quite a find.

CC

PS--I need to see some pictures when you get it.

(modified to add the PS)

[Dick Dastardly]

I need to do a serial number check, but I think the gun was made before Miroku got in the act.  The Jap guns are good, but this one was probably made here.  Regardless, it was well cared for, the bore is bright and shiny and there is no rust anywhere.  Now, I have to wait for my relative to set a price.  It will be fair both ways, but it will take some time.

DD-DLoS