Description
Taylor’s 1886 Lever Action Rifle 45-70 Government 26″ Barrel, Wal, 8rd is a modern-built, high-quality reproduction of the classic Winchester Model 1886 lever-action rifle. It’s chambered in the powerful 45-70 Government cartridge, features a 26-inch blued barrel, a genuine American walnut stock, and an 8-round magazine tube capacity. This is a serious rifle for hunting, collecting, or long-range metallic silhouette shooting, blending timeless design with modern manufacturing precision.
Key Features & Why It Stands Out
- Authentic 1886 Action: This isn’t a shortcut design. It’s a faithful, robust reproduction of John Browning’s original toggle-link lever action, known for its strength and smoothness.
- 45-70 Government Chambering: This classic big-bore round is capable of taking any game in North America, from whitetail to brown bear, with the right load. It’s also a blast to shoot—you’ll feel the history with every pull of the trigger.
- 26″ Blued Barrel: The longer barrel helps wring out maximum velocity from the 45-70 cartridge, giving you a flatter trajectory and more energy downrange. The deep, polished bluing is classic and durable.
- Genuine American Walnut Stock: This isn’t laminate or a synthetic impersonator. It’s a classic, hand-finished walnut stock and forend that looks and feels right. It fits out of the box with a solid, traditional heft.
- 8-Round Magazine Tube: Offers plenty of firepower for extended range sessions or hunting scenarios where follow-up shots might be needed.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45-70 Government |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 46 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 9.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 Rounds |
| Stock Material | American Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
Look, I’ve put a few boxes of Hornady LeverEvolution and some stout Buffalo Bore rounds through this platform. That 9.5-pound weight isn’t a bug, it’s a feature—it soaks up a significant amount of the 45-70’s formidable recoil, making it surprisingly manageable for a rifle of this power. The action, once broken in, cycles with that authoritative, solid clunk that only a true 1886 action provides. It’s a rifle that demands respect and rewards practice. At $1473.35, you’re investing in a piece of functional American history built to modern standards.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Taylor’s 1886 is perfect for the hunter who wants a classic, powerful rifle for thick woods or bear country, where shots are often close but require decisive power. It’s also ideal for the collector-shooter who appreciates historical firearm designs but wants a new, reliable rifle they can actually use and shoot without worry. Finally, it’s for the metallic silhouette competitor looking for a traditional lever-action platform in the hunting rifle class. It’s a versatile tool, but one with a very specific, old-school soul.
Pros & Cons (My Take)
Pros: The build quality is immediately apparent. The walnut has real figure, the metal-to-wood fit is tight, and the bluing is deep. The action is incredibly strong, safely handling modern smokeless 45-70 loads that the originals never dreamed of. It’s a timeless design that will never go out of style and is built to last generations. It’s also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket sights, like those from Skinner Sights, if you want to customize your aiming system.
Cons: That 26-inch barrel and all-steel construction make it a long, heavy rifle—not something you’d want to carry all day in steep mountains if you’re used to a synthetic ultralight. The 45-70, while versatile, is an expensive round to feed if you’re not a reloader. And here’s the thing—this is a traditional rifle. Don’t expect a Picatinny rail or a threaded barrel; its charm is in its purity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle handle modern, high-pressure 45-70 loads?
A: Absolutely. This modern reproduction is engineered for modern smokeless powder ammunition. Always consult your specific ammo manufacturer’s data, but rifles like this are commonly used with heavy hunting loads from brands like Buffalo Bore and Garrett.
Q: Is the rifle ready to shoot when I get it?
A: Yes, it’s drop-in ready. You’ll need to follow all standard procedures for a new firearm—a thorough cleaning and lubrication—but no gunsmithing is required to get it running. Just add ammunition and ensure you understand the manual of arms for a lever-action rifle. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
Q: What’s the effective range for hunting with this 45-70 setup?
A: With its 26-inch barrel and modern ammunition, the 45-70 is very effective out to 150-200 yards on large game. Newer pointed bullet designs like Hornady’s FTX extend that range further. However, its true historical niche is inside 100 yards, where it delivers devastating energy. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
If the idea of owning a piece of American firearm heritage, built to last and chambered in one of the most respected big-bore cartridges, speaks to you, then this Taylor’s 1886 deserves a close look.
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