A while back I bought a Winchester 86 in 45- 90 made in 1914 with no "nickel steel" markings on the barrel. I took the forearm off and found the initials MNS on the barrel. These initials were for Midvale Nickel Steel. I have seen a couple of other late model 45-70s marked like this as wel...

Took my 86 Winnie (DOB 1887) 45-90 out to the deer woods yesterday afternoon. A six point came out late about 70 yards away. He was facing me and never turned broadside. When he lowered his head to graze I shot hime at the base of the neck. He was DRT. I was using a 300 grain gas check bullet and 30...

Thanks for the info. I'll check under the forearm for any additional marks.

I was at the gun show in Tulsa this past weekend and found an 86 45-90 in about 60% condition. It was made in 1915 based on the serial number but it did not have Nickel Steel on its barrel. All other barrel markings were present. Could this be an older barrel that was used to reduce inventory since ...

Thanks for the info. My guess my eyes are getting older like the rest of me. I just can't see the sights like I used to. I've got two 71s with the Lyman 56 sights that I really like.

I've got a 86 winchester in 33 made in 1929 that I'd like to put an original period correct receiver peep sight on it. Is the Lyman 56 the
correct sight? If not, what would you suggest? Thanks.

Mine was a Glenfield 22. I was about 10 when my father gave it to me. It's still my favorite squirrel gun 43 years later.

A few months ago, there was a topic about using the hornady flex tips in the 33 wcf on this forum. How did they shoot? Did they expand adequately at the lower mv?

Thanks for the info. I thought I had adequately polished the metal prior to rusting. However, it was in pretty rough shape to begin with. Thanks, again.

I made my first attempt at rust bluing an old Remington shotgun, but instead of a nice deep finish, I got more of a matte finish. Where did I go wrong? I used a Rust Compound from Brownells. Any advice would be appreciated before my next attempt.

Thanks for the info. I was having trouble finding load data for 45 90 on the older guns. Accurate Arms provides some data with 39 grains of 5744 generating 27,000 psi, keeping it below 28,000.
However, I believe I will back down to 35-36 grains for safety sake. Thanks.

Looking for some good hunting loads for an original 86 in 45 90. Currently using 38 grain ACC 5744 with 300 grain cast gas check bullet. Thanks.

Hunting season is just around the corner. Anybody going to use an old lever action this year, and, if so what are you going to shoot?
I'll be using an 86 winchester 45-90 (1892 vintage). If I get one with it I'll use a Winchester 71 I bought last year for the second.

What Winchester 71 parts can be used in an 86? I need to replace the cartridge guide in an original 86. Is there a website that lists compatable parts for various guns?

Thanks for the info. I'll have a gunsmith polish the chamber and see if this corrects the problem.

Hi. I am new to this site but have been collecting and shooting leverguns for longtime. I recently purchased a 71 deluxe that will occasionally have a cartridge stick after firing. I'm shooting new Winchester ammo. I Have cleaned the chamber and don't think that is the problem. Any suggestions? Than...