1886 Extra Lightweight rifles
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 10:06 pmAs many collectors already know, the original Extra Lightweight Takedown 1886s came in .45-70 for the most part. Technically, the .33 W.C.F. rifles WERE NOT Extra Lightweights, but were listed in the catalogs as "Rifle, Caliber .33". Plenty of folks are under the misconception that the 24" barreled .33 Winchesters, but simply ain't the case. Nothing wrong them, though, I love the .33 and own 5 of them in different configurations. What are very difficult to find are ELTDs in other calibers than .45-70. I have the great fortune to own one each in .38-56 W.C.F. and .45-90 W.C.F. The .45-90 has a full magazine and special sights and the .38-56 wears a 1/2 Octagon barrel. Both rifles have excellent bore and nickel steel barrels, so the use of HV smokeless loads is the norm. They are also superbly accurate.
