Winchester model 1886

Morning all!
I have a differant one this morning.
i was given a winchester 1886 in 45-70 by my father-in-law last night.I know it
was manufactured in 1889 by the serial number. it is a beautiful weapon. now my problem is it has some unusual things on it. it has a V over a P stamped on the barrel near the receiver. it also has a very small eagles head stamped there also!
Any ideas? i think it was a military rifle at one time!


Thanks, Kevin

hi kevin,
i don't have the resourses for the rifle markings and special winchesters that where made, check out this site. they have some markings listed.
http://armscollectors.com/

Kim

Thanks Kim!
I will give it a shot!

KPL,

I am a new moderator on the site. I am also extremely jealous. Ever since handing over his daughter at the altar my father in law has never given me a rifle. But hey his daughter was a great find.

Did you ever find out about the barrel markings on the 1886. If you want to send me some photos I have some friends who I am sure can identify them and let us know. The .45-70 is a great rifle. And you can still purchase ammo for it fairly easily. A lot of the 1886 calibers are hand load only.

Let me know if I can help
2bit