Winchester Model 1866 Short Rifle Lever Action – .38 Special
£1,395.00
If any single rifle defines the spirit of 19th century America, it is the Winchester Model 1866. Not a reproduction. Not an homage. This is the genuine article, reborn with the same soul and character that made Oliver Winchester one of the great industrialists of his era and helped shape the course of the American West. More than a firearm, the Model 1866 is a living piece of industrial and cultural history — a testament to the American revolution in manufacturing that changed the world forever.
Chambered in .38 Special, this Short Rifle is a real, fully functional working firearm — not a display piece. Whether you are drawn to cowboy action shooting, pursuing a unique hunting experience, or simply want the pleasure of shouldering one of the most iconic lever-actions ever produced, the Model 1866 Short Rifle delivers an experience unlike any other rifle on the market today.
At the heart of this rifle’s unmistakable appearance is its fully bright-polished brass receiver, which casts a deep, warm, traditional glow that immediately explains the Yellow Boy nickname. The polished brass crescent buttplate and polished brass forearm cap continue the theme with effortless elegance, while the blued steel loading gate and blued steel action screws add deliberate, tasteful contrast against the gleaming brass — a combination of materials that is as visually striking today as it was over 150 years ago.
The Grade I American black walnut straight-grip stock with its satin oil finish is velvet smooth to the touch, sitting naturally in the hand with the easy confidence of a rifle built for real use. The classic rifle-style forearm with polished brass forearm cap recreates the look and balance of the original 1866 faithfully.
Practical features are equally well considered. The open top ejection port allows for smoother, more reliable case ejection and easier single-cartridge loading, while the full-length magazine tube provides excellent ammo capacity and aids offhand balance — a genuine advantage whether competing or in the field. The folding ladder rear sight and Marble Arms gold bead front sight offer a quick, confident sight picture in any light.
This is the rifle that started it all. The Yellow Boy. Unmistakable, irreplaceable, and now yours.
Key Specifications:
- Calibre: .38 Special
- Action: Lever action
- Receiver: Fully polished brass
- Barrel: Blued steel
- Stock: Grade I American black walnut, straight grip, satin oil finish
- Forearm: Classic rifle-style with polished brass forearm cap
- Buttplate: Polished brass crescent
- Magazine: Full-length tubular
- Front Sight: Marble Arms gold bead
- Rear Sight: Folding ladder
- Ejection: Open top port
- Loading: Blued steel loading gate
Available to UK customers holding a valid Firearms Certificate (FAC). Please contact our team for licensing advice and current availability.