Restored Winchester 1876

Manufactured in 1883 and chambered in the hard-hitting .50-95 Winchester Center Fire cartridge, this Winchester Model 1876 represents the pinnacle of Winchester’s early big-bore lever action development. Often referred to as the “Centennial Model,” the 1876 was built for sportsmen, ranchers, and frontiersmen who demanded substantial power paired with the speed and reliability of a repeating rifle.

This example has been comprehensively restored by Turnbull Restoration with a steadfast commitment to historical authenticity and preservation of original character. The original 26-inch barrel was carefully recrowned and reinstalled, with the rifle subsequently test-fired to verify proper performance. Internally, the action was fully disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and serviced where needed.

The original walnut buttstock and forend were painstakingly preserved, with handling marks raised through steaming, wrist cracks professionally repaired, and the wood refinished in our traditional Red Oil finish. Original checkering patterns were faithfully recut, returning crisp detail while maintaining the rifle’s period-correct appearance.

Metal finishes were restored using traditional methods appropriate to the era. The barrel and magazine tube were rust blued, while the receiver, lever, hammer, forend cap, and crescent buttplate received vivid bone charcoal color case hardening. The extractor and loading gate were nitre blued, and the bolt, sights, screws, and small parts were finished in charcoal blue. Original markings throughout the rifle were carefully restored and preserved.

The result is a mechanically sound, visually striking Winchester 1876 restoration that embodies the appearance, character, and presence of a premier late 19th century sporting rifle. Featured on the cover of the 2026 Turnbull Restoration calendar, this rifle stands as an outstanding opportunity for the advanced Winchester collector seeking a significant big-bore lever action with exceptional presentation and craftsmanship.

Listing includes Cody letter and 40 rounds of .50-95 WCF.

Related Winchester 1876 Content