Manufactured in 1884 when the West remained very much untamed. The Model 1876 was the first Winchester lever action rifle offered in calibers truly suitable for hunting large and dangerous game. The larger caliber Model 1876 was popular among those in the West who believed .44-40 wasn't quite enough stopping power for whatever they might encounter. With only 63,871 rifles and carbines manufactured between 1876 and 1897, surviving examples of the Model 1876 rifle are scarce. Generally being viewed as a working gun, these rifles saw hard use and thus these lever actions are rarely encountered in high condition such as this example. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, an "1876" marked folding ladder rear sight, and a tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester address/King's patent marking ahead of the rear sight and "CAL. 40-60" at the breech .The caliber marking is again marked on the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The third model receiver features an integral dust cover rail and a dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The buttstock is fitted with a trap door crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The plain forearm and straight grip stock are walnut.

Very fine, retaining 75% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 50% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. 30% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is fine with a number of minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.