Question about nickel steel barrels in the 86 winchester

[jjh501]

I was at the gun show in Tulsa this past weekend and found an 86 45-90 in about 60% condition. It was made in 1915 based on the serial number but it did not have Nickel Steel on its barrel. All other barrel markings were present. Could this be an older barrel that was used to reduce inventory since the 45-90 was being phased out? Did Winchester stop putting the Nickel Steel notation on their barrels at any time?
I'm interested in this rifle and would greatly appreciated any information. Thanks.

[M. M. Wright]

I pretty much have the same rifle from 1916 and it is not marked "nickel Steel" either. I don't know when they started using that steel and putting that mark on the barrel but I'll bet we're about to find out when some of guy who really know this stuff chime in.

[Mescalero]

I bet Six knows the answer.

[earlmck]

I bet Six knows the answer.

And if he doesn't I'll bet we have several others who do. I just took a look at my 1909 32 Special and it does say "Nickel Steel". (I'm using our updated serial No. info; Madis would date it 1907).

[Marvin S]

Not sure but I dont think the low pressure rounds were marked Nickle steel. Kind of like 94,s in 38-55 vs 30 wcf. Just my guess,

[FLINT]

I don't know if this applies to the 1886, but I have an 1894 in 32-40 that was made in 1921, and the top of the barrel does not say 'nickel steel', but there is a stamp on the underside of the barrel - under the forearm that indicates that it is nickel steel. I learned about how to look for that stamp several years ago on this forum - I could try to dig up the information from that post - but again, maybe it wouldn't apply to your rifle.

[Marvin S]

Most all newer 94's and by newer I mean teens and twenty's will have nickle steel barrels while not maybe outwardly marked as such it will be under the chamber area such as MNS for Midvale Nickle Steel. If it was marked on the outside it was supposed to be special order. This applies to the 32-40 and 38-55 the 30WCF and 25-35 where always high pressure steel. Forgot that 32WS

[jjh501]

Thanks for the info. I'll check under the forearm for any additional marks.

[CowboyTutt]

This would have been a thread that Mike D. would have known the answer too. RIP Mike. I miss you. Sorry we did not have the chance to meet up. -Tutt