Winchester 45 90 barrel markings

[jjh501]

A while back I bought a Winchester 86 in 45- 90 made in 1914 with no "nickel steel" markings on the barrel. I took the forearm off and found the initials MNS on the barrel. These initials were for Midvale Nickel Steel. I have seen a couple of other late model 45-70s marked like this as well. You may want to check under the forearm if you have one made after 1900. This may make a difference if you want to load your cartridges a little hotter and still be safe. Happy shooting/

[Sixgun]

Yes, and it's my guess that your 45-90 is of standard configuration old style, meaning it's not the extra lightweight version. That was common practice to mark the extra lightweights or lightweights with the nickel steel marking while the heavier 1886's did not have that marking on the outside, but like you said, under the barrel.

It was believed at the time that the newer steel was not as accurate with the blackpowder cartridges but because the barrel was much thinner with the extra lightweights, people did not think the barrel would be strong enough, especially with the Hi-Vel smokeless that were just becoming to be "in vogue"

It's the same reason Marlin decided to have their 1893's that were chambered for the old blackpowder cartridges in either blackpowder steel or special smokeless.

This 45-90 was made in 1905 and is an extra-lightweight and has the nickel steel markings.----6

[OldWin]

I know everyone likes the oldies, but I'd think you'd have a much better chance of finding a good bore with the later nickel barrel. My 45-90 is a standard octagon rifle made in 1888. It's ok but is pitted.

Yours looks pretty good Six. Now I actually prefer the lightweights as they are easier to hunt with.

[Sixgun]

Old Win.
I like those extra lightweights too. Got 2 in 45-90, one in 45-70 and a standard lightweight in 33. The extra lightweights really bark with heavy loads like 40 some grains of RL -7 and a 400 cast. Here's another 45-90 extra lightweight that only comes out about once a year.

[OldWin]

Yeah I'm sure there is a lot more recoil with heavier loads in the lightweights. Luckily, 45-90 doesn't have to be hot to be serious.

Man, you got some awesome stuff Jack. Thanks for the pic.