At which point did Winchester make the 1886 rifles for smokeless cartridges? I am assuming it was for the 33 Winchester then followed for others such as 45-70 etc.
How good is the 33 Winchester for hunting game up to the size of black bears? I have a chance to purchase an 1886 with a worn out 33 Winchester barrel. What type of costs are there to rebarrel to 33 Winchester?
Thanks!

Doug Turnbull is posting here now, shoot him a pm. He specializes in this type work.

Jim, I think Turnbull can rebore the 33 to a 45/70.

Not sure off hand when the 33 came out, but I am sure all of them are with nickle steel abrrels. The 33 was the pre 348 and a very capable cartridge for bear size animals and ?Hornady makes a 200 gerain bullet for it also.

We ahne rebored a number of them to 45-70 and the only propble would be with the magazine cap screw, it might be to deep and go through but that might onlw be for when you bore out to 50 caliber.???

Cost to doa rebore and remark runs $900 or we can rebarrel for $1300.

Heck....why not buy my fully original 1886/33 WCF with a PERFECT bore?.....for 1600. Some external finish wear.....but that's all.
Alex

Thanks for the replies. I will report later.