The Chiappa 1886 is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government with a 26-inch barrel, hand-oiled checkered walnut stock, and a color case hardened receiver over a blued barrel. It holds 8 rounds in the tube magazine. The design reproduces the Winchester 1886 profile, a full-length rifle with a beefy action built to handle the .45-70's substantial chamber pressure. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1886 45-70 Government 
• Manufacturer: Chiappa Firearms 
• Type: Lever Action Rifle 
• Caliber: .45-70 Government 
• Barrel Length: 26 inches 
• Capacity: 8 rounds (magazine tube feed) 
• Weight: 10 lbs (160 ounces) 
• Total Length: 45 inches 
• Stock Material: Hand Oiled Checkered Walnut 
• Receiver Finish: Color Case Receiver/Blued Barrel 
   

Detailed Features 

The color case receiver provides the traditional 19th-century lever-rifle appearance (mottled blues, purples, and reds that vary across individual examples), while the barrel carries a standard blue finish. The hand-oiled checkered walnut stock gives a good grip surface and ages naturally with use. 
 
An adjustable windage blade front sight and buckhorn adjustable rear sight allow for elevation and windage correction without optics. The 8-round tube magazine keeps you in the action longer than a 4- or 5-round alternative. At 10 lbs., the rifle is hefty, which helps absorb the .45-70's recoil at factory pressures.

The Chiappa 1886 draws admiration for its aesthetics. The color case receiver and walnut stock combination looks the part of a classic lever gun, and owners consistently remark on the quality of the wood finish and the visual contrast between the case colors and blued barrel.

Shooting impressions are generally positive. The .45-70 Government is a serious caliber, more than adequate for large game including bear, and the 10 lb. rifle absorbs factory-pressure loads without punishing recoil. The lever action cycles reliably and the adjustable sights give usable precision at hunting distances.

The weight gets the most consistent criticism. At 10 lbs. unloaded, carrying it over long distances in the field is tiring, and some users prefer lighter rifles for backcountry hunting. The learning curve for lever-action operation compared to bolt-action is occasionally mentioned, though this applies to the format generally rather than to the Chiappa specifically.

Overall, buyers who want a visually traditional, full-length .45-70 lever rifle for big game hunting or collecting tend to be satisfied with the Chiappa 1886.