The Taylor's & Co. 1886 Takedown is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Govt, built on the Winchester 1886 pattern with a 26" octagonal barrel and a case-hardened brown finish over a walnut stock. The 1886 action is notably stronger than the earlier 1873 or 1876 Winchesters, which is what makes it suitable for the .45-70 round. The takedown design lets you separate the barrel from the receiver for easier transport or storage. At 9 lbs and 45" overall, it handles the caliber's recoil without being punishing. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1886 Takedown 
• Caliber: .45-70 Govt 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Barrel Length: 26" 
• Barrel Profile: Octagonal 
• Overall Length: 45" 
• Capacity: 8+1 rounds 
• Weight: 9 lbs 
• Finish: Case Hardened Brown 
• Stock: Walnut 
• Sights: Blade front / Buckhorn rear 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The octagonal barrel is a period-correct design choice that adds mass near the muzzle, which helps with recoil management and stability. The blade front and buckhorn rear sights are traditional iron sights that work well for typical hunting distances with .45-70. The takedown feature is practical. The rifle breaks down quickly without tools and goes back together without losing zero. .45-70 Govt is a versatile round that covers everything from light cast-bullet loads to full-pressure modern loads for large, dangerous game. The case-hardened finish on the receiver gives each rifle a slightly unique color pattern. 
 

Target Audience 

• Big-game hunters who want a lever-action .45-70 with a traditional 1886 profile. 
• Cowboy action shooters and collectors who want a functional rifle with period-correct aesthetics. 
• Hunters who need a compact takedown rifle that's easy to transport. 
   

Usage Scenarios 

• Big game hunting: .45-70 Govt handles elk, bear, and other large game effectively; the 26" barrel gives it good downrange performance. 
• Sport shooting: The 1886 action cycles smoothly and is well-suited to lever-action competition formats. 
• Collection and display: The walnut stock and case-hardened finish make this a presentable piece alongside other classic lever guns.

Owners of the Taylor's 1886 Takedown in .45-70 generally respond well to the rifle's fit and finish. The walnut stock and octagonal barrel get positive remarks for traditional looks and quality of wood-to-metal fit, and the case-hardened finish is appreciated for its visual character. The smooth lever action comes up often as a strong point. .45-70 Govt performance on big game, stopping power and reliability, is consistently cited positively by hunters.

Weight, at 9 lbs, and .45-70 recoil are the most common practical trade-offs mentioned. For hunters carrying the rifle all day, the weight is noticeable. Recoil with full-pressure loads is substantial, and some owners recommend a recoil pad for extended sessions. These are inherent characteristics of the caliber and rifle size rather than defects, and most buyers who buy knowing what .45-70 is don't complain.

Overall the Taylor's 1886 Takedown has a solid reputation among lever-gun enthusiasts who want a functional, attractive .45-70 in the 1886 pattern.