Winchester Repeating Arms introduced a new Model 1866 Short Rifle for 2017. This lever action gun is dubbed the “genuine Yellow Boy” by Winchester and is quite pretty in my estimation.

The Model 1866 Short Rifle is available in two calibers: .44-40 Win and .38 Special. Other than the caliber markings, the guns look nearly identical. Both share the same suggested retail price: $1,299.99.

Details:

• stock: The stock is made of Grade I American walnut with a straight grip. It has a satin oil finish. The forearm is also made of walnut with the same finish and has a brass cap. At the back of the stock is a crescent shaped brass buttplate. Both the forearm cap and buttplate are polished.
• barrel: The sporter profile barrel is 20″ in length and is blued. A full-length tube magazine rides under it. For the .44-40 gun, the twist rate is 1:26″. The .38 Special is slightly faster at 1:18.75″.
• receiver: The receive is made of brass and shares the same high polish applied to the buttplate and forearm cap. The loading gate is blued steel. The ejection port is an open top design.

• size:  Overall, the guns are 39″ long with a 13″ length of pull. Unloaded the guns weigh 7.0 pounds.
• sights: Winchester uses a ladder-style sight on the rifle. The gun is not drilled & tapped for a scope.