Custom Corner
Turnbull Restoration Co. Winchester 1876
column By: Jeremiah Polacek | September, 26
The rifle itself is a true work of art, with Turnbull’s outstanding color case hardening prominent on the action, forend cap and buttplate. The deep blue, black and metallic hues change under the light and is one area of the rifle where a picture is worth 2,000 words.
They also refinished the buttstock and forend, bringing to life the elegant grain structure hidden within the wood. The checkering was re-cut at the wrist and forend by hand, with prominent lines you can feel as you shoulder the rifle. They also installed a new 26-inch octagon barrel, with the original barrel included with the sale of the rifle. This makes this rifle ideal for both collectors and shooters. The polishing was done with precision and attention to detail, with every square inch of polished metal enhancing the rifle’s overall appearance.
The devil is in the details, and with this rifle, there is no room for him. From the stampings and caliber markings, everything is executed extremely well and aligns with the rifle’s overall aesthetic and historical significance. The sights are expertly dovetailed into the barrel and pair perfectly with the charcoal-blued dust cover. In fact, every aspect of this rifle matches the letter from the Cody Firearms Museum, which details the factory specifications for this exact rifle, that was received in 1882 and shipped from the warehouse in 1883.
Having the privilege of handling this rifle as well as shooting this rifle, I can say with certainty that it shoots as good as it looks, with 5 shots grouping under an inch at 75 yards. While handling this rifle, I can’t help but think about the generations of the past that have used rifles to defend their homes, our nation and our sovereignty. It fills one with a sense of pride to experience something greater, and this rifle is something that you can touch as well as feel the connection to the continuity of something greater. I doubt the folks at Winchester thought that in another 150 years the Model 1876 would be around to be celebrating yet another birthday of the nation – yet it’s 2026 and here we are with a stunning example of American craftsmanship all thanks to the good folks at Turnbull Restoration Co.
