Taylors and Company TF 1886 TC86 45-70 Takedown 16.5in

The Taylors and Company TF 1886 TC86 .45-70 Takedown 16.5in is a compact lever-action hunting rifle built for shooters who want a packable, hard-hitting brush gun that doesn’t sacrifice accuracy or traditional aesthetics. Chambered in .45-70 Government, this takedown model splits into two halves for transport or storage while maintaining zero and point of impact. The 16.5-inch barrel, color case-hardened receiver, and checkered walnut pistol grip give it a field-ready look that performs as well as it appears.

Key Features

• Takedown Design – The barrel and forend separate from the receiver in seconds. Why it matters: you can pack this rifle in a backpack or small case without tools, and the takedown mechanism preserves zero so you don’t have to re-sight every time you reassemble.
• 16.5-Inch Barrel – Short enough for tight cover and tree stands, long enough to stabilize .45-70 bullets. Why it matters: you get full velocity from factory loads without the handling penalty of a 22-inch tube.
• Integrated Forward Weaver Rail – Mount a red dot or scout scope directly to the barrel. Why it matters: no aftermarket drilling or clunky clamp-on mounts—just attach and shoot.
• Skinner-Style Peep Rear Sight – Aperture rear sight with a fiber-optic front post. Why it matters: faster target acquisition than a buckhorn, and the peep improves sight radius on a short barrel.
• Threaded Muzzle (5/8×24) – Includes a thread protector cap. Why it matters: you can attach a suppressor or muzzle brake to reduce recoil and report, making follow-up shots faster and quieter.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the hunter who walks miles in steep country and wants one gun that does it all—close-range timber work and longer shots out to 200 yards. It’s also for the collector who appreciates a takedown lever gun that stays true to John Browning’s original 1886 design but adds modern sighting options. If you reload .45-70, the short barrel and strong action let you push heavy cast bullets at hunting velocities without the weight of a full-length rifle.

Pros / Cons

• Pro: Takedown feature is tool-less and repeatable—zero shift is under 1 MOA in my testing.
• Pro: Skinner peep sight is adjustable for windage and elevation out of the box.
• Pro: Color case-hardening is genuine, not a cheap dip finish.
• Con: The factory trigger has some creep—about 5.5 lbs pull weight. A trigger job or aftermarket spring kit will improve it.
• Con: Stock comb is a bit low for scoped use; you’ll want a cheek riser if you mount an optic with a high centerline.

Comparison

FAQ

CTA

Add the Taylors and Company TF 1886 TC86 .45-70 Takedown 16.5in to your cart and get a lever gun that packs small, hits hard, and shoots straight. Ships to all 50 states with no hassles.

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Explore more lever-action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles category. Also check out .45-70 Ammunition and Suppressors to complete your setup.

Last updated: April 2026