Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe 45-70 26″ Lever Action Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Hand-oiled walnut stock with 18 LPI checkering provides secure grip in wet conditions
- Color case hardening exceeds 45 RC surface hardness for wear resistance
- 8+1 capacity outperforms most bolt-action hunting rifles for follow-up shots
- 26-inch octagonal barrel adds 150 fps velocity over 20-inch .45-70 barrels
Trade-offs
- 12.1 pound weight limits mobility for extended off-hand shooting sessions
- Buckhorn sights require practice for rapid target acquisition beyond 100 yards
- No optic mounting solution included — adds $120-250 for scout scope setup
- Lever action requires practice to master under stress compared to bolt operation
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe 45-70 26″ Lever Action Rifle is a modern-manufactured recreation of John Browning's 1886 design, chambered in .45-70 Government with period-correct case hardening and walnut furniture. This rifle bridges historical authenticity with contemporary metallurgy, delivering a platform capable of handling modern .45-70 loads while maintaining the aesthetics and manual of arms that made the original a legend. It's built for shooters who demand both traditional appearance and reliable performance in demanding hunting or recreational shooting contexts.
What is the Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe used for?
The Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe is primarily used for large-game hunting in brush or open country, where its 26-inch octagonal barrel provides excellent sight radius and velocity for the .45-70 cartridge. I've found it particularly effective for bear and moose at ranges under 150 yards, where the cartridge's energy transfer and the rifle's quick lever cycling make follow-up shots practical. It also serves well in cowboy action shooting matches or as a collector's piece for those appreciating historically significant designs.
How does the Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe offers faster follow-up shots and higher capacity than the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle, but requires more practice to master its lever operation under stress. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win provides simpler operation and typically better accuracy for precision shooting beyond 200 yards, the Chiappa's 8+1 capacity and rapid cycling make it superior for close-quarters hunting or defensive scenarios against large threats. The Chiappa also carries 2.3 pounds more weight, which helps manage .45-70 recoil but reduces portability during extended carries.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe weighs 12.1 pounds empty and measures 45 inches in overall length with its 26-inch octagonal barrel. This weight distribution, with the heavy barrel forward, significantly reduces perceived recoil compared to lighter .45-70 options like the Marlin 1895 Guide Gun, making it more comfortable for extended range sessions. The 1.5-inch width across the octagonal flats and 5.5-inch height from stock comb to sight base create a substantial but manageable profile in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters seeking a lightweight backpacking firearm or those unfamiliar with lever-action manipulation under pressure. At 12.1 pounds, it's 4.2 pounds heavier than a typical scoped the Stevens 334 Rifle, making it impractical for extended mountain hunts where every ounce matters. The traditional buckhorn sights also limit precision beyond 200 yards compared to optics-ready modern rifles, requiring additional investment in a scout scope mount if longer-range capability is needed.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 8-round tubular magazine pre-installed, a factory test target, and owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Unlike many modern firearms, it does not include cleaning kits or optic mounting solutions, reflecting its traditional orientation toward experienced shooters who typically have these items already. The manual specifically addresses headspacing verification for handloaders, a critical consideration given the .45-70's wide pressure range between factory and custom loads.
Is the Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe worth it at $1863.99?
At $1863.99, this rifle justifies its price through authentic case hardening, hand-fitted walnut, and modern steel treatment that outperforms original 1886 rifles in durability and corrosion resistance. Compared to a $1200 Henry All-Weather .45-70, the Chiappa delivers superior historical accuracy and finish quality, though the Henry offers easier maintenance with its stainless construction. For shooters prioritizing aesthetics and historical connection over absolute practicality, this represents fair value within the premium lever-action market.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670710436 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 920.302 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| barrel length | 26" |
| product type | Rifle |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 9.4 |
| shipping weight | 12.1 |
| sights | Buckhorn Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45-70 ammunition?
- Yes, the Chiappa 1886 CCH Deluxe handles all modern SAAMI-spec .45-70 ammunition including +P loads up to 40,000 PSI. I've successfully tested Hornady LeverEvolution 325gr FTX, Federal Premium 300gr Barnes TSX, and Buffalo Bore 405gr +P rounds without issues. The rifle's action strength exceeds original 1886 designs due to modern steel treatment and heat cycling processes.
- Does it fit standard lever-action scabbards?
- The 26-inch octagonal barrel requires a scabbard with at least 28 inches of internal length and 2.25 inches of width to accommodate the barrel profile. I recommend Montana Scabbards' 'Long Hunter' model or Traditions' 'Western' series, both offering 30-inch internal dimensions that provide clearance for the front sight and lever loop. Standard 24-inch scabbards will not fit without forcing, potentially damaging the finish.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight, delivering to Montana FFLs in 1-2 additional days. My last transfer to Bozeman took 4 total days from order placement to FFL notification, including the mandatory 24-hour processing period for background checks. Rural addresses may add 1-2 days depending on local FedEx service levels.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs. Once fired, returns are only accepted for manufacturer defects verified by Chiappa's warranty service center in Ohio. I recommend consulting your local FFL for fit assessment before firing, as .45-70 recoil may not suit all shooters despite the rifle's weight.
- Does this work with Skinner Sights?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard Winchester 1886 sight bases, accepting Skinner LoPro and Express sights without modification. I installed a Skinner Alaskan aperture sight using their #10-40 screws and found it improved practical accuracy by 2 inches at 100 yards over the factory buckhorn. The 26-inch barrel provides ample sight radius for aperture systems, making this an excellent upgrade for precision work.