Winchester's Model 1876, sometimes referred to as Centennial Model, was company's response to the public's demand for a repeater rifle capable of handling larger and more potent calibers. Many single-shot rifles were available at this time to shoot more powerful cartridges. Winchester redesigned earlier Model 1873 to answer this need. Principal changes made to Model 1873, were a larger and stronger receiver to handle more powerful cartridges. Both the carbine and musket had their forearms extended to cover the full-length of the magazine tube. Carbine barrel was increased in length from 20" to 22"; musket barrel from 30 to 32". Model 1876 was the first Winchester to be offered with a pistol-grip stock on its special Sporting Rifle. Model 1876 was available in these calibers: .45-77 WCF, .50-95 Express, .45-60 WCF, .40-60 WCF.

Model 1876 was offered in four different styles:
1. Sporting Rifle: 28" round, octagon or half-octagon barrel. Fitted with a straight-grip stock, with crescent iron buttplate. A special sporting rifle was offered with a pistol-grip stock.
2. Express Rifle: 26" round, octagon or half-octagon barrel. Same sporting rifle stock was used.
3. Carbine: 22" round barrel, with full-length forearm secured by one barrel band and straight-grip stock.
4. Musket: 32" round barrel, with full-length forearm secured by one barrel band and straight-grip stock.

Stamped on barrel is Winchester address with King's patent date. Caliber marking is stamped on bottom of receiver near magazine tube and breech end of barrel. Winchester also furnished Model 1876 in 1-of-100 and 1-of-1000 special guns. Only eight 1-of-100 1876s were built; and 54 1-of-1000 1876s. As with their Model 1873 counterparts, these rare guns often sell in the $75,000 range or more. Approximately 64,000 Model 1876s were built by Winchester between 1876 and 1897. As with other Winchesters prices given are for standard guns.