Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine

Serial Number: 988380

Year of Manufacture: 1929 / C&R

Caliber: .38 W.C.F (.38-40)

Action Type: Lever Action, Full length Tubular Magazine Fed

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 92-”, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”, “-38 W.C.F.-”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN.CONN.-”. The top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.”. The top of the barrel and receiver are each marked with the Winchester Oval WP proof. The bottom front of the receiver is marked with the serial number “988380”.

Barrel Length: 20”, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a raised block integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a ladder sight dovetailed to the barrel presenting a fixed u-notch when down and a sliding u-notch when up. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are refinished 2-piece smooth wood with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, saddle ring and steel carbine-style buttplate. There is minor scattered finish loss and a few handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are some scuffs on the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning on the leading edges and at the muzzle. There is intermittent finish loss on the receiver that has introduced some faint erosion and discoloration. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine, manufactured in 1929, represents the later production phase of John M. Browning’s compact and fast handling lever action, a design long favored for mounted and working use. Chambered in .38 W.C.F. (.38-40) with a 20 inch round barrel, this SRC configuration reflects Winchester’s continued emphasis on balance and reliability during the interwar years. Correct barrel markings, oval WP proofs, ladder rear sight, and factory saddle ring firmly anchor the rifle within pre-64 production and classic Winchester carbine form. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, and the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and proper half-cock safety. Overall presentation is consistent with a well maintained working carbine that preserves its original character and period features.