Make: Winchester

Model: 1892

Serial Number: 790266

Year of Manufacture: 1915

Caliber: .38-40 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)

Action Type: Lever Action Carbine with Side Loading Gate fed by Tubular Magazine 

Barrel Length: 20” Round

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade slotted and pinned to a rectangular base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight, presenting a "V"-notch when down and with a "V"-notched slider on the ladder. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a banded forend, straight grip, and steel carbine style buttplate. There is a tiny split on the right side of the forend at the rear edge. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. The right side of the buttstock shows a notable bruise near the grip and a few deeper scratches at the rear. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows a mottled patina appearance with notable erosion at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks rate in Good to Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is minor erosion near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This carbine retains about 40% of its metal finish. The receiver and bands have turned a deep, dark patina, as has a large portion of the barrel. These parts also show erosion, as does the magazine tube. There is scattered erosion throughout. There are several nicks and scratches throughout. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this carbine rates in Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position but the hammer will still fall if the trigger is pulled hard enough. The trigger is crisp. We have not fired this carbine. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1892 was introduced as the successor to the iconic “Winchester ‘73”, and replaced the toggle link action of the Model 1873 with a breechblock locked with two rectangular locking bolts that made the action much stronger. It was designed by gunmaking genius John Moses Browning, and was essentially a scaled-down version of his Model 1886 rifle, the first he designed for Winchester. The Model 1892 was small and light, and ideal for the classic .44-40 WCF round and similar pistol caliber cartridges. The Model 1892 rifle was popular with ranchers, and later was the lever action of choice for many Western movies and TV shows. John Wayne famously used both M1892 rifles and carbines in many of his iconic Western roles. The M1892 rifles again became popular in the 1980s with the advent of Cowboy Action shooting, as they were smooth and dependable. 

This Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine was made in 1915 and is chambered in .38 WCF. This carbine is in Good Plus condition with about 40% of its original finish remaining. The lever locks up solidly and the action functions correctly. This carbine should be of real interest to the Winchester collectors.