Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892 Rifle

Serial Number: 58114

Year of Manufacture: 1896, Antique

Caliber: .25-20 W.C.F.

Action Type: Lever Action, Full-Length Tubular Magazine Fed

Barrel Length: 24″ Nominal, 24 1/4″ Measured, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator semi-buckhorn sight dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece wood with straight grip, straight comb, crescent buttplate, and capped forend. The stocks display typical aging. There are scattered nicks and scratches along with some compressions and a few small small dents. There is a crack on the left side of the wrist at the rear of the top tang. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Hammer & Lever

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has taken to a mottled patina. The receiver has worn mostly to white. The case color has muted on the lever and hammer. There is minor erosion throughout the metal. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.

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 rifle, manufactured in 1896, represents an early example of John M. Browning’s compact and exceptionally strong lever action, a design that quickly earned a reputation for smooth handling and durability. Chambered in .25-20 W.C.F. and fitted with a 24 inch octagon barrel, this configuration reflects the late 19th century preference for small caliber, accurate sporting rifles suited to small game and light field use. The Model 1892 marked a refinement over earlier toggle link designs, offering a stronger action in a lighter, more graceful package that appealed to both hunters and rural shooters during the black powder to early smokeless transition period.

Condition reflects honest antique use, with the metal surfaces worn to a mottled patina and the receiver largely turned to white, while markings remain clear and legible. The bore shows defined rifling with light erosion consistent with age, and the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and proper half cock safety. The walnut stocks show typical wear and a visible wrist crack, indicative of long service rather than later restoration. Overall, this rifle presents as an authentic and unaltered Winchester 1892 that retains its period character and mechanical integrity, offering a tangible connection to late 19th century American sporting arms.