Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine

Serial Number: 979701

Year of Manufacture: 1927

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

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed

Barrel Length: 20", Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned in a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight, presenting a "U"-notch when folded down and with a "U"-notched slider on the ladder, marked from "0" to "20". The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a peep sight (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip and steel carbine-style buttplate. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are a few more notable marks toward the toe. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn or been cleaned to white with some scattered nicks and light erosion at the heel. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly toward the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is wear along the barrel and magazine tube forward of the forend with generally strong finish on the barrel over the forend. There are several scattered light nicks and scratches, mostly on the receiver which also has a defined wear pattern from the saddle ring. There is some minor surface oxidation, mostly in the worn areas. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle is in Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 is a Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine made in 1927. The rifle is chambered in .38-40 Winchester and has a 20" round barrel. This rifle is in Good-plus condition, showing signs of carry and transport, but retaining a surprisingly nice bore and strong mechanics. The gun looks great for its age with the distinctive wear pattern on the left of the receiver consistent with a saddle ring carbine that has served faithfully in its intended role. The .38-40 Winchester cartridge was based on the popular .44-40 but necked down to about .40 caliber, giving it a little bit higher velocity. It was once a popular round for hunting small-medium game as well as for defense. This rifle should certainly be of interest to the Winchester collectors, but also appears ready for another century back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!