Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 808360
Year of Manufacture: 1916 / C&R
Caliber: .25-20 Winchester, .25-20 W.C.F.
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 20"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade set and pinned to a raised block. The rear sight is a carbine ladder sight which presents a fixed u-notch when down and a sliding u-notch leaf, dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present. The front sight has been replaced.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and carbine style steel buttplate. The left side of the receiver has a saddle ring. The stocks have scattered compressions, nicks, and scratches. The stocks have been refinished and some of the nicks are dark with stain. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is light to mild erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows mild handling wear, intermittent oxidation, and thinning on the leading edges. The action shows operational wear. There is some erosion on the lever. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about 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: Winchester introduced the John M. Browning-designed Model 1892 as a lighter, more compact adaptation of the powerful Model 1886 action. Its dual vertical locking lugs provided substantial strength in a fast-handling receiver sized for Winchester’s shorter cartridges, and the carbine configuration became particularly well suited to horseback carry, ranch use, and the woods. The .25-20 W.C.F. chambering gave the Model 1892 a mild-recoiling option for small game, pest control, and informal target shooting, while the 20" saddle-ring carbine remains one of the model’s most recognizable configurations.
This 1916 Saddle Ring Carbine retains about 75% of its current blue refinish, with intermittent oxidation, edge thinning, operational wear, and erosion on the lever. Its refinished stocks remain solid despite scattered handling marks, while the bright 7/10 bore retains defined rifling with light to mild erosion. The action functions correctly, the half-cock position operates as intended, and the trigger is crisp. Though the refinished metal and wood limit its originality, this remains an attractive and practical .25-20 carbine with the compact handling and classic profile that have long made the Model 1892 a favorite among Winchester enthusiasts.
