Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 288631
Year of Manufacture: 1905 / C&R
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32-20 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action, Full Length Tubular Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 24" Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble No. 3 beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The tang is fitted with a Lyman tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. There are scattered handling marks. There is a very small crack on the right side of the buttstock at the heel. There are minor grain separations. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has been refinished with minor erosion at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning on the leading edges and light intermittent oxidation. Areas of the finish have taken to a mottled patina. There is takedown wear on the magtube. The action shows light operational wear. The case color on the lever is generally muting with some light figuring in the protected areas. There is light erosion on the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. 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: This rifle comes with a Winchester Factory Letter which confirms its configuration with a received in warehouse date of March 10, 1905, and a shipped from warehouse date of July 07, 1905.
Our Assessment: The Winchester 1892 is essentially a Model 1886 action which was miniaturized for use with pistol caliber cartridges. Just as the 1886 would replace the 1876, the 1892 would replace the 1873. As the 1886 was designed by John Browning, it was not difficult for him to develop the 1892. After boasting to Winchester that he would have a prototype within a month, he actually had a functioning prototype in only two weeks. The 1892 would go on to be very successful commercially and can be seen in a wide variety of classic Western films.
This example is a Winchester Model 1892 Takedown Rifle made in 1905. The rifle is chambered in .32-20 Winchester and has a 24" octagonal barrel. The .32 W.C.F. was initially introduced as a black-powder cartridge in 1882 for small-game, varmint hunting, and deer. It was once a popular round for hunting small-medium game as well as for defense. This rifle should be of interest to the Winchester collectors and may still prove to be a fun shooter.
