Winchester Model 1892 92 .32-20 WCF Lever Rifle Lyman Tang Sight, 1909 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1155
LSB#: 220117LJ041
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 498255
Year of Manufacture: 1909
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a full-length magazine tube.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED OCTOBER 14. 1884.”, the left shoulder at the chamber with “32 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel at the receiver and the top of the receiver’s chamber ring are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The underside of the receiver is marked “498255”. The upper tang is marked “REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF. / -WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“. The top tang has been marked “MOD. 1892” in front of the tang sight and the left of the receiver has been marked “FROM W F. SHEARD / TACOMA, WASH.”
Barrel Length: 24″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble 34W white-beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The front sight is only finger-tight to the dovetail and can be pushed out by hand. The rear sight is a “U”-notch folding sight with a white (now yellow) diamond aiming reference dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation and can be reversed to present a “V”-notch. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding Lyman peep sight installed adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. There is a hole in the belly for a sling stud which is not present, appearing to have stripped out. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a tiny loss at the top-front corner of the wrist to the right of the top tang and another on the bottom-front corner to the right of the bottom tang. There are spots of pooled finish. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has been treated with cold blue, showing wear in the face with stronger finish toward the toe and on the heel. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly toward the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and light surface oxidation. There is some scattered minor erosion under the finish. Thee action shows operational wear. The mainspring strain-screw is missing. The remaining screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The mainspring strain-screw is missing. The hammer has a half-cock safety. 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 Rifle made in 1909 and chambered in .32-20 Winchester. This rifle is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished with about 85% of its new finish remaining. The bore has some light erosion, but the rifling is strong and the mechanics are strong. This vintage rifle has seen some honest wear over the last 110 years but is in very good mechanical condition. The .32-20 Win. cartridge was a very popular cartridge in its day which would put food on the table, protect livestock and defend hearth and home. It was once a favorite with farmers, ranchers, pot hunters and trappers. With its pre-WWI manufacture date, this rifle should be of interest to the Winchester collectors and with its strong bore and mechanics, it could be restored and taken back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!