Pre-64 Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine 20″ .38-40 Lever Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,085.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW103
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 340255
Year of Manufacture: 1906
Caliber: .38 W.C.F (.38-40)
Action Type: Lever action with full length tubular magazine.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co, New Haven Conn USA, Patented October 14, 1884/ 38 WCF”. The top of the barrel and receiver are each marked with the Winchester Oval WP proof. The bottom front of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20″, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding carbine style ladder sight. There is an aluminum shim under the rear sight. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, with a steel carbine buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. The buttplate has traction tape on it. The stock has been refinished. The stock and forend has been sanded and the metal is proud. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are chips and gouges throughout. The wrist is cracked on the left side. There is white staining on the right side of the stock. Overall this stock is in Poor to Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is defined. There is light erosion. There is light pitting throughout. There is a squib ring about 1″ back from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The metal has worn to a gray patina. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Poor condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly though due to bore condition we do not recommend firing. 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 Saddle Ring Carbine is a C&R-eligible Pre-64 example manufactured in 1906 and chambered in .38 W.C.F., also known as .38-40. The 20″ round barrel, full-length tubular magazine, saddle ring carbine configuration, pinned blade front sight, folding carbine ladder rear sight, banded forend, straight-grip stock, and steel carbine buttplate give it the classic early Winchester carbine profile. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight, while the aluminum shim under the rear sight is a practical but non-original sighting-related alteration.
Condition is Poor overall, with the rifle retaining virtually none of its original blue finish. The metal has worn to a gray patina with scratches and corrosion staining throughout, though the markings remain clear and the tooled screw heads are serviceable. The stock has been refinished and sanded enough that the metal is proud, which significantly reduces collector originality. The wood shows scratches, compression dents, chips, gouges, white staining on the right side, a cracked wrist on the left side, and traction tape on the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates Poor to Fair and reflects heavy age, use, and prior work.
The bore is a major concern. It is semi-bright with defined rifling, but it shows light erosion, light pitting throughout, and a squib ring about 1″ back from the muzzle, rating 4/10 in this writer’s opinion. Because of that bore condition, firing is not recommended without qualified gunsmith evaluation and corrective work. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the hammer retains its half-cock safety position, and the trigger is crisp, though the rifle has not been test fired. Overall, this is an honest early Winchester 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine in a desirable .38-40 chambering, but its value and use are substantially limited by the damaged bore, worn finish, refinished and cracked stock, and non-original sight/stock details. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF