Winchester Model 1892 92 .38-40 WCF Button Mag Lever Rifle, MFD 1913 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,076.89

LSB#: WY250131JK008

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892 Rifle

Serial Number: 171212

Year of Manufacture: 1913, C&R

Caliber: .38-40 W.C.F.

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular “Button”Magazine Fed

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO / NEW HAVEN . CONN . U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894” in front of the rear sight and “H” behind. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “38 W C F”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK.REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF.”.  The bottom of the receiver is marked “717212”.

Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal.  The barrel is a special ordered 26” Model 1894 barrel. The barrel is not original to the gun.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine elevation adjustable.  There is a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes on the left side of the receiver for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece walnut with capped checkered forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine buttplate. The stocks have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks have been refinished. The LOP measures 12 ?” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has been blued over. The toe has been filled slightly to help with buttplate fitment. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The rifle has been refinished blue entirely. There are trace amounts of case color coming through the blue. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. There are a couple nicks on the barrel that have been blued over. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition as refinished.

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: This Winchester Model 1892 Button Magazine Lever Action Rifle chambered in .38-40 W.C.F. was manufactured in 1913 and exemplifies Winchester’s early 20th-century craftsmanship. Featuring a special-ordered 26-inch octagonal barrel originally made for a Model 1894, this rifle has been refinished, retaining about 97% of its current blued finish. It includes a distinctive short “button” magazine tube, dovetailed beaded blade front sight, and semi-buckhorn adjustable rear sight. The walnut stocks feature a capped checkered forend, straight grip, and a refinished steel carbine buttplate, showing minor handling marks but no chips or cracks.

Mechanically, this rifle is in excellent condition, displaying a bright bore with sharp rifling rated at 10/10. The action remains smooth, and the hammer includes Winchester’s traditional half-cock safety feature. Although the refinishing and barrel replacement impact original collector authenticity, the overall appeal remains high due to its fine aesthetic condition, mechanical reliability, and excellent bore. This rifle is ideal for Winchester enthusiasts, offering a unique combination of collectible value and practical shooting performance. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.