Custom Winchester 1892 24″ .218 Bee Model 65 Barrel Lever Rifle, 1906 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,250.00

WOA#: WY240526BJ260

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms 

Model: Custom 1892 

Serial Number: 343475 

Year of Manufacture: 1906 

Caliber: .218 Bee 

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed 

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”, “-MODEL 65-“, “WINCHESTER / -PROOF STEEL-“, “218 BEE-“. The top-rear of the barrel has a Winchester proof and an ovalled “P” (replacement barrel installed outside the factory). The underside of the receiver is marked “343475” at the front. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”. There is a Winchester proof on the top of the chamber ring. 

Barrel Length: 24 1/4″ (24″ nominal), Round 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman brass beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood that is not present. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding Marble tang sight installed, adjustable for elevation. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable marks. There is scattered discoloration. There are a few minor losses around the edges. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with scattered scratching and some light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The barrel is not original to the gun. 

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is fairly evenly scattered wear, a little more notable in the receiver. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor surface oxidation and infrequent erosion. The action has operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-plus condition as not parts-original. 

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 is a Winchester Model 1892 Rifle that has been customized. The receiver was made in 1906 and the barrel has been replaced with a Model 65 barrel chambered for .218 Bee. The rifle has a half-length magazine and has been equipped with a Marble folding tang sight. The result is a handy carbine chambered for a great varmint cartridge. The rifle shows wear consistent with its age and use in the field. This rifle may be of interest to the Winchester collectors but should also still make for a great rifle to deal with small game. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud