Pre-64 Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine 20″ .38-40 Lever Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,850.00
LSB#: LSB260302TW005
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 989578
Year of Manufacture: 1929
Caliber: .38 W.C.F (.38-40)
Action Type: Lever action with full length tubular magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 92-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, “-38 W.C.F.-“. The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / –NEW HAVEN.CONN.-“. The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER / –TRADE MARK– / -MADE IN U.S.A.-“. 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 beaded blade dovetailed into a ramp integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding carbine style ladder 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 stocks have been refinished. There is a compass on the comb. There is a patch repair on the right side of the stock. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is oil darkening at the wrist. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is very minor pitting scattered throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its original finish. The barrel is starting to wear to a blue/brown patina. The receiver has patchy bluing loss typical of Winchesters of this vintage. There are scratches and light corrosion spots throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.
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 Saddle Ring Carbine is a desirable Pre-64, C&R-eligible example manufactured in 1929 and chambered in .38 W.C.F., also known as .38-40. The 20″ round barrel, full-length tubular magazine, saddle ring carbine configuration, banded forend, straight-grip walnut stock, and steel carbine buttplate give it the classic Winchester carbine profile. The folding carbine ladder rear sight and tang drilled and tapped for a peep sight add period-correct utility, while the clear Winchester markings and oval “WP” proofs preserve strong factory identity.
Condition is Good overall, with the rifle retaining about 75% of its original blue finish. The barrel is beginning to turn toward a blue/brown patina, and the receiver shows the patchy finish loss commonly seen on Winchesters of this era. There are scratches and light corrosion spots throughout, but the screw heads remain sharp and the markings are clear. The stocks have been refinished and show scratches, compression dents, oil darkening at the wrist, a compass inset into the comb, and a patch repair on the right side of the buttstock. There are no structural cracks, and the wood rates Good as refinished, though the alterations reduce strict collector originality.
The bore is a strong feature, remaining bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only very minor scattered pitting, rating 8/10 in this writer’s opinion. 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 appealing 1929 Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine in the classic .38-40 chambering, offering desirable configuration, solid mechanics, a strong bore, and honest vintage character, with its refinished and modified stock being the primary factor tempering collector-grade originality. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF