Pre-64 Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine 20″ .44-40 Lever Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,251.00

LSB#: LSB260412PC022

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine

Serial Number: 323378

Year of Manufacture: 1905 C&R

Caliber: .44 W.C.F (.44-40)

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/ 44 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. The left side of the receiver is marked “Carlos Rasetti, 6 Rivadavia, Buenos Aires”.

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. 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 checkered steel buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There is some light debris in the finish from application. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are some light chips and gouges. The upper corners of the wrist are chipped away. There are no major structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Fair to Good condition as refinished.

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 brown patina. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. There is a small dent in the magazine tube. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are softened but legible. Overall this rifle is in Poor to Fair 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 1905 and chambered in .44 W.C.F., also known as .44-40. The 20″ round barrel, full-length tubular magazine, saddle ring carbine configuration, banded forend, straight-grip walnut stock, and carbine-style sights give it strong early Winchester character. The receiver marking for “Carlos Rasetti, 6 Rivadavia, Buenos Aires” is an interesting historical and export-related detail that adds distinctiveness, while the upper tang being drilled and tapped for a peep sight provides period-style sighting potential.

Condition is Poor to Fair overall, with the rifle retaining virtually none of its original blue finish. The metal has worn to a brown patina, with scratches, corrosion staining, softened but legible markings, and a small dent in the magazine tube. The screw heads are tooled but remain serviceable. The refinished stocks show application debris in the finish, scratches, compression dents, light chips and gouges, and chipped upper wrist corners, though there are no major structural cracks. The wood rates Fair to Good as refinished, but the refinishing and damage reduce collector originality.

The bore is the primary 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 a historically interesting 1905 Winchester 1892 SRC in desirable .44-40 with notable period character and a distinctive Buenos Aires marking, but its worn finish, refinished stock, magazine tube dent, and damaged bore place it primarily in the project, display, or restoration category rather than as a ready shooter. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF