Winchester Model 1892 25-20 WCF Button Mag Lever Action Rifle 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB260302TW002
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 178241
Year of Manufacture: 1901
Caliber: .25-20 W.C.F
Action Type: Lever action with half length button tubular magazine.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co, New Haven Conn USA/ 25-20 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: 24″, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf semi buckhorn U notch dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is some minor pitting scattered throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. There are scratches and corrosion stains scattered throughout. There is some minor pitting. There is bluing loss from handling on the receiver. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very 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 Rifle is a desirable C&R-eligible example manufactured in 1901 and chambered in .25-20 W.C.F. Unlike the more common carbine configurations, this example has a 24″ round barrel and half-length “button” magazine, giving it a slimmer and somewhat more refined sporting-rifle profile. The capped forend, straight-grip walnut stock, crescent steel buttplate, silver blade front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight, and tang drilled and tapped for a peep sight all contribute to its classic turn-of-the-century Winchester character.
Condition is Good to Very Good overall, with the rifle retaining about 85% of its original blue finish. There are scattered scratches, corrosion stains, some minor pitting, and handling-related bluing loss on the receiver, but the markings remain clear and the lightly tooled screw heads are still serviceable. The smooth walnut stocks present better than many rifles of this age, showing scratches and compression dents throughout but no chips or cracks. Overall, the wood rates Very Good and helps give the rifle a solid, attractive appearance.
The bore is another positive feature, remaining bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only 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 early Winchester Model 1892 in .25-20 W.C.F., with desirable button-magazine rifle configuration, strong remaining original finish, solid wood, and a respectable bore, making it a good representative collector piece with practical sporting appeal. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF