Winchester Model 1892 .32-20 WCF 24” Lever Action Rifle MFD 1912 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB250519DM018
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892
Serial Number: 656742
Year of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester Center Fire (.32 W.C.F.)
Action Type: Lever Action, Full Length Tubular Magazine Fed
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED OCTOBER 14.1884.”, “32 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 “656742”.
Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a square base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a ladder sight dovetailed to the barrel presenting a fixed V-notch when down and a sliding u-notch when up. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a light patina with surface erosion at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition..
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is some erosion concentrated toward the midlength. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its finish. There are scattered patches of corrosion and fine pitting. There are areas on the receiver that have worn to white and taken to a patina. The action shows operational wear. Most of the case color on the lever and hammer has gone mute with some remnant amount held in the protected areas. There is some marring at the muzzle and front of the mag tube. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fair 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: The Winchester Model 1892 rifle and carbine replaced the toggle link action of Winchester’s Model 1873 with a breechblock locked with two rectangular locking bolts that made it much stronger and suitable for the higher pressures of smokeless powder. It was designed by John Browning, and was sort of a scaled-down Model 1886 rifle, the first he designed for Winchester. The Model 1892 rifle was popular with ranchers and later was the rifle of choice for western movies and TV shows, John Wayne used both M1892 rifles and carbines in many of his western movies. The M1892 rifles again became popular in the 1980s with the advent of Cowboy Action shooting, as they were smooth and dependable.
This is a Model 1892 rifle with a 24” octagonal barrel, made in 1912 and chambered in .32-20 Win. This rifle is in Fair condition with strong mechanics. All Winchester Model 1892 rifles of this vintage are collectable and it takes quite a bit of effort to collect one in every caliber and sub model. This one will make a nice addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
