Winchester Model 1892 .32 WCF 20″ Octagonal Lever Action Rifle 1897 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1675
LSB#: 210909BW08
Make: Winchester
Model: 1892
Serial Number: 164785
Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: .32 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.” and “32 W.C.F.”. The serial number is on the underside of the frame and the upper tang is marked “MODEL 1892. / -WINCHESTER- / PAT. OCT 14. 1884”.
Barrel Length: Cut to 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short brass blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight consists of three flip-up V-notch leafs that are dovetailed to the barrel. The first leaf is marked “50” and “100”, the second is marked “2”, the third is not marked. The upper tang has a factory drilled, tapped and set-screw filled hole for the mounting of a tang sight (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood pieces with a varnished finish, capped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. There are scattered nicks, scratches, and compressions. The belly, near the toe, shows repaired spots of material loss and has three splits in the wood. There is a small chip at the heel. There are two small darkened gashes on the right side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the smooth steel buttplate, which shows finish wear and scattered oxidation. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dim and the rifling is defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 83% of its metal finish. There are several scattered nicks and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The case coloring is slightly faded but is generally strong throughout. There is some light pitting on the sides of the receiver. The nose cap shows scratches and oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with serviceable slots. There is standard operational wear. The markings are soft yet legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
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 cut 20” octagonal barrel, made in 1897 and chambered in .32 WCF. The rifle is in Very Good condition as refinished with strong mechanics. All Winchester Model 1892 rifles of this vintage are collectible 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!