Winchester Model 1892 92 24” Octagon .25-20 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1916 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,040.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP135
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 825392
Year of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: .25-20 Winchester (.25-20 W.C.F.)
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A.PATENTED OCTOBER 14.1884.”. The left side of the chamber is marked “.25-20 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel and receiver are each marked with Winchester WP proofs. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG U.S. PAT OFF & FGN.”.
Barrel Length: 24 1/4″ (24? nominal), Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and mounted with a Marble’s tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth wood with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scrapes, scuffs and scratches throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is light to mild erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows mild handling wear, intermittent oxidation, and thinning on the leading edges. Part of the muzzle has been ground away. The action shows operational wear. There is some erosion on the lever. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about 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, manufactured in 1916 and chambered in .25-20 WCF, is a fine example of John Browning’s slim, strong, and smooth-operating lever-action design. The .25-20 cartridge, while light-recoiling, was valued in its day for small game and varmint hunting, and it remains popular among collectors and handloaders for its historical significance and accuracy potential. The 24″ octagon barrel gives it a classic Winchester profile, and the factory tang sight provides a refined aiming solution for precise shooting at varying ranges. As a pre-64 Winchester, this rifle benefits from the superior machining, fit, and finish of its era, and the 1892’s compact, efficient action remains a favorite among lever-gun enthusiasts.
This example retains about 75% of its current metal finish, the result of an older refinish, with a bright bore rated 7/10 and sharp, legible markings. While it shows honest wear from over a century of use, it remains mechanically sound and well-suited for both display and occasional range shooting. For the Winchester collector, lever-action enthusiast, or shooter looking to enjoy a classic small-caliber rifle with vintage charm, this 1916 Model 1892 offers an appealing mix of history, utility, and enduring craftsmanship. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
