Winchester Model 1892 92 24” Octagon .32-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1903
SOLD FOR: $1,030.00
LSB#: LSB251109RC015
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 218846
Year of Manufacture: 1903
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32-20 WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.PATENTED OCTOBER 14.1884” in front of the rear sight and “32 W.C.F.” at the receiver. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT.OCT.14.1884”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “218846”.
Barrel Length: 24” Nominal, 24 1/4? Measured, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel, the notch is fine elevation adjustable. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are handling marks, scratches and compression dents throughout.There is oil darkening along the receiver. There is a repair on the lower left and right of the wrist. The stock had light refinish work done after the repair. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as refinished
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is distinct. There is erosion in the bore. There is extensive pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. The majority of the bluing has worn to a brown/gray patina. There is scattered handling marks, scratches and corrosion staining. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are faint but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position that trips with enough pressure. 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 was John M. Browning’s refinement of the earlier Model 1873, engineered with a stronger, more compact locking system while maintaining the smooth handling that defined Winchester’s pistol-caliber lever actions. This example, manufactured in 1903, features a 24 inch octagonal barrel and classic sporting rifle configuration that would have been equally at home in the field or on the range at the turn of the century. The long octagon barrel, semi-buckhorn rear sight, and crescent steel buttplate give the rifle a distinctly period-correct profile that reflects Winchester’s early 20th century sporting aesthetics.
Chambered in .32-20 Winchester Center Fire, the rifle represents one of the most popular small-bore cartridges of the era, widely used for small game hunting, farm use, and informal target shooting. Introduced in the 1880s, the .32-20 was valued for its mild recoil, economical powder charge, and practical accuracy at modest distances. On this rifle, the bore is dark with distinct rifling but shows erosion and extensive pitting, rating 4 out of 10, consistent with long-term use and the corrosive effects often associated with early ammunition and black powder fouling.
Condition reflects honest age and service, with approximately 10 percent of the original blue finish remaining and the balance worn to a brown-gray patina with scattered handling marks and corrosion staining. The walnut stocks show repairs at the wrist with subsequent light refinish work, along with handling marks and oil darkening near the receiver, presenting as good for a refinished stock set of this vintage. Markings remain faint but legible, screw heads show mixed wear, and the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and half-cock safety. As an early 20th century Model 1892 in .32-20 WCF, this rifle offers an authentic example of Winchester’s classic small-bore lever action lineage. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
