Winchester Model 1892 Takedown .25-20 WCF 24″ Lever Action Rifle, 1905 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,092

WOA#: WY240326CM030

Make: Winchester

Model: 1892 Takedown Rifle

Serial Number: 297082

Year of Manufacture: 1905

Caliber: .25-20 WCF

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Side Loading Gate fed by Tubular Magazine

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 “25-20 W.C.F.” at the rear. The top-rear of the barrel and top-front of the receiver each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The underside of the receiver is marked “297082” at the front. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”.The takedown lever is marked “-PAT. JUNE 6. 1893-“.

Barrel Length: 24”, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base, dovetailed and screw-set to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a capped forend, a straight grip, a straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some more notable dings on the right of the comb and the left of the forend. There are cracks at the front edges of the wrist on each side. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has mostly worn to white with scattered discoloration. Overall, the stocks rate in Good-Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear with strongest finish on the magazine tube, the bottom of the barrel, around the rear sight, and in the receiver flats. Some worn areas are going to a light patina. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The magazine tube has wear from disassembly/assembly. There are some spots of surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Winchester 1892 is essentially a Model 1886 action which was miniaturized for use with pistol caliber cartridges. Just as the 1886 would replace the 1876, the 1892 would replace the 1873. As the 1886 was designed by John Browning, it was not difficult for him to develop the 1892. After boasting to Winchester that he would have a prototype within a month, he actually had a functioning prototype in only two weeks. 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 Winchester Model 1892 Takedown Rifle made in 1905. The rifle is chambered in .25-20 Winchester and has a 24″ round barrel. This rifle is in Good condition and the bore shows signs of use over the last century-plus but the mechanics are still strong and the gun looks pretty good for its age. This will still be a nice piece to add to your safe! Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud