Log In
Members
Home
Add Reply
Add Topic
Offline
Was there ever a case where Winchester would build either of the above models with the shortened model # (92-94) on the barrel and the full model # (1892-1894 ) on the top tang originally from the factory, let’s say when they were switching over to the shorter version, but had some long version receivers still in stock? Thanks for the help, Eagle
Online
Not that I have ever found. In all cases, when a gun is found with the “1892” or “1894” marking on the upper tang, and with a barrel marked “MODEL 92” or “MODEL 94”, the barrel has been replaced after the fact.
One thing to keep in mind, is that Winchester transitioned from “MODEL 1892” and “MODEL 1894” marking on the upper tang to the “MODEL 92” or “MODEL 94” marking on the upper tang (for several years) before the model designation was moved from the upper tang to the barrel. If your question had been “Is it possible to find a Model 92 (or 94) with “MODEL 92” on the upper tang and on the barrel, then my answer would be Yes, it might have been possible. That stated, in the many hundreds of Model 94s I have surveyed in the serial number transition range between the “MODEL 94” upper tang marking and the “MODEL 94” barrel marking, I have not ever found one marked in both locations that is factory original. The 2-digit year number marked on the bottom of the barrel helps to determine when the barrel was manufactured as compared to the receiver serial number and corresponding date of manufacture.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks for that good info Bert. So an 1892 marked receiver, made in 1913, that has a model 92 marked barrel with a circle WP proof was either put on by factory sometime after 1920 (??) or removed from another rifle and installed on the gun?? Link to closed auction attached. Thanks, Eagle
Yes, that is correct. The barrel on that 1913 production Model 1892 was manufacture no earlier than 1924, but sometime before 1933. My guess (based on simple odds) is that somebody other than Winchester swapped it. The fact that it did not get any bids is a warning clue.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks again for the help Bert. One more question…if this rifle had been sent back to Winchester for a new barrel in 1925, it might have come back looking just like this one does with a circle W/P proof on the barrel…is that correct or would it be marked differently. Eagle
It would look like the subject rifle, with the circle WP proof mark. That stated, it is doubtful that a 1913 vintage Model 1892 would need a new barrel in such a relatively short period of time. Typically the Winchesters that were sent back the factory for a new barrel in the 1920 – 1940 timeframe were manufactured in the black power era. Further, without positive proof of it being a factory rebarrel, the vast majority of collectors will view it as aftermarket work.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I never thought about that Bert. When I see something like this, I wonder if it is even the right caliber barrel for the receiver. A bit scary to me, especially for that money. I emailed the seller and he said he took the auction down because some lookers told him the rifle was questionable because of the barrel. Thanks for the learn, Eagle
Hello
I would agree with Bert’s assessment of this rifle. Based on the almost ten thousand Model 1892 rifles I have surveyed this is a non original barrel on the gun. The lever should most likely be case colored in this serial number range and it is nicely blued. I believe the rifle has been refinished and the barrel replaced by Winchester.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Thanks Michael. So what value would you place on this rifle with the possible fact that it has had the barrel replaced and the rifle refinished at the Winchester factory? There is a lot of room for speculation here causing doubts and explanations which usually do not help the value today or down the road from my experience. Eagle
IF the rifle was redone at Winchester and you realize that you are buying a shooter and not a really collectible rifle. You might spend around $800 for it at best. Round barrel, shotgun butt, non original barrel, refinished, small caliber, all those are detractions. But it is in decent condition. But that is a long long way from his opening bid.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
1 Guest(s)
