Over the years i have had several Mod,s 92 and 94 Winchesters with a little brass compass inlaid into the stock, some on the side and some on top. Most of the ones I have had are in the same position on the stock and are the same make of compass. Does anyone know for certain if these are a factory install or a aftermarket addition. It seems really odd, if they are aftermarket that they would be all the same and in the same location. I have seen a couple different ones but it was very obvious they were installed later as it was a very amature job. Any hints if these were offered as an extra from the factory. Harry
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Purely aftermarket. There is no mention in any of the Winchester catalogs of them being an option or special order feature. It is possible that one of the many different retailers that Winchester did business with had then installed after Winchester delivered them.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Henry, I have a 92 with a small compass (fingernail size) in the stock. I think it is on top of the comb. If I remember I’ll snap a pic tomorrow. Not factory but not Bubba either.
I have seen one 73 and one 76 that lettered with with a compass in the stock. Same guy had them and can’t remember if they were shipped as a pair or not.
Casey
I have two 73’s in my survey that letter with a compass in the stock.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
I have two 73’s in my survey that letter with a compass in the stock.Bob
That is very interesting Bob – thanks for the info! I would never have imagined the compass as a factory option.
I have always wondered how accurate a small compass laid next to a large chunk of steel such as the barreled receiver would be? Has anyone ever checked to see if they point to magnetic north?
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
I just checked it out with a old compass and if you put the compass halfway between the butt plate and the receiver its good but if you put in the cleaning rods on a 73 its nuts.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Thanks for experimenting, that is a cool result and answers a question I have always wondered about.
Best Regards,
Jeff
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
1873man said
I have two 73’s in my survey that letter with a compass in the stock.Bob
So the one mentioned in George’s Winchester Book was most likely factory original as well. Wouldn’t you think?
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
Maverick,
Where is that one mentioned in the book?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1 Guest(s)
