There is an additional method of improving a pitted barrel if the rifling is still present. There is a ceramic liquid that you swab into the barrel and allow to dry. When dry you take it to the range a fire a series of jacketed bullets that hardens and cures the ceramic coating, which allegedly fills the pits and pulls any sharp edges. How well it works I don't know. 

There are a lot of 1892 rifles in 44 Winchester but not as many in the condition everybody seems to want. As Mike says, it will take a lot of time and effort to find one that satisfies you and is semi-affordable. 

There is another alternative amd that is to save your money, eat hamburger instead of steak - until you've got the cash to bargain for a really nice one that will really appreciate over time. Make it the centerpiece. 

If you are like me, you can do that once but not twice....

twobit said

Jeremy P said
...I wish we had name tags (with our forum screen names?) to wear at all the shows so we could recognize each other....been mentioned before!
  

Just make one!
  

I've thought about it! Maybe Bert will send me a PM with the club's source for those official ones I see them wearing... 😉

Jeremy P said
...I wish we had name tags (with our forum screen names?) to wear at all the shows so we could recognize each other....been mentioned before!
  

Just make one!

slk said
I am wondering at this point what should a decent 1892 24” barrel crescent butt stock in 44-40 demand these days? I have that rifle in 25-20 and 32-20 and would like to have something in 44-40. I am looking for an old one and not reproduction one. I have not looked very actively yet but just wanted to get an idea of what to expect in price. Basically would like a nice shooter that is not beat to death. Not looking for anything close to mint but just an old honest rifle. 
Thanks
Steve
  

Hello Steve,

Most POS condition 1892's are selling in the $800 to $1000 range right now on Gunbroker.  A decent shooter grade octagon barrel 44 WCF sporting rifle is going to pretty easily go for +$2000 and one with a bit of condition will nudge $3000.  If you are serious about getting one it takes more than casual looking every few months.  Some serious looking is typically required.

Michael

TXGunNut said
You'll pay a premium for the 44WCF over the "lesser" chamberings so if it's a shooter you want then you already have the 32-20 and 25-20. I think the 32WCF is a great shooter but if you want something bigger the 38WCF may be a big bore without the big price, maybe spend the money you save on a higher condition specimen or ammo/loading components. 
 
Mike
  

That is good advice and likely true about the 44 being most sought after.  I was lucky to find some good specimens of 44 WCF early in my collecting searches. Years ago, when I set out to get an 'original' example of both Rifle and Carbine in each of the 4 calibers, it was the 38 carbine which proved most elusive. I had everything else covered for over 5 years before I found a nice 38 carbine.   Having said that, I did end up upgrading the 44 rifle years later.

Jeremy P said

TXGunNut said
 Be careful around Jeremy, guns tend to follow him home. Sometimes he doesn't even have to pay for them! 
 
Mike
  

I've heard you shouldn't covet your neighbor's wife or something like that, blah blah blah....pretty sure that doesn't count for guns. At the very least, it's not cheating if I just shoot another owner's gun, right?
I may not have much pocket money to take with me and no pending raffles!
  

Limited funds gives you more time to focus on the eye candy and learning opportunities, maybe even survey a 1911 or two. 

Mike

Mike

Zebulon said
I was thinking of ordering some RNFP 200 grain .430 bullets for Model 73 Sporting Rifle, and asking for a 16 to 1 alloy. (Browning specs a .429 groove diameter for all its 44 Winchester rifles, a useful idea for maker and customer.) Do you happen to know the typical Brinnell number for that alloy? 
  

I generally go with 20-1 for BP cartridges (about 11 BHN) and I think 16-1 is the ratio noted on old ammo boxes. That would be about 10 BHN. Hardness rating sometimes varies with casting methods, impurities, age and testing methods so I just shoot for a ratio that works for my guns. Some commercial casters may offer a limited menu of alloys, 16-1 may be harder to find than 20-1 but I really haven't looked around enough to know. Changing alloys is a chore, that's why I have four furnaces and three standard alloys.

Mike

slk said
I would like to add an additional question here.  If ya had a choice what would you choose chambered in 45 colt or the 44/40 for the 1873??Any reasons for either. 
  

Considering the 45 Colt is a pistol cartridge and the 44-40 is a pistol sized rifle cartridge.....

If you are looking for "Minute of Deer" accuracy, availability, and ease of loading...get the 45 Colt and use it for the pistol cartridge it is at less than 150 yards.

If you are looking to treat the 44-40 like the rifle cartridge it is...get the 44-40 and deal with the demand for handloads to get what you need.

If you can handle 300 yards or further, like those before us did, better learn how to load the 44-40.

Early Years 44-40 target competitions: https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/targets?authuser=0

visit the 2026 300 yard targets: https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/targets/targets-load-development/2026-targets?authuser=0

...and of course, the 44-40 Doc Pardee Club: https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/doc-pardee-club?authuser=0

Zebulon said
Very handsome, Bryan and it makes me happy to see you using it for what it was intended. 
I'm waiting on a Miroku-built Winchester 1885 made up as part of Browning's Traditional Hunter series. A limited edition, it is NIB although built in 2004, chambered in 38-55. It comes furnished with a tang micrometer sight (looks like the windage adjustable Marble's) but  I've started to study the modern reproductions of the Malcolm scopes.  Do you have any suggestions or recommendations?
  

I AM JELOUS!!! LOL

I suspect this is the range of prices you'll find, depending upon condition and the degree of 'originality' you desire.

If you are willing to accept some aftermarket modifications, you can probably get one for much less.

Paul

Thanks

Steve