Thought I’d drop a few pictures and solicit comments. I’m a novice Winchester owner and starting to gain more interest in the antiques/ C&Rs so I’m learning ‘correctness’ as I go. My intro as posted in the General Discussions and Questions thread. A PO was a bit aggressive with cleaning but other than that, I’m happy with the shooter-grade rifle. I about have the wood checking taken care of. I use Kramers… Regards, Ron
Below is an 1892 4 digit SN# in 44.40
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
rwsem said
Thought I’d drop a few pictures and solicit comments. I’m a novice Winchester owner and starting to gain more interest in the antiques/ C&Rs so I’m learning ‘correctness’ as I go. My intro as posted in the General Discussions and Questions thread. A PO was a bit aggressive with cleaning but other than that, I’m happy with the shooter-grade rifle. I about have the wood checking taken care of. I use Kramers… Regards, RonBelow is an 1892 4 digit SN# in 44.40
How’s the bore? The 44 WCF is a very accurate cartridge, but at $50 a box, unless you are rich, you need to reload. You have a low number, but I have seen #1. Not going to get any lower than that. Enjoy your new treasure. Big Larry
The bore is dark along the grooves with strong rifling. The lands have some pitting but I think it’ll be just fine. I have a batch of brass ready to reload but haven’t slugged the bore yet. I’ll cast my bullets about .002 over groove diameter.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
Revisited this rifle over the past few weeks. I decided to do a detailed dis-assembly and sonic cleaning. I tell ya, there was enough dirt, grass, etc.. in the receiver to make a small adobe hut.
I couldn’t get the firing pin out easily but when I did I thought; how strange? A two piece firing pin….. Homestead had the black powder dimensioned firing pin which is what the original was, so I got lucky.
Got everything buttoned back up, functioning well and decided to warm the iron with some Magtech .44-40 since I don’t have any .44 cast on hand (don’t chastise me). The barrel slugged at .433″ so I fully expected to have some leading problems…. 50 yards 5 for 5 on 8″ plate but only 2/5 at 100 yards. I’ll have to put it to paper to see what’s going on (BTW, SSP reverse bi-focal safety glasses are great!). To my surprise, no leading- the boolit must have been soft enough to obturate and not allow gas cutting.
Anyway, the .38-55 is next.
Ron
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
November 7, 2015

Must be a variation somewhat common in that period, my 1895 vintage 1894 had one of those “rare” two piece firing pins as well. Homestead was able to help me out as well. 😉
I’m glad it shot well for you, Ron. Maybe you should pour a few for the 92 before you move on to the 38-55.
Mike
November 7, 2015

win38-55 said
I’ve had a couple 44 WCF early Winchesters that slugged with a .433 groove diameter. I used soft cast (pure wheel weights, air-cooled) bullets in them, sized to .431 (which is the largest bullet that would chamber easily) and was able to get 5-shot, 2″ groups at 100 yards.
Wow, John Kort would be very proud of you. Those old guns will sometimes surprise you if you just give them what they want. I’m generally happy with 2″ @ 50 yards but I know my limitations. Good shooting!
Mike
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