Michael Brown said
Good’ay all,

  Does anybody know anything about model 1902s that are fitted with 32A rear sights instead of the normal block style?  The dovetail is in the same position as that on the model 02A, but the barrels are earlier. I have not been able to find any mention of this in the books that I have. Any ideas?  Michael.  

Hi Michael,

According to the Winchester sight configuration records from early 1917 (10 years before the introduction of the 02A) the 32A was offered as a “special” sight on the 1902 and was introduced per the change of product notice dated August, 1916.  If specially equipped with the 32A it should also have a higher front sight such as the 21F (late 1916-early 1917) or 77E/77F (1917-1927) instead of the standard 77B. 

New information and documents regarding some factory model variations have come to light through additional research since many of the classic reference books were written.  The special sights on the 1902 are one of those variations that was not previously published.  I have attached a copy of the 1917 Winchester internal document page for your reference. 

Hope that answers your question.

Best Regards,

Jeff

Glad to help. 

Where in Australia are you located?  I will be in NSW and Victoria in a few weeks.

Best Regards,

Hi Michael,

I typically fly into Sydney and drive south to my mates station in Wilton (Wollondilly Shire) directly on the Bingara Gorge.  I will be there a week and then will head further south to Wangaratta in Victoria (Ned Kelly country) for the international jazz festival which I attend every year as well as the Temora air show.

I also do some work up in Brisbane but don’t get between Brisbane and Sydney much where I think Dubbo is located if memory serves.

If you make it south for any reason later this month or early November let me know as I would love to meet you and discuss Winchesters.  I will pm you my gsm cell number.

Best Regards,

Jeff