Hello. New member here with my first post. I’ve had a few Winchesters over the years, mostly new or almost new (new 9422 when they first came out – my first gun purchase way before my first driver’s license), and a couple of 94 commemorative octagon barreled rifles. The last few years I’ve picked up more old Ruger revolvers and custom Ruger revolvers, so I guess I’ve dabbled in the world of collecting. All this to say that I’m an extreme novice to the world of Winchesters.

Ever since the late ’60’s, when I went with my parents to a dinner and the host handed me a well worn 1886 lever action to examine and hold to keep me occupied while the grownups talked, I’ve been enamored of old Winchesters and lever actions in general. The short rifles have been the ones I’ve been drawn to. Have a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun, but still would like to someday own a Winchester short rifle. The sub 16" guns hold the most fascination, but they are few and far between and priced accordingly.

This week I stumbled on to what appears to be a 16" octagon barreled 1892 short rifle in 44 WCF. Serial number was in the 54,xxx range. I did a little research and talked with the nice lady at the Cody Museum and, short of joining the museum to take advantage of the 24 hour information service, it seems that a non-member letter would take about 4 weeks to receive. I’d like to be able to make an informed offer on the rifle, but I really don’t want to add the extra couple of hundred dollars that it would take to get quick info on the gun, especially if the letter didn’t state the original barrel length. I don’t mind paying the $70 for the non-member letter if I could just get them to also give me the barrel length info in the 24 hour period. I asked, but that wasn’t an option.

So, I turn to you who have the knowledge and experience to help out. What are the key tattletales to indicate a shortened barrel on a more standard gun? This gun is in fairly rough shape on the outside, with little original finish and well worn wood furniture. I haven’t held it or looked down the bore, so that is still an unknown. I realize the value difference between an original short rifle and a cut-off rifle would be significant. If this were not a short rifle, I doubt it would bring more than 7 or 8 hundred dollars, based on ones I’ve handled at one of the Houston gunshops that usually has a few out on the rack.

Also, any idea how many 1892’s in 16" were made?

Anyone have any helpful hints? Wish I was still in the Houston area, I’d look up some of the members here that live in that area, but I’ve escaped north, away from the traffic!

Thanks for any help!
Tim