Hello from Germany,
I own a 1892 in .32-20 from 1892 production year.
It is in mechanically good shape. I looked up the proof marks and stamps and all I can find under the foregrip is the VP and a letter K more towards the rear sight.
What does those marks mean?
It appears due to the 5 digit serial number that it was produced in 1892.
Is it safe to shoot the gun with modern powders?
The barrel looks ok. Little ruff but rifling is still there.
I loaded 85gr Hornady xtp 85gr with hodgon titegroup like shown on the Hodgon load Data Website.
I shot 5 shot and the accuracy was pretty good in 50 metres.
Hornady XTP are the only .312 bullets that were available at the moment.
Main concern is if it is safe to shoot if I stay within the pressure limits.
Thanks in advance
Kind regards
David
clarence said
David1892 said
Main concern is if it is safe to shoot if I stay within the pressure limits.
Of course, if you know what those limits are, & how to recognize signs of excessive pressure like cratered primers.
Marks you mentioned are standard inspection marks.
I would use the Hodgon pistol data. 3.2gr of titegroup.
November 7, 2015

Welcome, David! Sounds like you’re on the right track. No need to push the generous limits of the Hodgdon load data, I have found my favorite loads are well under their max loads in most cases. One reason I like this cartridge is it’s stingy with powder. Have fun!
Mike

Be mindful that The Hornady loading manual cautions to limit both the 85 grain and 100 grain XTP to no more than 1,500 fps for hunting purposes. I have had them fragment even on thin skiined game at 1,350 fps. Hard to believe when I was a kid people shot deer with 32-20 factory rounds going 1,300 fps.
David1892 said
Hello from Germany,I own a 1892 in .32-20 from 1892 production year.
It is in mechanically good shape. I looked up the proof marks and stamps and all I can find under the foregrip is the VP and a letter K more towards the rear sight. What does those marks mean?
It appears due to the 5 digit serial number that it was produced in 1892.
Is it safe to shoot the gun with modern powders?
The barrel looks ok. Little ruff but rifling is still there.
I loaded 85gr Hornady xtp 85gr with hodgon titegroup like shown on the Hodgon load Data Website.
I shot 5 shot and the accuracy was pretty good in 50 metres.
Hornady XTP are the only .312 bullets that were available at the moment.
Main concern is if it is safe to shoot if I stay within the pressure limits.
Thanks in advance
Kind regards
David
Good morning David,
Could you please post several images of the rifle and the serial number so that I can add it into my survey of the 1892’s. Include the areas of stamped writing on the barrel and upper tang of the receiver. [email protected]
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
1 Guest(s)
