I am in search of a decent.44-40 SRC. Having said that, my observations, and they are nothing more than observations, are that these frequently date from the 1920’s, usually late ’20’s. Ideally, I would find one with some condition, pre-1899. If not that, then maybe one produced in the first decade of the 20th Century, more or less, as it seems to me (again, my observations) that quality was superior to later production (for example, case coloured levers, etc). Are my observations as to .44 WCF SRC production being more likely to be later production, or are the recent searches for sales of these at auction demonstrating ’20’s production more often than not an anamoly?
Here’s a super nice one, but like Larry said, very expensive.
http://americanarmsandantiques.com/listings.php?id=1467
Don
deerhunter said
Here’s a super nice one, but like Larry said, very expensive.http://americanarmsandantiques.com/listings.php?id=1467
Don
Granted, that is a nice SRC, but overpriced, even as nice as it is. I should clarify that I would like to eventually like to find one with “condition”, but I don’t think my definition of “condition” is anywhere near this stringent. 85%, more or less, would suit me just fine.
Back to my original question: Does production of these tend to be more prevalent later rather than earlier?
mrcvs said
Granted, that is a nice SRC, but overpriced, even as nice as it is. I should clarify that I would like to eventually like to find one with “condition”, but I don’t think my definition of “condition” is anywhere near this stringent. 85%, more or less, would suit me just fine.
Back to my original question: Does production of these tend to be more prevalent later rather than earlier?
To answer your question, No, the 44 WCF SRCs were very common from the beginning of production, and stayed popular throughput most of the production run. That stated, Michael (2bit) can provide a more detailed answer. Send him a PM asking him to join this discussion.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Good morning guys,
The first 44 WCF SRC was made before SN 2000 if my memory is any good before sunrise. And they were assembled in large batches throughout the production life of the model. From the early to mid 1920’s carbine production made up the majority of Model 92 production as opposed to the early decades of Production where sporting rifles were more popular. This may account for why you are seeing more late 44 WCF SRC’s compared to the earlier, especially pre 1898 examples. Eventually, I will try to produce a rolling average of the production types which will hopefully better show what was being produced and when.
With regard to the quality of case colored levers do keep in mind that Winchester quit that practice around 1915 when afterwards they were blued.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
deerhunter said
Here’s a super nice one, but like Larry said, very expensive.http://americanarmsandantiques.com/listings.php?id=1467
Don
But you could have purchased it at Julia’s in October 2015 for $11,500 or at RIA in April 2016 for $13,200. Kind of weird it keeps jumping around the for sale ring instead of having found a nice home??
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
twobit said
But you could have purchased it at Julia’s in October 2015 for $11,500 or at RIA in April 2016 for $13,200. Kind of weird it keeps jumping around the for sale ring instead of having found a nice home??
Michael
No kidding. I would adopt it and keep it in the family for awhile if I had that kind of money. This beauty deserves a good home.
Don
A very hard gun to find in super condition. Many went to Stembridge and shot blanks the rest of their life. Dunked in water, thrown off cliffs, and thrown under Buffalo stampedes. I have a 85%er, maybe even a 80%er, and am proud to own it. Even at that, I paid $4,500 for it a few years ago. Not a bad gun, good bore and no upset screws. It is a late carbine, 1925, but I see little difference between it and my 1901 shipped rifle, except the condition of my 1901 rifle is about 95%. Stembridge missed this one. Big Larry
November 7, 2015

Nice gun indeed, but the fact that no one seems to want to keep it is hard to understand. At that price he might as well keep it but who knows?
Two rifles that bring big $$$’s and have a vast collector following. The M1886 and the M1892. M1892 oct. bbl. rifles in 44WCF, in great condition, bring a heavy premium as do the M1886’s. Being retired, on a fixed income, I think I will have to make due with what I have. Can no longer afford them. A year down the road, they will sell for much more too, especially the 44’s and the 50-110’s. Big Larry
Big Larry said
Two rifles that bring big $$$’s and have a vast collector following. The M1886 and the M1892. M1892 oct. bbl. rifles in 44WCF, in great condition, bring a heavy premium as do the M1886’s. Being retired, on a fixed income, I think I will have to make due with what I have. Can no longer afford them. A year down the road, they will sell for much more too, especially the 44’s and the 50-110’s. Big Larry
Big Larry,
While we’re talking about Model 1892’s in 44 caliber, I thought I’d post a few pictures of my Model 1892 Antique takedown, with special order sights, and “Rod in Butt”.
twobit said
But you could have purchased it at Julia’s in October 2015 for $11,500 or at RIA in April 2016 for $13,200. Kind of weird it keeps jumping around the for sale ring instead of having found a nice home??
Michael
Must be pleasing for you guys with all the fine old Winchesters seeing examples of pieces appreciating in value like this.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
November 7, 2015

clarence said
TXGunNut said
Nice gun indeed, but the fact that no one seems to want to keep it is hard to understand.You underestimate the power of GREED in a speculator.
I’m not so sure that greed is the motivator here but I’m more of an investor than a speculator. Seen too many of the latter get burned.
Nice 92, tionesta1!
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