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Hello,
I have a number of Winchester reproductions, but I’ve never bought a C&R type rifle before, so I am more weary.
I want an 1892 in 44-40 with an octagon barrel to shoot (not to look at).
I was thinking of buying this one, manufactured in 1910, but there is no marking anywhere that the barrel is nickel steel. I’ve read that I should look for this to make sure I get an appropriate hardness for modern loads. Even though I will still be loading down most of the time, I’d like to ensure it’s safe.
Any thoughts or input?
I wouldn’t worry about shooting any 1892 rifle that is safe to do so with the appropriate ammo. Standard loads are OK but cowboy loads are safer. You can use either lead or jacketed bullets. Just be safe.
Chuck said
I wouldn’t worry about shooting any 1892 rifle that is safe to do so with the appropriate ammo. Standard loads are OK but cowboy loads are safer. You can use either lead or jacketed bullets. Just be safe.
Ok thank you. I would also be curious of what the experts around here might think this gun would be worth, or if it looks like a nice piece. Its certainly not a $5000 collectible, but I also want to make sure I wouldn’t be getting ripped off.
If your main interest is shooting it, you need to consider the condition of the bore. They don’t necessarily need to be pristine, but the better the bore, the stronger the rifling, the more likely it will shoot well enough to make you happy. Looking at the provided pictures, I would suspect the bore to be only average at best, but strange things do happen, and it might be a strong bore. My thoughts only. Tim
Some rifles with poorer bores will shoot much better with jacketed bullets.
November 7, 2015
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Some guns have condition, this one has character. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to hear it has a decent bore and I’ve found sometimes that’s all it takes to shoot a respectable group, break up some dirt clods or maybe chase a can around. Guns with condition are better investments, guns with character are more fun.
Mike
Exuma said
Hello,I have a number of Winchester reproductions, but I’ve never bought a C&R type rifle before, so I am more weary.
I want an 1892 in 44-40 with an octagon barrel to shoot (not to look at).
I was thinking of buying this one, manufactured in 1910, but there is no marking anywhere that the barrel is nickel steel. I’ve read that I should look for this to make sure I get an appropriate hardness for modern loads. Even though I will still be loading down most of the time, I’d like to ensure it’s safe.
Any thoughts or input?
Good morning,
Nickel Steel barrel on Model 1892’s are VERY uncommon and totally un-necessary for shooting modern ammo in them. That rifle is currently for sale at a Cabela’s store and I have it in my survey.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
twobit said
Exuma said
Hello,
I have a number of Winchester reproductions, but I’ve never bought a C&R type rifle before, so I am more weary.
I want an 1892 in 44-40 with an octagon barrel to shoot (not to look at).
I was thinking of buying this one, manufactured in 1910, but there is no marking anywhere that the barrel is nickel steel. I’ve read that I should look for this to make sure I get an appropriate hardness for modern loads. Even though I will still be loading down most of the time, I’d like to ensure it’s safe.
Any thoughts or input?
Good morning,
Nickel Steel barrel on Model 1892’s are VERY uncommon and totally un-necessary for shooting modern ammo in them. That rifle is currently for sale at a Cabela’s store and I have it in my survey.
Michael
Very interesting info, thanks… also what do you mean survey?
Exuma said
twobit said
Exuma said
Hello,
I have a number of Winchester reproductions, but I’ve never bought a C&R type rifle before, so I am more weary.
I want an 1892 in 44-40 with an octagon barrel to shoot (not to look at).
I was thinking of buying this one, manufactured in 1910, but there is no marking anywhere that the barrel is nickel steel. I’ve read that I should look for this to make sure I get an appropriate hardness for modern loads. Even though I will still be loading down most of the time, I’d like to ensure it’s safe.
Any thoughts or input?
Good morning,
Nickel Steel barrel on Model 1892’s are VERY uncommon and totally un-necessary for shooting modern ammo in them. That rifle is currently for sale at a Cabela’s store and I have it in my survey.
Michael
Very interesting info, thanks… also what do you mean survey?
A survey is a collection of data on specific models of Winchester for the intent to gather data and be able to more correctly answer questions and create knowledge to make decisions from. Myself and several other member here have been doing this for more than 10 years. The resulting data has lead to several articles in the WACA magazine and will for me, lead to a reference book and/or website in the future. I have information collected on more than 17,400 individual Model 1892 rifles in this effort.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
twobit said
Exuma said
twobit said
Exuma said
Hello,
I have a number of Winchester reproductions, but I’ve never bought a C&R type rifle before, so I am more weary.
I want an 1892 in 44-40 with an octagon barrel to shoot (not to look at).
I was thinking of buying this one, manufactured in 1910, but there is no marking anywhere that the barrel is nickel steel. I’ve read that I should look for this to make sure I get an appropriate hardness for modern loads. Even though I will still be loading down most of the time, I’d like to ensure it’s safe.
Any thoughts or input?
Good morning,
Nickel Steel barrel on Model 1892’s are VERY uncommon and totally un-necessary for shooting modern ammo in them. That rifle is currently for sale at a Cabela’s store and I have it in my survey.
Michael
Very interesting info, thanks… also what do you mean survey?
A survey is a collection of data on specific models of Winchester for the intent to gather data and be able to more correctly answer questions and create knowledge to make decisions from. Myself and several other member here have been doing this for more than 10 years. The resulting data has lead to several articles in the WACA magazine and will for me, lead to a reference book and/or website in the future. I have information collected on more than 17,400 individual Model 1892 rifles in this effort.
Michael
WOW, fascinating. So where do you find would be the best source to buy Winchesters that are in semi good condition? It seems 44-40 is pretty hard to come by unless I want to pay an insane amount. I was thinking the 3-4K range might get a nice one without being crazy
Exuma,
Gunbroker.com is a good place to look. Only bid on auctions that start at a dollar. Figure out how much you want to spend on a gun and enter that total amount. If the gun sells for more you don’t win. If the gun sells for less than your bid you get it at the final sale bid which is less than your maximum.
Another good place is large auction houses such as Rock Island Arsenal, Morphy, Poulin, or Amoskeag. BUT.. you will most likely need to ask them for additional images in addition to what is published on line in the catalog. The advantage to bidding here is that many dealers and a good number of rifle sold on Gunbroker are bought at these auction houses and are then resold the next month or so for higher prices.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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