1894 short rifle at Cabelas|Page 2|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Yes it could be done.  But, as mentioned above, on 83% of these rifles the fore end wood should be shorter and the rear sight dovetail would not be placed correctly.  These would be the tip that “most likely” the rifle has been altered.  I have certainly seen numerous standard Model 1892 rifles (standard 24 inch Bbl) shortened to 20 inch guns.  Usually pretty easy to tell.

Michael