mrcvs said
As alluded to in another thread, deluxe 1892’s are more prevalent in .25-20 and .32-20 than .38-40 and .44-40.  My observations suggest that .25-20 is far more prevalent as a deluxe model.  Why might this be so and any breakdown available as to deluxe features based on caliber or simply commonality of deluxe vs standard, with or without caliber distinction?  

This matches my observations over the years.

Im not sure about deluxe 1892’s in general, but with regards to 1892 TD’s that are semi-deluxe or deluxe versions, the 25-20 is the most prevalent outnumbering all others (same can be said of TD frame 1892’s in general).  The second most common is 32-20 followed by 44-40 and then 38-40.  Out of 837 examples (standard & non-standard) currently surveyed, and for only those having all the configuration, caliber, and SN information, the breakdown is as follows (counts in order of 25, 32, 38, 44 cals):

Semi-deluxe “I” Checked:  25, 8, 2, 4

Semi-deluxe Unchecked:  9, 1, 1, 0

Deluxe “H” Checked:  30, 11, 5, 6

Deluxe Carved Wood:  2, 0, 0, 1

I started collecting information on 1892 takedowns almost 20 years ago, granted, I dont browse the online auctions like I used to so there are some that have gotten by me, and then there are a great many in which I was unable to obtain the SN, configuration, or caliber.  That said, a sample of a little under a thousand gives you a pretty good sample size to work with to make some real assumptions. 

If anyone has info they would like to share on their 1892 takedowns to add to the survey, it would be appreciated. 

Chris

They sound like nice 92s Tony, any pics? The half round barrel and half mag look nice, with a fancy stock even nicer!

Chris

Chuck said
Here’s the thing.  I don’t have a breakdown for the different calibers for the deluxe 92’s but I can tell you there were a lot of 38’s and 44’s made. Probably as much or more than the smaller calibers.  These are so hard to find because they don’t come to market.  If you owned one there would be a line of prospective buyers wanting the gun.  It never would have to go to market.  

I think Chuck makes a really good point.  As collectors we pay attention to what we, “see” come up for sale.  And of course, “seeing” what for sale is what is offered at auctions, gun shows, the internet, dealer catalogs etc.  However, there is a whole realm of items that are sold that we never see.  Often, these are really nice items (e.g. deluxe takedown .44-40 Model 1892’s).  Do you think every gun Leroy Merz takes in makes it to his catalog?  For collectors, many other collectors are aware of what they have.  They are often checking in regularly to look for signs that collector might be willing to let go of a lusted-for piece.  Hence, I think we have a very incomplete view of what is actually moving out there.

Gerald stunning pieces!  That carbine sure gets my blood flowing.  It looks like the rifle has fancy wood and the carbine does not?

1892takedown said
Im not sure about deluxe 1892’s in general, but with regards to 1892 TD’s that are semi-deluxe or deluxe versions, the 25-20 is the most prevalent outnumbering all others (same can be said of TD frame 1892’s in general).  The second most common is 32-20 followed by 44-40 and then 38-40.  Out of 837 examples (standard & non-standard) currently surveyed, and for only those having all the configuration, caliber, and SN information, the breakdown is as follows (counts in order of 25, 32, 38, 44 cals):

Semi-deluxe “I” Checked:  25, 8, 2, 4

Semi-deluxe Unchecked:  9, 1, 1, 0

Deluxe “H” Checked:  30, 11, 5, 6

Deluxe Carved Wood:  2, 0, 0, 1

I started collecting information on 1892 takedowns almost 20 years ago, granted, I dont browse the online auctions like I used to so there are some that have gotten by me, and then there are a great many in which I was unable to obtain the SN, configuration, or caliber.  That said, a sample of a little under a thousand gives you a pretty good sample size to work with to make some real assumptions. 

If anyone has info they would like to share on their 1892 takedowns to add to the survey, it would be appreciated. 

Chris  

Your comments have peaked my interest.  Hasn’t anyone done a comprehensive study of the 92″s?  Is there a good book devoted to the 92’s?

I’m a lukewarm fan of the 1892 and my limited observation is that the smaller calibers often have lousy bores. Every John Wayne fan wants an 1892 carbine in 44WCF so it’s no wonder my 1892 rifles are a relined 32-20 and a pretty decent 38WCF. 

To address your question I can only surmise, based on my limited experience, that the smaller calibers are a joy to shoot and perhaps folks felt the same way 100 years ago. The fancy 25 and 32 caliber 1892’s were often recreational or “back door” guns and the 38 and 44WCF were working guns. 

The 1892 Deluxe is indeed a beautiful gun to behold. I love the balance and feel of an 1892 carbine. Someday I hope to be fortunate enough to own a deluxe but quite honestly, I’d prefer a carbine. If I stumble across a Deluxe carbine I can afford in any caliber I’ll feel beyond fortunate. 

Mike