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I recently bought a nice Model 1892 Rifle (for what I spent) at an auction for $950. I went through the majority of my points to confirm originality. I was pleased to see most of the points were checked off, except the barrel markings. I would give the barrel rifling a very good rating – 6 lands and grooves. The barrel is not crowned, finished flat and polished across the muzzle. My gun has not arrived at my house yet but here are the details:
M1892 Rifle – Plain Trigger – Full Mag – Straight Grip – Octagon 24″ Barrel – Caliber .38-40 – S/N is 256645 (1904)
The barrel, full mag, forearm tip, receiver and and tangs look consistent with each other. I know M1892 have caveats regarding their barrel markings
These received these pictures and they lead me to believe the barrel has been replaced for two reasons:
1. The barrel address has a Type 4 marking which was used on circa serial #350,000 to 900,000. I should see a Type 3 barrel address from the circa serial #250,000 – 350,000
2. I believe the caliber marking should be – Model 92 – 38 W.C.F. This gun just has the 38 W.C.F.
Thinking through this, if all the M1892 barrels have a caliber marking, could this barrel be a non factory barrel?
Any guidance would be helpful. Not a deal breaker for the price I paid, but trying to figure out what I actually have coming my way.
Thanks, Tony
Tony,
The barrel markings are correct and it is a factory barrel. Winchester did not begin marking “MOD 92” on the barrels until the 1920s. The Model marking on this rifle is on the upper tang (behind the hammer).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Yes the upper tang does have the model number. I did not pick up that data point in any of the books I have from Pirkle.
Why do you think the barrel address marking is a type 4 not type 3 for the S/N 256645. I would understand if they used the older type 2 marking to get the gun out the door of the type 3 die had an issue. Maybe my S/N don’t align with the correct barrel address types. Not a big deal but a good data point to know.
Thanks Bert. You are always helpful. Regards, Tony
From what i can see of your ’92 you got it for a very good price of $950.00.
Tony,
Art Pirkle’s book has some errors in it, and it is also lacking in regards to some information concerning when Winchester changed their barrel markings. If you want accurate information about the changes made to the Model 1892, contact Michael Puzio (2bit) here on the WACA forums. He has a detailed survey in progress that specifically tracks when Winchester made the many & various production changes (including the barrel markings).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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