I am going to look at a 1892 in 32-20 this weekend and would like to know if someone has some pictures of what the barrel stamping should look like. Reason for asking is that the barrel has more bluing on it that the receiver has from the pictures I have seen. This rifle is supposedly one of the first runs made with the serial number dating to around 1893-4 or so as I have been told by seller. I do not have the serial number. Thanks for any help..
Steve
Hello Steve,
It is very common for the barrels on the old Winchester lever-action rifles to have most of the original bluing still on them while the receiver frames are nearly devoid of bluing. Because most people carry and hold the guns by wrapping their hands around the receiver frame, the bluing gets worn away. Contrarily, the barrel seldom ever is exposed to frequent handling.
On the early production barrels, the factory roll markings (Winchester name & address and the caliber marking) were stamped on the top of the barrel (12 o’clock position). In 1907/1908, the markings were all moved to the 10 o’clock position on the barrel (left-hand side). Additionally,, the early guns will not have the stamped Winchester Proof marks (a superposed “WP” in an oval). Winchester began stamping the proof marks on the top of the barrel and frame ring in July 1905.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Steve, I’d enjoy hearing or seeing what you discover with this 92. Seems like honest examples are becoming more scarce, and ‘fakes’ are becoming more prevalent.
If it helps, I can probably find some photos of the barrel markings on 1892 and 1896 examples, but you have good guidance from Bert. If TwoBit weighs in, he can certainly confirm the originality of the piece.
NP
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
slk said
I am going to look at a 1892 in 32-20 this weekend and would like to know if someone has some pictures of what the barrel stamping should look like. Reason for asking is that the barrel has more bluing on it that the receiver has from the pictures I have seen. This rifle is supposedly one of the first runs made with the serial number dating to around 1893-4 or so as I have been told by seller. I do not have the serial number. Thanks for any help..Steve
Hello Steve,
Is the rifle a round or octagon barrel sporting rifle or saddle ring carbine. Different barrel markings were used for different configurations and changes made at different points of production. Can you get detailed photos and the serial number. I will be happy to take a look and advise.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Ah roll stampings!!! I have come to love hearing about these! I have spent many countless hours studying roll stampings over the last several months. I have asked many questions to several people here on this forum. I have received excellent advice and guidance in my pursuit.
Bert told you correctly and it is what I have found to be true and why I have that roll stamp. Some of the best guidance I have received is from Michael Puzio in dealing with the 1892. He does a survey on the 1892 and his guidance proved so valuable I reference that information several times a week now. Bert has a ton of information from surveys on the single shot and 1894. The 94 book is a fantastic resource for that model.
Thank you gentlemen for the countless hours spent on surveys I can only hope more books come from these surveys.
Sam
WACA Member
Colt Collectors Association Member
Buffalo Bill Center of the West Member
twobit said
slk said
Here are some pics of the rifle. I went on and bought it. It looks correct to me.
Good afternoon,
It is correct for that serial number range. The magazine end cap should be identical to the attached image.
Michael
Yes the end cap on the tube is the same. Thanks for that info.. The rifling is still fairly good but dark inside. Guess for one that old it is normal. It does shoot pretty good. I suppose the black powder loads of yesteryear were not easy on guns. You can see the lands and groves all the way down.
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