When Marlin introduced its pistol caliber Model 1892 rifle, Winchester turned to noted firearms designer John Browning for a design that could compete with Marlin's new offering. Browning replied, that not only could he produce a prototype to compete with Marlin, but he would have it ready in under a month. If the prototype weren't finished in a months time, he'd give it to Winchester for free. Within two weeks, Browning had a functioning prototype of the gun that would become the iconic Winchester 1892.
The Model ‘92 was, in essence, a slimmer, scaled-down version of the Winchester 1886, a hefty big-game rifle designed by Browning to replace the Winchester 1876, which itself was a beefed-up version of the Model ’73. With its twin vertical locking lugs that slid up on both sides of the bolt when the lever was closed, the Model ’86 had the smoothest, strongest action in Winchester’s lever-action lineup. The Model ‘92 inherited the 1886’s locking lugs and silky-smooth action. Initial chamberings were limited to .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40 Winchester centerfire rounds, but in 1895, a new cartridge was offered the .25-20.
Introduced as a rifle, a saddle-ring carbine and a musket, the sleeker, lighter 6-lb. carbine proved to be most popular among buyers Initially priced at $18, the 11-shot carbine saw action from the rugged Badlands of the Dakotas to the North Pole. Admiral Robert E. Peary carried an 1892 on his trips to the North Pole, and famous Amazon explorer Percy Fawcett carried a Winchester '92 on his expeditions. Famous jaguar hunter Sasha Siemel also used a short-barreled Winchester '92 carbine with a bayonet attached. The Royal Navy even ordered 21,000 rifle for use during WWI. Theodore Roosevelt was very fond of his 1892 carbine, which was nickel-and-gold-plated with full factory engraving.
John Wayne famously carried Model '92s in dozens of films, and owned several personally, some with the distinctive oversized "loop" lever. Other notable screen '92s were those of Chuck Connors in The Rifleman and Steve McQueen in Wanted: Dead or Alive.
Hollywood studios purchased the '92 in quantity because it was in regular production (until World War II), but looked sufficiently like Old West Winchesters to substitute for valuable antiques. Additionally it was chambered in pistol calibers that were complementary to the Colt Single Action Army "Peacemaker" revolver, which allowed it to chamber the standard "5-in-1" blank cartridge.
The Depression greatly affected sales of the Winchester '92, and at the start of World War II, Winchester dropped production when it retooled for the war effort. Production was not resumed after the war, as the sales of the Model 1894 had already been outpacing the '92 prior to the War. Overall, Winchester produced made 1,007,608 Model 1892 rifles between 1892 and 1945.
This particular Model 1892 was produced in early 1905. It features some fairly rare "special order" features, the most notable of which being a "half magazine".
The standard 1892 rifle featured a full length magazine that ran the length of the barrel; being secured via a barrel band mounted just behind the front sight. While a full length magazine provided the benefit of a large ammunition capacity, some shooters, particularly hunters and trappers, found that the increase in ammo came at a cost - a long exposed magazine tube that ran the length of the barrel was prone to damage in the field. If the rifle were dropped, or hit against something hard enough, the thin metal that comprised the magazine could become dented or deformed to the point that it could hinder the magazine ability to feed cartridges into the action rendering the whole gun useless. The solution to this issue was a shortened magazine. The "half magazine" not only helped balance the gun, but it also allowed the majority of the gun's magazine to be protected by the forestock. While shortening the magazine tube decreased the gun's ammunition capacity, many sportsmen considered this to be a worthwhile trade; as hunters typically only fire one or two shots when harvesting a game animal.
For a small fee, Winchester allowed the "half" and "button" magazines to be added to any of their lever action rifles. But since this was not a standard feature, any gun with these short magazines had to be "special ordered" from the custom shop. These custom shop guns are very desirable to modern day collectors, as they demonstrate the variety of customizations that were available to 19th Century gun buyers and add a distinctively "human element" to individual firearms.
In addition to it's special ordered button magazine, this 1892 carbine remains in excellent condition. It appears to have been restocked by Winchester in the 1950s, and features a handfit American walnut stock with a "shotgun butt". As a "pre-64" Wincheseter, the craftsmanship that went into the building of this carbine is especially evident when working the action of this carbine. Its smooth and positive, with everything functioning as it should with no worn or damaged parts. The fit and finish is excellent.
The 24" barrel is full length and features a great set of original unmodified sights. Chambered in the popular .-25-20 cartridge, this carbine has a beautiful bore with excellent rifling and no rust or pitting.
The stocks are in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or other damage.
This carbine would be a great shooter or collector's piece. Don't miss out on this iconic rifle!
*This weapon was made after 1899 and MUST be shipped to Federal Firearms License holder, or Curio & Relic License holder, for transfer. Never bought a gun through an FFL before? Give us a call at (262) 473-5444 and we'd be glad to walk you through this simple process.
