Winchester 1892 Appraisal

Which Model-Configuration of 1892 Rifle do You Have?

Step 1: Determine the Model of firearm

There are 5 Model Configurations with several variations of those models.  The standard 1892 rifle was a lever action and had a walnut stock, with either a shotgun-type, carbine-type or crescent buttplate.  Deluxe varieties have checkered forearms and stocks, and may have a pistol grip and/or other added features, as many different options were available directly from the Winchester factory. 

Barrel length is the major criteria that will be used to differentiate among the 5 different Model Configurations of the 1892 Winchester.  Barrel length is measured from the end of the barrel tip (below the front sight), to the end of the barrel threads (beyond where the barrel inserts into the receiver in the middle of the gun).  In the 1892 Winchester, you can measure from the top of the receiver from where the bolt opening ends, to the barrel tip, to get an accurate overall barrel length.  As an example, in the Carbine which has a 20" barrel, the measurement from the barrel tip to the receiver front is only 19 1/4 ".  In order to add the distance of the barrel threads, you need to keep measuring into the receiver until you reach the end of the threads at the bolt/receiver opening (see where arrow points to in picture below).  This will give you the correct barrel length measurement.

Use the following Key to determine which model (configuration) of gun you have.  Start at "a" and then select one of the "a" choices.  Follow the STEPS through the key to determine your rifle type.  Then confirm with the overall descriptions and variations.  These guns were very popular and some have gone through many hands.  Each owner had an opportunity to modify the gun, add parts, change parts, and remove features.  Be alert for such modifications, and remember that any modification from the original probably decreases value.

If you need help determining names  used for the parts of your gun, examine the Parts Diagram by Clicking Here.

Easy Key:

a. My gun is a lever action with a barrel that is EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 20" in length .  ---  Go to section b

a. My gun is a lever action with a barrel LESS THAN 20" LONG.  You have a  Trapper's Carbine.  The barrel  can be either 18", 16", 15" or 14" in length.  The gun is blued, has a plain walnut stock and a carbine style buttplate.

 Go to STEP 2

b. My gun has a barrel that GREATER THAN 20" long ---  Go to section c

Winchester 1892 with barrel over 20" in length

b. My gun is a lever action with a barrel THAT IS  20" long.  You have a  Winchester 1892 Carbine.  The barrel will be round, the stock plain walnut, and the buttplate will be carbine style.  The forearm is also plain walnut, uncapped, and with a single barrel band.  The gun is blued, and those made prior to 1925 will be fitted with a saddle ring on the left receiver side and worth a premium. 

c.  My gun has 30" round barrel with full magazine.  The forearm is almost full length of the barrel and is held on by two barrel bands.  The buttstock is plain walnut. You have a  Winchester 1892 Musket. 

Continue to Step 2 and the Variations of Models