Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle .38-40 Win, First-Year Production (1892), 20-inch Octagon Barrel, 11+1 Capacity
This first-year production Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle stands out with a very low three-digit serial number and classic 1890s configuration. It features a 20-inch octagon barrel, full-length tubular magazine, and straight-grip walnut stock with a crescent steel buttplate. Tang and barrel address markings are present, and the rifle retains the Browning dual vertical locking-lug lever-action design that defines the model.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. There are various cosmetic imperfections, including scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss.
What's Included
- Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle in .38-40 Win
First-year production in 1892 adds notable collector interest, and the very low three-digit serial underscores its early place in Model 1892 history. As an antique, it represents the launch period of one of Winchester’s most enduring lever-actions.
The Short Rifle configuration combines a 20-inch octagon barrel with a full-length tubular magazine for 11+1 capacity. The straight-grip walnut stock, rifle forend cap, and crescent steel buttplate reflect the classic rifle pattern, and the length of pull measures 13 inches.
Sighting equipment includes a dovetailed front blade and a semi-buckhorn rear with elevator, offering a traditional and practical setup. The receiver retains a color case-hardened finish that has mellowed to a mostly grey patina, while the barrel and magazine tube are blued steel; both the tang and barrel address markings are present.
Chambered in .38-40 Winchester, this rifle uses the Browning dual vertical locking-lug lever-action with an external hammer. Built in the United States during the 1890s, it retains the hallmark handling and configuration associated with early-production Model 1892 Short Rifles.