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Winchester Model 92 .25-20 Cal Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:3,800.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Winchester Model 92 .25-20 Cal Lever Action Rifle
This lot has a Winchester deluxe model 1892 with special order features. This high condition .25-20 caliber rifle with serial number 157458 left the Winchester factory in 1901. It has a rare pistol grip stock, checkering, shotgun butt, half-magazine and full octagon barrel. When rifles were ordered from Winchester with a half-magazine, they were typically shipped with either a full round or half-octagon barrel. A “Full” octagon barrel with a half-magazine was actually two special order features and is rarely found. Interestingly, before about 1905 Winchester rifles do not have the oval “WP” proof mark stamped on the barrel and receiver ring. After 1905, this firing proof mark was stamped on all rifles. If a rifle made before 1905 was returned to the factory for cleaning, repairs, changes or for any other reason, it was “proofed” and stamped with the Winchester proof marks on the barrel and receiver ring before being returned to the sender. This very unusual rifle was returned to the Winchester factory some time after 1905 as it now has the firing proof stamp on the barrel and receiver ring. Since the barrel has later style markings, it is probable that the rifle was returned to Winchester for a new barrel. However, it is important to note that all work must have been done by Winchester and not an outside gunsmith as it does have the two post-1905 proof stamping that only Winchester could apply. The receiver on this unusual rifle retains fine original factory blue on the sides and top bolt with only some normal carry wear to the bottom. The 24” barrel also retains about all the blue. The barrel shows sharp Winchester markings and is fitted with a buckhorn rear barrel sight with a Beach folding globe front sight. Additionally, it has a Lyman tang sight. The butt stock is generally excellent with fine checkering at the wrist. The shotgun butt plate is of the correct Winchester embossed hard rubber style and is in excellent condition. The pistol grip also has the correct Winchester embossed hard rubber grip cap also in excellent condition. The checkered forend is in fine condition with distinct checkering showing minor wear only. Screw heads are excellent, the action is tight and the safety half-cock holds perfectly. The bore is mirror bright and minty. The Model 1892 was made in .25-20, .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40. The .25-20 caliber, like this one, was a very popular caliber with ranchers and farmers who used the flat shooting caliber to protect livestock and crops from marauding wolves, coyotes, foxes etc. It was also popular for shooting game for the cooking pot! Being more of a utility rifle than a sporting arm, the Model 1892 was rarely ordered with special features and seldom is seen in deluxe configuration with pistol grip stock, checkering etc. The Model 1892 rifle and carbine were made into the 1920s with a few being continued into the Great Depression years. It was deemed obsolete and discontinued after World War II. Today, they are favorites of shooters who favor the feel of walnut and solid blue steel in their classic and antique Winchesters. A Model 1892, with the unusual features of this rifle are seldom offered for sale. This is a truly rare rifle in superb condition. The rifle weighs 7lbs 2oz. Serial Number: 157458. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic firearm, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.*