Winchester 1892's

Maximumbob54 · Aug 16, 2011

Short of joining a Winny forum for the fact that I own only two of them, I thought I would pose this question here. After all, I can use the search function and learn how to cook a snapping turtle or identify rare flowers so maybe this is an easier question...

So I have this older 1892 that at some point was rebarreled into .357 magnum. I know any and all collector value dumps right there, but just how common are these? This is one great looking lever gun even though it is not longer in it's original chambering, what was done to it was done with much care. She is 173XXX and from what I can find she was made around 1900 and was once a .32 WCF which I actually would find more fun shooting than the .357 magnum. This is supposed to be my big break into deer hunting this year and while I was going to take a Marlin 336 in .30-30 out, I keep getting the feeling that this old girl may be a more tote friendly option with many more years left in her. Are these at all interesting enough that I shouldn't do this to her? Should she remain the safe queen that she is???

29aholic · Aug 16, 2011

Well you kinda answered your own question. Not really collectable, so take it hunting. Doesnt mean you cant take care of it in the woods. There were a LOT of 92's converted to various modern calibers over the years.

Wyatt Burp · Aug 16, 2011

That is a classy little rifle. I'm not too fond of that white spacer at the buttplate but it doesn't matter. That's a very nice conversion. I have two 92's. A 1905 taketown 44-40 with a bunch of special features and a well used Browning .44 magnum. I think they are the slickest of lever actions. I really want a Rossi 16" SRC with a loop lever. Your gun deserves to earn it's own battle scars put there by you in the field. Every scratch will be testimony to your kids that it meant something to you, and then it will mean something more to them.

DeadAye · Aug 16, 2011

Don't do it!
Don't take that beauty deer hunting or even out of your house!

It will be worth a lot more at the pawn shop when you're dead if it still looks new.

This

thing means "sarcastic", btw

*******************
It's been modified, so it isn't *collectible* but it's still a nice rifle.
I'd put it in a wall rack where I could look at it and take it to the range and woods when ever I got a chance -- But that's just me

Maximumbob54 · Aug 16, 2011

Well my initial thoughts are that I'm unlikely to need to take a shot greater than two hundred yards at what is likely to be a large dog sized Florida deer. The 92 has some of the finest iron sights I think I have ever seen on a rifle. I would love to say Marbles sights but they aren't marked. The 336 will have more thump maybe but it may be more than I need. More important, I need to figure where I'm going than what I'm carrying, but this sure is a good distraction.

Andy Griffith · Aug 16, 2011

The little '92 will do well with most .38 Special loads, but not all. The Winchesters usually have an action that is much smoother than their new manufactured cousin reproductions.

What type of rifling does it have? What is the number of lands and grooves? I really do like the button magazine reminiscent of the 53.

LoboGunLeather · Aug 16, 2011

Back in the mid-70's I picked up a Winchester 92 carbine, originally a .32-20 that had been converted to .357 Magnum. Very nice little rifle for small game, and I wouldn't be too reluctant to use it at short range for deer if the need was pressing.

Unfortunately, this was one of those that were stolen from me years ago, never recovered, and sorely missed.

I have since added a pretty nice Winchester 92 SRC in .44 WCF, so I have not pursued anything else as long as I have this one to play with, cast bullets for, load ammo for, take to the range and allow adoring hordes to slobber all over it, etc, etc, etc.

Best regards.

armenius · Aug 17, 2011

Beautiful gun.Back in the late 50's early 60's a guy in Flagler Beach was doing a number of fine conversions and may have done this one.At the time I didn't have the money to convert my 38-40.

2152hq · Aug 17, 2011

If the firing pin has been bushed (reduced in size & breech face has a bushing in place for it), you can use reasonable 357 loads in it. If it still has the original '92 rifle firing pin in it, it's larger diameter is best used with lighter 38Spec type loads.
The larger dia firing pin on high pressure 357 loads can lead to a pierced primer.

Alot of '92's were converted to both 357 and 44magnum in the 50's, 60's and even 70's.
Take it easy on the loads though. The original rifles were never meant to handle 35K+ pressures of those cartridges. The action is a strong lockup but the bbl thread dia (chamber area) isn't all that large for those pressures and the steel used at the time.

If headspace is good,,I'd use it. No collector value, but plenty of fun value.
A well placed shot within 100yds with the right 357 load will take a deer just fine.

feralmerril · Aug 17, 2011

Through the years I have had 5 92 winchesters and clones. Still have two. 40 years ago I had a 25-20 rerifled to .357 mag and completely refinished. Had the fireing pin rebushed etc. I also had a 73 winchester redone to 38 special after that, that was a shot out 32-20.
Right now I own a rossi in 357 and a 92 browning in .44 mag. Along with them I own a old 94 and 64 original winchesters in 30/30s. So, I consider myself somewhat experianced on your question.
First go over to levergunner and as the same questions and show your pictures. You will get a ton of accurate information and plenty of admiration for your gun!
Paco Kelly's Leverguns.com • Index page
Many consider the .357 loaded hot as just about as good of a killer as the 30/30! I would keep it in 125 to 150 yards, myself. With the 30/30 I once killed a buck at 220 yards, but that was a fluke and I probley shouldnt have tried it. If you want to get rid of that gun give me a quote.
Here is my 357 and 44 mag clones, also a old 44/40. Wish I would have kept the ones I converted 40 years ago. Is your barrel lined or rebored? I would like to do one in .256 win mag someday.

PALADIN85020 · Aug 17, 2011

I think the Winchester Model 1892 action is the slickest of John Browning's lever action designs. It operates very smoothly and quickly. Basically it's a scaled-down version of the Model 1886, but made for pistol-caliber rounds.

I don't own an original '92; the cost for these is high and they weren't made for cartridges that are commonly available today. However, I own a couple of clones. My favorite is this Puma which is chambered for .357 magnum. I think it's about ideal for a hard-hitting lever action that is not too punishing to the shoulder.

The other one I enjoy is this Browning '92 chambered for the .44 magnum. I discovered that full-power .44 mag loads in a 5.5-lb. rifle are not pleasant, but shooting .44 specials is pure joy. Both of these guns offer a lot of fun for the money, and I sure appreciate ol' John Moses' design.

John

Maximumbob54 · Aug 17, 2011

It appears to be lined. I had never thought about it and had to go look:

feralmerril · Aug 17, 2011

I would take it to the range, see how accurate it is and that it functions like it should. Is it rebushed? If it is and is accurate, functions good, I would take her hunting and be proud to do it! If that liner isnt accurate, I would consider redoing it in the .256 mag that I mentioned. I had a martini rifle built up in 256 and it is a sweet round! Accurate, flat shooting and no recoil. I knew a gunsmith that had a 92 chambered in 256, had the same button magazine like yours and looked like yours. He took his along on a safari to africa and was happy with it for what he used it on. People will tell you now, the 256 is a pointed bullet and could set off others in the magazine. Well, maybe. However their is no recoil to worry about enough to do it. Maybe if you slammed the butt against a rock? Their has been a gazzillion 25-20s and 25/35s built with no problem. If the idea bothers you, go to a round nose bullet like they were. Like your gun. Go use it!

Maximumbob54 · Aug 17, 2011

That's it. She goes out the very next range visit. If I want to stay away from full house .357 magnum for the older steel, the only magnum lite I know of for sure is the Golden Saber. I can load my own though but to what pressure or velocity should I stick with?

feralmerril · Aug 17, 2011

You really, really need to join levergunner and ask that question. The guys there will give you a ream of good intelligent info. They are good guys too. I have "dabbeled" in what you are looking for but these guys know a 100 times what I do! I am Bogus Bill over there. You wont be dissapointed!
Paco Kelly's Leverguns.com • Index page

feralmerril · Aug 17, 2011

Bob, there is a lot of info on this thread about the 357 and deer.
Paco Kelly's Leverguns.com • View topic - Another Look At 357Mag For Deer Hunting

Maximumbob54 · Dec 18, 2012

It's pretty sad that over a year later I still haven't done anything with that rifle. I still can't find any clear answers so I'm going to load up some cast loads with Unique instead of 2400 so they won't be maxed out loads. Unless I weenie out again it will happen this weekend.

feralmerril · Dec 18, 2012

You have a jewel there and dont know it! I see this is a old thread and I see I had made 3 or 4 posts on it that I had forgot about. They still apply.
I love a .357 in a win 92 clone. Usualy they are accurate, low recoil and with the right ammo close to as good as a 30-30 out to 125 yards or so. I wouldnt mind haveing yours.

jimmyj · Dec 18, 2012

Hi:
I purchased a Winchester Model 92 that was converted to .44 Magnum from a friend (?). His father had spent a great deal of money having it converted and refinished. It was a Beauty. Taking it to the range to sight in (Factory Ammo) I observed that the empty fired cases were pitted on the base. I had a Gunsmith check it and discovered that the breech was bulged from the .44 Magnum rounds !
My next Model 92 adventure was purchasing a rifle in 38/40 with a half magazine , shotgun cresent butt plate and a really pitted bore. I had the barrel cut to 18 inches. using Factory Ammo, at 100 yards it would group 2 1/4 inches.

Maximumbob54 · Dec 18, 2012

feralmerril said:
You have a jewel there and dont know it! I see this is a old thread and I see I had made 3 or 4 posts on it that I had forgot about. They still apply.
I love a .357 in a win 92 clone. Usualy they are accurate, low recoil and with the right ammo close to as good as a 30-30 out to 125 yards or so. I wouldnt mind haveing yours.

I tried to join Leverguns.com last time and I'm trying it again this time. I never got an email back and I'm waiting again this time.

jimmyj said:
Hi:
I purchased a Winchester Model 92 that was converted to .44 Magnum from a friend (?). His father had spent a great deal of money having it converted and refinished. It was a Beauty. Taking it to the range to sight in (Factory Ammo) I observed that the empty fired cases were pitted on the base. I had a Gunsmith check it and discovered that the breech was bulged from the .44 Magnum rounds !
My next Model 92 adventure was purchasing a rifle in 38/40 with a half magazine , shotgun cresent butt plate and a really pitted bore. I had the barrel cut to 18 inches. using Factory Ammo, at 100 yards it would group 2 1/4 inches.

Wow, a .44 would leave even less steel behind than the .357 would. Once again, I'm not going to run anything max loaded though her. They will be Unique loads and with my own cast lead bullets.

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