I know this is the S&W forum but I'm hoping some on on here can answer this question. When did Winchester quit using the "ladder type" rear sight on their carbines and go to a plain lift sight?
Jim

The ladder rear sight is most often seen on 1886 models. By the time the 1892 came out, it was an option, though not common. It was also an option on the 1894, but very few were ever ordered.

I'm not sure about the 1873. It was not discontinued by the 1892, but was made concurrently for many years. The 1873 had developed legendary status, and despite the superior Browning designed action of the 1892, some still wanted the 1873. I'm not sure how long the ladder sight was standard on the 1873 or if it continued to the end of production. I'm more of a fan of the Browning designed guns, so I'm not up on 1873 nuances.

I don't know nothing about nothing but Winchester model 92 and model 94 saddle ring carbines had ladder carbine sights into the 1920's.

Thanks for the responses and I have been thinking the 1920s as well but can't find a definitive answer. Anyone else have a specific date?
Jim
BTW: Most of the 92 carbines I've had over the years had the ladder sight. It is IMO much rarer on the 94s.

If by 'ladder rear sight' on the carbines you mean the flip up open rear sight with an open rear notch showing when in the down position, and a short sliding vernier in the raised position,,,that was standard on the 92, 94, 86 carbines through WW2.

After WW2 they changed over to the open rear sight on the 94carbines.\
There was no more 92 or 86. The rifle form of the 94 was now the Model 64.
There's probably a transition period where either would be correct as far as a collector would be concerned,,but I don't get in to that to avoid severe headaches and arguments.

The 94 carbine sight post WW2 was the common rifle style with a stepped elevator in a slot in the middle of the leaf of the sight. Pulling up the rear sight leaf allows the elevator to be moved in position forward or back raising or lowering the rear open sight leaf.

There are a couple minor variations of the carbine sight as well as of the post war elevator adj open rear sight.

Marlin used the same 'carbine' style rear sights on their 94, 93, ect lever action pre-war carbines. Changing over to the rifle style sight same as Winchester did after the War.

Those little carbine rear sights are about a $150+ item when you want to buy one to make your carbine 'right'. Perfect condition/blue can put them over the $200 mark.