Bubba Winchester Model 1892 Information

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Fisherman24

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Hey everyone,

I recently acquired a Winchester model 1892. I’ve never owned a lever gun, so I am hoping someone here can provide me with more information.

From what I can tell, it’s a 1892 that has been shortened and fitted with a goofy handguard like a lee enfield. The receiver looks like it was tapped for a scope rail. The saddle ring is missing along with the tube spring and follower and rear sight. The action is pretty smooth and the trigger pull is good.

What I can’t figure out is what it’s chambered in. It’s says .45 on the barrel where the rear sight should be, but these were not produced in .45? I’m guessing this means 45 long colt?

Here are some pictures. I’m wondering if I should bother restoring this or just selling as is. Where is a good source for parts for these? If I was to sell as is, what would it be worth?

https://postimg.cc/gallery/vsRyZwt

Good advice appreciated, thanks!
 
Rusty woods trading post should have those parts and Winchester's website will tell you when it was manufactured based on the serial #, I'd bet it's in 45 colt but I can't say much for value
 
The thing is goofy, but it seems like the job was well done. I'd be tempted to leave it but then I've got enough "right" stuff.
 
The two drilled holes on the receiver look like crude peep sight mounts for a Williams or similar possibly a model 5D.

I got a similar 1892 rifle many years ago, it currently wears the barrel off a 94 Winchester, it fit perfectly, and the sight index marks even line up.

Many things may have happened to that rifle over it's long life. Don't assume anything is original.

Using Cerosafe for a chamber casting is the easiest way to find out the chambering, as that "45" marking, is not a factory chambering mark.

Or, you can slug the bore, and by bore diameter eliminate a lot of suspects.

Model 1892 Calibers:
.25 W.C.F.
.32 W.C.F.
.38 W.C.F.
.44 W.C.F.

are the original chamberings, mine is in 44WCF. However, there have been a lot of others added to that by smiths over the years.
 
Someone had a go at customizing the '92.
The forend and front sight are obvious.
'92s were not made in .45, so that is a change. You will need to check the bore dimensions and chamber. And if the action will feed .45 rounds.
The two holes on the left of the receiver are likely for an aperture sight.
 
Interesting - I didn’t know the barrels were interchangeable. Do you guys think it’s worth restoring or should I just sell for parts?

I appreciate these great responses.
 
If it is functional and you want a shooter, do the minimum and enjoy it. If you want to restore it to its original configuration, that would be a possibility.
 
Heaven only knows the quality of gunsmithing that was done. You are going to have to make sure it is sound.
'92s are strong, that isn't a problem.
 
I'd slug the barrel and do a chamber cast. It should be quite easy to figure out what it's chambered for. There aren't that many rimmed .45 cal pistol cartridges to choose from. It's most likely a .45 Colt. Then check for headspace and shoot it.

I'd keep it at least long enough to figure out what it'd chambered in and see how it shoots.

Chris.
 
Fisherman24 said:
Hey everyone,

I recently acquired a Winchester model 1892. I’ve never owned a lever gun, so I am hoping someone here can provide me with more information.

From what I can tell, it’s a 1892 that has been shortened and fitted with a goofy handguard like a lee enfield. The receiver looks like it was tapped for a scope rail. The saddle ring is missing along with the tube spring and follower and rear sight. The action is pretty smooth and the trigger pull is good.

What I can’t figure out is what it’s chambered in. It’s says .45 on the barrel where the rear sight should be, but these were not produced in .45? I’m guessing this means 45 long colt?

Here are some pictures. I’m wondering if I should bother restoring this or just selling as is. Where is a good source for parts for these? If I was to sell as is, what would it be worth?

https://postimg.cc/gallery/vsRyZwt

Good advice appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...

I'm sure the forestock is a contoured & smoothed out one from a No 4 Lee Enfield. I reckon the reason for the missing mag tube spring & follower is that the feller
set the rifle up as a single shot. Easy to tell if there's a screw or 2 on the bottom of the forestock. That barrel is not from a Model 92 fer sure.

Clean the bore & chamber well and inspect the internal surfaces for corrosion or pitting. If they be good, do a chamber cast & slug the bore.
I'd strip the bugger down for a total clean & checkup meself.

Kinda like the Mannlicher look of the rifle for a bubba job.
 
I wouldnt be surprised if it was from a Lee Enfield. I checked the bottom of the forestock and there's no screws. I am going to take it off this weekend and see what's underneath.
 
Personally I would part it out. I have been involved in "restoring " Winchesters before and this type of thing is better to go with the "highest bidder" crowd. It is not original and never wii be in my mind.
 
If you get the forestock off, check under the bawrill where it meets the receiver.
Winchester puts a flat spot there with some markings that should tell you a couple things.
This might not of been done with the repacement barrel, but you won’t know until you arf a looky-see.
 
Or it could be a 44-40 that was made for European export, I believe a few of these were made most if not all were exported, they had full front stocks, not meant to be sold here, I would look into that, it might be very valuable because almost none stayed in canada.
With a Cody letter, it could be worth thousands to the right collector.
 
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