Another 1892 followed me home

Roscoe Coles · August 13, 2021, 11:36:26 PM

A buddy called me the other day to say that a 1907 mfd. Winchester 1892 round barrel rifle in 38-40 had come into his shop. Oddly, there is not much market for western guns where he is, which has led to some interesting purchases over the years. I couldn't pass it up at the asking price (read the tag). It's far from pristine, it's got a pattern on the receiver that I think is the result of it being stored in a damp fabric case at some time, but the wood and barrel are good. It's getting shipped to my FFL and will join a gray SRC in 44-40 and a really nice octagon 32-20 rifle. Oddly, this is the first 38-40 I have ever bought. Its a good caliber, but I like 44-40. It's a good thing I don't need to shoot it as brass is scarce at the moment.

Black River Smith · August 15, 2021, 07:11:22 PM

Roscoe,

I am jealous. For the last 2 years I have been interested in acquiring an 1892 designed 38/40 chambered octagon Rifle. I even thought of relining an old Rossi in 44/40. I already load for the 38/40 in a SAA Cimarron but then decided I really would like a rifle to match.

When I started CAS in the early 90's, I was offered a Win1892 in 38/40 for $312, but passed because I wanted a Win1873, instead. Prices in my area are now much higher than what you indicate.

You are a lucky man. Congrats on an original.

Roscoe Coles · August 15, 2021, 10:20:25 PM

Thanks, I hope it's as described. Prices on 92s are a lot higher than this one up here as well, so at this price couldn't really pass it up. Shipping, brass, dies, and bullets will drive the project up a bit, but still worth it. Actually, it's coming up with an H&R officers model trapdoor that was already coming, so the shipping was factored in. 38-40 is a good round, just not one I normally use. Of course, if it's nice, I will have to find a 38-40 colt to go with it...

JOG · August 23, 2021, 04:59:31 PM

That is one hell of a deal for a real Winchester 92!
That's the price for a used Rossi around these part's!
Congratulations you stole it!

Roscoe Coles · October 06, 2021, 10:49:05 PM

I had to wait a bit to get it shipped, but I picked it up from the shop this afternoon. It's an honest gun with a good bore and quite a bit of blue on the barrel. Very happy to get it. Now I need to find some brass and dies...

Black River Smith · October 08, 2021, 04:26:48 PM

Still jealous but congrats that it is a nice condition rifle for that REALLY great price.

If you find another like that and don't want it, let me know.

Trailrider · October 08, 2021, 06:54:19 PM

Quote from: Roscoe Coles on October 06, 2021, 10:49:05 PM
I had to wait a bit to get it shipped, but I picked it up from the shop this afternoon. It's an honest gun with a good bore and quite a bit of blue on the barrel. Very happy to get it. Now I need to find some brass and dies...

If you have some .44-40 brass you could neck it down carefully. Might even be able to do it just stuffing it carefully into a .38-40 sizing die.

Blackpowder Burn · October 08, 2021, 06:57:21 PM

If you want to send it to me, I'll load and test some ammo with it. It can also visit with my '92's in 44 WCF and 32 WCF!

Roscoe Coles · October 08, 2021, 10:09:14 PM

I have a lot of 44-40 brass so if push comes to shove I can make do. But, I wouldn't like to mix them up so I would prefer some properly head-stamped brass. I will order some Starline next time I run across it.

It's getting familiar with my 44-40 92 carbine and 32-20 92 rifle, not to mention all my other winchesters (a couple of which are shown below) so I think it will stay at home, but thanks for the offer.

. It's the 92 at the top with the round barrel.