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Winchester 1892,94

tone59
I recently purchased a model 1892.
Would someone please explain how this model differs from an 1894.
Thank you.
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5 comments

Date Votes
  • 22hipower
    There are many differences and perhaps one of the Winchester experts will provide some references and details. You might start by closely examining your 1892 and comparing it to pictures of 1894s on the auction side, and elsewhere, and you'll see some of the obvious differences. One of the major differences is the cartridges; 25-20, 32-20, 38-40, and 44-40 for the 1892 and others for the 1894 (initially 30-30, 32 Spec, 25-35, 32-40) and perhaps a few others. In later years, under USRAC, calibers such as 357 Mag, 44 Mag, and 45 colt were added to the Model 94 and some versions of the Model 94 towards the end were made in 375 Win and 450 Marlin. Arguably these weren't really Winchesters. Which caliber 1892 do you have and is it a rifle or saddle ring carbine? While there are "hotter" rounds available now the 1892s are still much fun to shoot, accurate and reliable. Enjoy.

    Edit: Edit: The 24 inch octagon barrel is the rifle version; the SRC has a shorter barrel and the saddle ring on the left side of the receiver. Would need to see the box of bullets to be sure but if they say 38-40 and the barrel is stamped 38-40 you should be good. I have two of the 38-40s; both octagon barrels but one has a full length magazine tube and the other is a "button" magazine (stops at the front of the forearm). As I said initially, they are great fun to shoot. You won't know how accurate it is until you try it. I have a 25-20 that is around 100 years old and shoots as well as any of my modern lever actions. I've shot several turkeys with it. One of my 38-40s will shoot in to a two inch circle at 50 yards and I'm yet to shoot the second one. You can hand load for these too to increase the effectiveness some and to reduce cost (38-40 factory ammo is still available but isn't inexpensive; +/- $70 a box of 50 depending where you find it). Sometimes it can be found a little cheaper at gun shows. Post pictures and Bert H I'm sure will be happy to confirm originality etc.
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  • tone59
    It is 38-40.
    Came with a box of ammo(44rds left of a box of 50).
    A friend told me he thought the barrels were stronger on the 94s to handle more powerful smokeless rounds.
    Thats all he could say about it and wasnt too sure if that was the case.
    Im not sure what model it is.
    24in.octagon,straight stock,cresent metal butt plate.
    Looks to be all original and all there.
    Seller said it shoots fine.
    I think the condition is 10-30%.
    I am not sure how to grade antiques.
    The Win.brand ammo box looks modern...can anyone tell me if it is correct for this old(1904)gun?
    Thank you.

    EDIT:
    Thank you Bert H and Tsr1965.
    I am looking forward to shooting this cool old rifle
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  • tocamoha
    post detailed pictures.
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  • Bert H.
    The Model 1892 was made for pistol size cartridges (short-action) whereas the Model 1894 was made for full length rifle cartridges (long-action). The barrels used on the Model 1894 for the 25-35 WCF, 30 WCF, and 32 WS were made of nickel-steel, and it does have a much higher tensile strength than the standard high-pressure steel barrels that were standard on the Model 1892.

    Another big difference is that the Model 1894 action used a single locking lug at the rear of the bolt, whereas the Model 1892 used twin opposing locking bars closer to the center of the bolt.
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  • tsr1965
    Tone59,

    If you will, think of the 1886, 1892, and 1894 as a series of rifles, similar to the 1873, and 1876...or a more modern Winchester 70 Classic, that had a Supershort action, Long action, and Magnum length(for H&H, and RUM length Rounds).

    First was the 1886, in rounds like 45-70, 33 WCF, 45-90, and 50-110. Then was the 1892, in rounds like 32 WCF, 38 WCF, 44WCF, 25-20, and more recently 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, ande 45 Colt. Then there was the 1894. It was initially offered in 38-55, then 30 WCF, 32 Win.Spl., and 25-35.

    While the designs of the 1886, 1892, and 1894 were all similar, they were all not exactly the same as scaled down exact copies of the 1886. However, they were all buttery smoothe, and by far the 1892 is the most fun to shoot, unless you are engaging targets out to 300 and 400 yards. Then the 1886 in 45-70, and 45-90 rule.

    Best

    EDIT 1

    Tone59,

    It is most likely a sporting rifle, and could have some special order features. We would need to see some pictures to know for sure if it had any special order features. You can e-mail them if you wish. Any factory 38WCF, or 38-40 ammunition should be fine. Since I have several rifles 1892's and 1 1873, and 3 Colt SAA's chambered for this round, I purchased 2 cases of the Ultra Max Cowboy ammo for them, when I could get it for under $30.00 a box.

    One 1892 I have was made in 1895, and started out as a 44-40, with a round barrel. It was rebarreled with a period correct barrel(No Proof Stamp), in octagon, that was 21 inches, and the magazine tube was shortened, very nicely done. That work was peerformed back before the Great Depression, I was told. It was my late grandfather's rifle, and I will NEVER get rid of it.

    I have demonstrated its ability with a #2 Lyman sight, to consistantly hit 6" steel plates, and bowling pins at 100 yards, over at the Harrisville R&G Club, with those Cowboy loads. they are a blast to shoot, and show, that just because they are over 100 years old, that does not mean they are not a contender to bring home dinner.

    Best
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