Winchester lever actions

[Orion Jim]

For your viewing pleasure I’d like to present two Winchester lever actions. One is a Model 1892 in .38 WCF (.38-40). It has a four digit serial number from the first year of production. I reload for it with a reduced load and I’ve shot it several times. It’s accurate and operates flawlessly. I don’t know who manufactured the tang peep sight so if anyone recognizes it please chime in.
It’s brother is a Model 1894 in .32 WCF. The serial number indicates it was manufactured in 1901. It also is accurate and operates flawlessly with my reduced load reloads.

 

[Catpop]

Fine looking rifles there Orion Jim! I know you’re proud!
And 38 WCF is my favorite of the WCF group of cartridges!!!! I have a few 38-40s. Do you have a favorite load for them?
Shoot them and enjoy!

 

[Moparnut]

Those are some sweet looking levers!

 

[Orion Jim]

Fine looking rifles there Orion Jim! I know you’re proud!
And 38 WCF is my favorite of the WCF group of cartridges!!!! I have a few 38-40s. Do you have a favorite load for them?
Shoot them and enjoy!

I played it safe and went by the loads recommended in the Speer reloading manual. I hesitate to be more specific as each firearm is as unique as the talents of the reloader. With these two rifles I am very conservative. I want the pressures and muzzle velocity low by modern standards.

 

[HowieG]

Are you sure you meant 32 WCF for that 1894? The two 32 caliber cartridges chambered in the early 1894 were the 32-40 (1894) and the 32 Special (1901). The 32 WCF is also known as the 32-20 and is a pistol sized cartridge. It was chambered in the Winchester 1892.

 

[Orion Jim]

Are you sure you meant 32 WCF for that 1894? The two 32 caliber cartridges chambered in the early 1894 were the 32-40 (1894) and the 32 Special (1901). The 32 WCF is also known as the 32-20 and is a pistol sized cartridge. It was chambered in the Winchester 1892.

You are correct, it is the .32 WS.

 

[HowieG]

You are correct, it is the .32 WS.

Two very nice looking rifles. I've always been a Win 1892 fan, because I like that range of cartridges. The original 1894's were very high quality as well.

 

[Bartojc]

Those are a pair of dandy lever actions. I love a nice looking lever, but only own two.

-Jeff

 

[LonesomePigeon]

Really nice. Isn't 1901 very early for a .32 Winchester Special? Would that be the first year of production for the Model1894 in that caliber?

 

[CraigC]

Beautiful rifles! Aged gracefully.

 

[Orion Jim]

Really nice. Isn't 1901 very early for a .32 Winchester Special? Would that be the first year of production for the Model1894 in that caliber?

Per wiki the .32 Special was introduced in October 1901. The serial numbers produced in 1901 started with 204428 and ended with 233975. My serial number is 230080 which would appear to place it in that time frame.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

That is a couple treasures right there. First year production 1892 and one of the very first 32 Special 1894's

32 Special is my favorite cartridge in the 94 models.

 

[Hokkmike]

Eye candy for sure, thanks friend.

 

[Riomouse911]

Those are very nice! 120+ years looks great on them both .

Stays safe.

 

[SundownRider]

I have a weakness for old lever actions. Those are very nice! Mine in an 1892 in 44-40, but I enjoy the 38-40 cartridge very much

 

[tark]

I just slobbered on my keyboard.

 

[Oregontrail]

Liking that "Winchester red"
Very sweet!!

 

[BigBlue 94]

Mine isnt as purdy... But still purdy!

1890 MFG, 32-20 special order 30" octagon barrel with full length magazine and crescent butt plate.

 

[gotboostvr]

Mine isnt as purdy... But still purdy!

1890 MFG, 32-20 special order 30" octagon barrel with full length magazine and crescent butt plate.

Woof that's a long barrel on there.

What's the capacity?

 

[BigBlue 94]

Woof that's a long barrel on there.

What's the capacity?

Haha yes it is. I dont remember exactly but 17 or 18! The original high capacity "assault rifle" lol. Of course its not real handy, that muzzle is wayyyy out there.

Ive actually hunted deer where that gun had done the same 100 years ago. Bought it from a buddy of my Dad's along with a 16ga 1897. I think his family bought it new.

 

[czhen]

Lately those old Winchester rifles are the only thing that pick up my attention. Congrats great history artifacts.
Please gently fix that screw.

 

[Orion Jim]

Lately those old Winchester rifles are the only thing that pick up my attention. Congrats great history artifacts.
Please gently fix that screw.

These have been essentially untouched for 70+ years. In that time they were never shot until they came into my possession. That buggered screw head has always been a thorn in my side but I am reticent to even gently effect a cosmetic repair. I have ensured that the action is tight and shoot them with reduced charge reloads in an effort to do no harm. I feel that a little honest wear and tear is preferable to the gently retouched look. I’m not enough of a collector to know what is considered acceptable within the Winchester collectors standards and I realize that they will end up with someone who cherishes them as much as I do….someday.

 

[BigBlue 94]

These have been essentially untouched for 70+ years. In that time they were never shot until they came into my possession. That buggered screw head has always been a thorn in my side but I am reticent to even gently effect a cosmetic repair. I have ensured that the action is tight and shoot them with reduced charge reloads in an effort to do no harm. I feel that a little honest wear and tear is preferable to the gently retouched look. I’m not enough of a collector to know what is considered acceptable within the Winchester collectors standards and I realize that they will end up with someone who cherishes them as much as I do….someday.

If you dont know if fixing the screw is right, dont do it. I would personally leave it. They are only original once.

I too shoot mild loads in mine. Lead bullets only. Mine will be 132 years old next year. Its remarkable that these ol things still run the way the do.

 

[Oldncrusty]

A pair of real beauties. It's great to hear they're being used and enjoyed as nature intended. I deer hunted this year with my 73 in 38-40. Is that a 28" bbl on the 94? It looks more than 2" longer than the 92 in the photo.

 

[Orion Jim]

A pair of real beauties. It's great to hear they're being used and enjoyed as nature intended. I deer hunted this year with my 73 in 38-40. Is that a 28" bbl on the 94? It looks more than 2" longer than the 92 in the photo.

You are correct, it does look deceiving because the 92 s leaning back a little. The 92 has a 24” barrel and the 94 has a 26” barrel.
In this photo the perspective is the same as both are lying flat.