This rifle came from a hardware store in Utah where it had been stored for decades, then languished with an east coast collector for some years more (possibly New Hampshire). The hardware store building was vacated and only searched and cleaned up when it became part of an estate being liquidated. We’ve had the gun since 2009, and displayed it at the Colorado Gun Collectors Show, Denver, as well as offering it on GunsAmerica during this same period. It has been discussed in various gun blogs. It is obviously a 1910 dated receiver by serial number. We’ve completely disassembled the rifle and taken pictures. The bottom of the barrel is dated, as Winchester started doing in the 1930’s, and the date is “45”, meaning 1945. There is an assembly number on the left side of the lower tang which is “231”. The same assembly number is stamped in the upper tang channel of the butt stock. No other markings are found with the exception of “23” on the bottom of the receiver left of the lever. The gun was evidently one of the last '92's assembled at the factory, after WWII about 1945. Note: Production of the Model 1892 rifle was discontinued in 1931. The carbine was produced until 1941. Madis quotes “…In World War II the final guns were assembled, using parts on hand. …”. I believe this is correct applied to this gun. Note: Having been completely through this gun, and having experience with Winchesters buying, selling, repairing and restoring since 1957, I see nothing which leads me to believe that this is a re-finish or that any work was done outside the factory. This statement includes viewing both metal and wood finish as well as milling marks, number stampings, wood to metal fit and inletting marks. If a new barrel was ordered and sent from the factory to do the work outside, the barrel would have the extra mail order proof stamp near the verified proof on the top of the barrel. The barrel has no such second proof. Finally, in going over the gun I note it is not quite perfect. There is slight wear to the blue on both upper rear corners of the receiver from the box or cases it’s been in. And the toe of the butt plate has a very slight scrape. The gun features a factory installed tang peep sight with a proper rear barrel sight to accompany it. The box is what it is, and simply goes with the gun, as it was with the gun when we acquired it.
If you are not aware, when you click on an individual picture, there are forward and back arrows in the upper left corner. If you click the icon between the arrows, you will get a great enlargement. We suggest viewing pictures on a full-size computer to take advantage of this feature. We will consider trades for U.S. gold and silver coins at spot value. Contact information can be found by Googling Columbia Precision (tang sights).