I need help identifying the Winchester Model 1892 Carbine that I recently purchased. It is in .44 magnum and it appears to be a recent reissue, although I can't find any info on the specific model.

Serial Number: 664***, if you look it up, it says that it was manufactured in 1912!!!
Finish: high gloss blue
Markings: "classic" manufacturer Logo on the tang . . . "Model 1892 -Winchester- Trademark registered U.S. Patent Office." On the bottom of the receiver is the serial number and on the barrel is simply says .44 MAG. . . . there are no other markings whatsoever.
Sights: contemporary
Other Specs: stock and foreend not checkered . . . does not have a tang safety, but has a half-cocked notch.

I've come across the 1892 Classic Traditions, but I believe they were made after 1997 and all have a tang safety.

Can anyone help me identify this carbine?

Many thanks . . .

Boomer, I believe that you have an original '92 Winchester that has been re-barreled to .44 Mag. This was a fairly common practice back in the '60s and '70s, and even earlier. The '92 is a very strong action, but, I'm not sure that it can withstand a steady diet of heavy .44 Mag loads. Have a competent smith check the headspace and bolt face to ensure that all dimensions are correct. :D

Hi Mike . . . wow, do you think so? The serial number certainly implies that, doesn't it. Now I'm wondering about its finish. The blueing is in excellent condition, far better than you would expect for a 1912 firearm, but I suppose that it could have been reblued when the barrel was fitted.

Also, good advise about the .44 Mag diet . . . I think I'm going to primarily be shooting .44 Specials per your advise. Is there any bullet type that feeds particularly well?

btw, I'm in a major market (Boston) and paid $550 for it . . . did they take me to the cleaners for a modified 1892?

Thanks again for your help.

I suspect that you could easily get that amount of money back for any Winchester in firing condition, due to the demand of the CAS crowd.

Certainly it's not worth what an original would have been.... but an original 1892, mfg'd in 1912, sure wouldn't have been available for $550!

Hi Mike . . . thanks for your assistance, its been very helpful. After additional digging, I think the your "rebarrelled original" theory is indeed correct. While extensively modified, its an fine little carbine in excellent condition, which is more important to me than its pure pedigree.

Thanks again . . .