Winchester M92 Short Rifle

A

AUTiger73

New member
Received one of the last Winchester Model 92 (Mirouku production) at the end of March. After calling Winchester's customer service I learned they shipped the last ones in November of 2000. One distributor, Ron Shirk Shooter's Supplies still had a few left and dealer cost was $ 534.99. I immediately called my dealer and waited for the Winchester "red box" to arrive. I finally got a chance to shoot my new Model 92 this past weekend.

There is no comparison between my Model 92 and the Model 94 Trapper other than they both have levers. This Model 92 is built like a Swiss watch. The action is very smooth but a little stiff. This Model 92 has the traditional metal crescent butt-plate which is a bit slick. The combination of the stiff action and the slick butt-plate means it comes of the shoulder when working the lever. I guess this will get better as the actions wears-in.

Accuracy at 30 yards is excellent. Both .44 Magnum and .44 Special loads were inside 1.5", while the Winchester .44 Special Silver tip made tight cloverleaf groups. Haven't tried any of my reloads as my reload shelf is bare, but I'm very satisfied with my Model 92.

Having said that, the rifle did fail the "turtle test". I attempted to "engage" some dangerous turtles that were sun bathing on stumps in my farm pond. At an estimated 70 yards the front sight appears bigger than the turtles! Apparently the Model 92 is not appropriate for turtles at that distance (with my old eyes) and I finally took them with my old Remington Model 600 (.308WCF) with a 4X Weaver. Instant turtles soup!

If anyone has a desire for a Model 92 you need to check with Ron Shirk Shooters Supply (PA) immediately because they will soon be gone forever(?).
 
I was looking at a '92 alongside a Trapper '94 today, and I guess I'm not entirely sure what the fundamental difference is. I know the '94 was chambered for the .30/30 and similar cartridges for most of its history, while the '92 was more of a carbine. But is there any basic mechanical difference? Is the '94 stronger?
 
Winchester Model 92

GRH: A close inspection reveals that the bolt assembly and locking mechanism is totally different between the Model 92 and Model 94. The Model 92 appears to be more complex, having more parts in the receiver assembly. Note there are 2 locking lugs in the Model 92.

Is the Model 94 stronger? Good Question. Consider the following: The Model 92 was designed from the Winchester Model 1886 (45-70, et.al.), sort of a scaled down version to accomodate various handgun cartridges. While I've read that the Model 92 is one of the strongest lever action Winchesters ever made, I don't totally accept that. Considering that the handgun cartridges of the period (i.e., .44-40, et.al.) were very weak compared to the .44 Magnum, one has to wonder.

Also I couldn't help but notice that the Navy Arms version of the Model 1892 is NOT offered in .44 Magnum. However, the same rifle when marketed by Rossi was produced in .44 Magnum. I e-mail Navy Arms asking if the would be adding the .44 Magnum to their offerings. The return e-mail said NO and no further comment.

ANSWER to your question:

Considering that the Model 92 was developed specifically for low pressure handgun cartridges and the Model 94 was developed for higher pressure rifle cartridges, my logical guess is that the Model 94 is a stronger rifle. The real advantage of the Model 92 is the shorter action tends to feed handgun cartridges more reliably.

Since I will be feeding my Model 92 mostly .44 Specials and lower powered "mid-range" .44 Magnum reloads for cowboy action shooting, the relative strength of the rifle is not a concern.

Happy Trails to You.
 
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