This serial number is in the 13,000s. They made 28,000 in 1892, the first year of production, and more than 1million since. The caliber is .44-40 WCF (Winchester Center Fire). They're also called 'Cowboy Cartridges'. They were made as a combo rifle/pistol cartridge. Colt chambered their Frontier Six Shooter in the caliber. The -40 stands for 40 grains of black powder. It fires dirty and smoky, and much louder than modern ammo... but it's a real joy to fire. I like to set bolts up on a log and plink them off out to 100yrs. It's in perfect condition and very easy to clean and maintain. I baby it with Ballistol and lint free cloths. It hangs on my river rock mantle on a pair of horseshoes wrapped in rawhide.
The dealer knows I'm a disabled vet and I was looking for a vintage 92 as a family heirloom, so he gave it to me for less than the price of a new one. He had to know what it was worth, but he's a good man and a patriot. Best guess at value is anywhere from $18k-$100k. I paid just over $2k.
No, I won't be having it refinished or refurbished. Every little nick or blemish tells a story. Sometimes I like to sit and stare at the grain in the American Walnut while I have a glass of whiskey and think about where that rifle might have been. I hope that one day my great great grandson can do the same.
It hangs on my rock mantle under a WWI prop made of the same type of wood. Even to this day it's a solid firearm. I'd trust it in a gunfight. In fact, should I ever have the opportunity to defend my land from a commie, I might rather use this rifle... just for the sake of irony and America Feels. It's a real joy to shoot and just feels epic. I wish I could share the experience.
With a rifle like this, you can't trust ammo that isn't a true black powder cowboy round. I only purchase from Buffalo Arms Company. I got 1k rounds and will order more once they have it in stock again.
This serial number is in the 13,000s. They made 28,000 in 1892, the first year of production, and more than 1million since. The caliber is .44-40 WCF (Winchester Center Fire). They're also called 'Cowboy Cartridges'. They were made as a combo rifle/pistol cartridge. Colt chambered their Frontier Six Shooter in the caliber. The -40 stands for 40 grains of black powder. It fires dirty and smoky, and much louder than modern ammo... but it's a real joy to fire. I like to set bolts up on a log and plink them off out to 100yrs. It's in perfect condition and very easy to clean and maintain. I baby it with Ballistol and lint free cloths. It hangs on my river rock mantle on a pair of horseshoes wrapped in rawhide.
The dealer knows I'm a disabled vet and I was looking for a vintage 92 as a family heirloom, so he gave it to me for less than the price of a new one. He had to know what it was worth, but he's a good man and a patriot. Best guess at value is anywhere from $18k-$100k. I paid just over $2k.
No, I won't be having it refinished or refurbished. Every little nick or blemish tells a story. Sometimes I like to sit and stare at the grain in the American Walnut while I have a glass of whiskey and think about where that rifle might have been. I hope that one day my great great grandson can do the same.
God bless you for applying that work of American art to its intended purpose. Many people would lock it away.
It hangs on my rock mantle under a WWI prop made of the same type of wood. Even to this day it's a solid firearm. I'd trust it in a gunfight. In fact, should I ever have the opportunity to defend my land from a commie, I might rather use this rifle... just for the sake of irony and America Feels. It's a real joy to shoot and just feels epic. I wish I could share the experience.
I wish you could, too! I hope you never have any trouble procuring ammo for it.
With a rifle like this, you can't trust ammo that isn't a true black powder cowboy round. I only purchase from Buffalo Arms Company. I got 1k rounds and will order more once they have it in stock again.
https://www.buffaloarms.com/44-40-winchester-200-grain-rnfp-black-powder-ammo-box-of-50-amobp4440
^^This dude fucks.