Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms: The Models of 1886 and 1892 - Softcover

Arthur Pirkle

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1882391136 ISBN 13: 9781882391134

Publisher: North Cape Publications, 2009

Synopsis

In the mid-1880s, Winchester discovered that their position as the foremost maker of hunting and sporting long arms was under serious challenge from rivals such as Remington, Ballard and Marlin. The problem lay in the fact that the relatively short receiver required by the early lever action system limited the length, and therefore the power of the cartridges that could be used. Big game animals at long distances were beyond the range of many popular Winchester cartridges. To correct this situation and retain their leadership in the marketplace, John Moses Browning of Utah was approached to develop a new design. The result was the long action of the Model 1886 rifle that could accept the long, powerful cartridges of the day, including the U.S. Army's .45-70 cartridge. The M1886 was an instant hit as a big game rifle and was used all over the world

A few years later, Winchester became aware of the demand for a smaller, lighter and more modern rifle for medium to small game. Again, John Browning came through with the M1892, a downsized version of the Model 1886 capable of chambering the smaller but still relatively powerful cartridges like the .25-20 and the .44-40.

Over the years, these two models have become very collectible. But the majority were heavily used by the owners at a time in our nation's history when many, many people depended on hunting to supplement their diets. These rifles have been repaired and updated, sometimes at the Winchester factory but more often by the local gunsmith or even by their owners. The problem for the collector then is in determining what parts of the a particular rifle or carbine are original.

Arthur Pirkle's second volume in the Winchester Lever Action Repeating Rifle series provide the collector, museum curator, arms historian, gunsmith and hunter with a detailed description of each part for both models as well as any changes made to that part during its production life.

Organization is by serial number range. The book also includes a complete description of each model and all markings and other identification features.

An updated and more accurate serial number list is provided. Extensive line drawings and an exploded view of each model illustrate the book. Line drawings are used for clarity.

To reemphasize, This second volume in the Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms series describes the Models of 1886 and 1892 on a part-by-part basis with all changes to either rifle listed by serial number range.

About this title

From the Publisher:

This is the second book in the Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms series, the first new information published in more than 25 years on these fine, historical rifles. We at North Cape Publications have endeavored to make it as useful a series as possible. Each model is examined on a part-by-part basis. All changes to any part are linked to a serial number range at which that change was made. Armed with this information, the collector can determine very quickly whether or not a particular Winchester is "correct as manufactured" or if incorrect parts have been added. The series also provides full details on markings and wood and metal finishes. Extensive appendices are included with each book in the series to provide specific information about rare or special models.

About the Author:

Arthur Pirkle is a well-known collector and dealer in Winchester Firearms. He is the author of Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms, Vol. 1, the Models of 1866, 1873, and 1876, and Vol. 2, The Models of 1886 and 1892. Mr. Pirkle served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Marine Corps Master Sergeant. He has been collecting and studying Winchester firearms and records for more than 40 years.

About this edition

• Publisher: North Cape Publications
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1882391136
• ISBN 13: 9781882391134
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 208