Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms: The Models of 1886 and 1892 (Paperback)

~ Arthur Pirkle (Author) "The Model 1886 was Winchester's first repeating rifle designed by the firearms genius, John Moses Browning..." (more)
Key Phrases: circa serial, buttplate tang cutout, cartridge guide screw, Pistol Reinforced, Cody Firearms Museum, Buffalo Bill Historical Center (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: North Cape Publications; 3rd edition (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882391136
• ISBN-13: 978-1882391134
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #673,885 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for collectors of 1886 and 1892 Winchesters, December 12, 1998

By A Customer

This book by Arthur Pirkle should be in the collection of any true Winchester collector. It offers detailed information on all the parts of the 1886 and 1892 Winchester rifles and carbines. Pirkle describes each part in detail. The information in this book could be very helpful in determining the authenticity of any 1886 or 1892 Winchester. This book also has some production information and parts diagrams for both of these models. Unfortunately, there are few pictures of complete guns and there is little on the history of these guns. If you interested in collecting these models of Winchesters, or if you already do, then this book should prove invaluable to you. I would not advise this book to anyone not truly interested in collecting the 1886 or 1892 Winchesters.