Lot 3003

Scarce Special Order Smoothbore Winchester Model 1892 Rifle

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Scarce Special Order Smoothbore Winchester Model 1892 Rifle

Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $10,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Scarce and Highly Desirable Special Order Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle with Smoothbore Barrel Manufactured in 1911, this is a very scarce example of a Winchester Model 1892 rifle with a factory smoothbore barrel. Smoothbore revolvers, carbines, and rifles like this one were very popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s among exhibition shooters, particularly for trap style shooting of glass target balls, clays, and other airborne items. Knowledgeable collectors believe that only 55 of these smoothbore Model 1892s were produced within the first 289,000 guns produced, many of which saw extensive use on the exhibition circuits and likely didn't survive. The trick-shooters would use special shot cartridges with these smoothbore guns, allowing the shooters to "wow" crowds with incredible aerial trick shots, with most of the crowd assuming the shots were made with standard bullets. Some examples of the glass target balls are in the following lot, and the shot cartridges are in the lot after that, presenting an incredible opportunity to add a full set of exhibition shooting items to one's collection. There are Winchester factory oval proofs on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper left flat of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent date, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The bore correctly measures at .43 caliber as the barrels were pulled off the line before rifling grooves were cut. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark information, and the bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. It is fitted with a German silver No. 21 blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1892

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number608329

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Very fine, retaining 85% plus of the original blue finish, 60% of the original case colors on the hammer and lever, and 90% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with some light edge wear and some speckled oxidation concentrated on the receiver. The wood is also very fine with some scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. These smoothbore Winchester Model 1892s are extremely scarce and remain highly desirable among collectors!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000