Gun value???

[GunnyJohn]

I stopped in a shop today and saw a M-92 Winchester. It was originally in 32 WFC. Someone had bored and rechambered it to 357 mag. They had stamped 357 right over the 32. I'm not sure if a 6 digit serial # m-92 would take the preassure of the 357 mag cartridge. Also I have no idea what it might be worth with the modification. The overall condition is good for it's age. The wood is ok, bluing is fair, possibly had been redone as there seems to be quite a bit of it compared to the condition of the wood. The bore appears to be good could stand a good cleaning. As I'm on the road on a job, I've got till Friday to decide wether or not I will buy it. Any helpful input would be greatly appreciated.

[TXGunNut]

Not sure about the safety aspect but once you determine that I would buy it as a shooter, collector value was likely gone even before the re-bore.

[starmac]

Just my thinking (and I been told that ain't right) but it would be worth more to me than a rossi or even a marlin. No use worrying about the collector standpoint.

[GunnyJohn]

Not really worried about collector value. was thinking more on the lines that it would give me a bargaining chip. What I was more concerned about was the safety issue.


Just my thinking (and I been told that ain't right) but it would be worth more to me than a rossi or even a marlin. No use worrying about the collector standpoint.

[starmac]

I personally can't say on the safety issue, but I have seen another that was shot for years. I wouldn't be afraid of it, if it is in good shape myself.

[GunnyJohn]

Thanks Guys, I'll wait for the call and see what they price it at.

[clum553946]

The max 357 pressure is twice that of the 32-20, if it's a rebore I'd be extremely cautious! I think you lose too much metal on the rechambering process as well

[missionary5155]

Good morning
I would give JES Reboring a call and ask him. He has rebored and shot more rifles than we will ever think about.
Personally I would trust the model 1892 lock up to cartridges far more potent than a caliber .357.
The 1892 came in one frame size. One barrel diameter (I think). I have several original 1892's in 44 WCF. That cartridge is a far sight fatter than the caliber.357 yet I have not heard of one "blowing up" unless some shooter or reloader did a rather dumb act. That barrel has a lot of metal enclosing the case in caliber .357. Far more than many revolvers offer.
So if it is in reasonable good mechanical shape I would use it. I would fire a factory loaded 180 grainer from a safe distance (tie the rifle to a car tire and pull the trigger with a cord) then measure the case with an accurate micrometer and record those measurements as my absolute max case expansion and never go past it.
Mike in Peru

[pietro]

.


Any Model 1892 in shootable condition would be strong enough to take a .357 - IMHO, a converted gennie is worth two clones.


.

[GunnyJohn]

OK So I got a call tonight and the asking price is $350.00. Being the cheap a$$ that I am I countered with $300.00. Am currently waiting on a call back. Anyone think I'll get hurt at this price?

[starmac]

NOPE or at 350 either. What kind of lever action 357 can you buy these days for 350??

[doc1876]

If the barrel is stamped Nickle Steel, I really believe you are getting a "steel".

[GunnyJohn]

OK so I called JES this AM, he said he thought it would be alright. $325.00 and a little paperwork and I'm the proud owner of a new to me M-92. The bluing is a little nicer than I originally remembered. All in all a nice little rifle. It has a Williams peep sight already on it so that saved me a few bucks. This weekend I plan to terrorize our local ground squirrel population with it. I looked up the serial number at the shop made in 1910. It doesn't say nickel steel on it.

[TXGunNut]

What's the statute of limitations for theft in Oregon? You might want to lay low or at least hide that rifle for awhile. ;-)
You did very well, IMHO. Pretty sure a parts gun brings more than that. Congrats!

[Speedo66]

Didn't happen without pictures, please.

[starmac]

LOL I have to agree with TX.

[GunnyJohn]

I Just got home last night, pictures forthcoming. I was up early this a.m. playing. It won't feed .38 swc's from the mag tube worth a didly. I had some Hornady XTP's loaded in 357 cases, and it fed them although not real smoothly. Could be why someone got rid of it. I'm thinking some LRN's or RNFP's and load in 357 cases. Well the adventure begins. First things first, I'll have to shoot it and see if it has any potential.

[gmsharps]

I have a Browning B92 in 357 and it to will not feed 38 spl SWC. My solution was to get the Lyman 173 gr SWC. The boolit is a bit longer and solved the issue. I will not be getting back to the US until the first part of the summer or I could send you a few to test. Just a thought.

gmsharps

[starmac]

It would be taking a big chance, but since it doesn't feed right, I could probably be talked into giving you your money back. lol

[TXGunNut]

Give it a good detail cleaning and keep an eye out for burrs or bent stuff. Give all the parts that rub a light coating of oil and see what happens next. I'm no gunsmith but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express awhile back.