Full-length magazine tubes were standard, but half- and two-thirds-length magazine tubes could be ordered. Very early Model 1892s had color-casehardened receivers, but soon after its introduction that finish became a special-order option. Other custom-order options included set triggers; extra short, extra long, or extra heavy barrels; and fancy woods.

The new Model 1892 Take Down Rifle's rear sight is dovetailed into the barrel and is adjustable for elevation.

The Model 1892 was one of the lightest centerfire rifles ever introduced. Full-length rifle versions weighed a mere 6 1/2 pounds, and carbines weighed just 5 3/4 pounds. Standard sights were a blade front and buckhorn rear that was adjustable for elevation by means of a notched slider. Both front and rear sights were dovetailed into the barrel.

When it was first introduced, the Model 1892 was chambered in .44-40, .38-40, and .32-20. The .25-20 was added in about 1895, and late in its production run, some rare Model 1892s were chambered in .218 Bee.

In 1899 comparable versions of the Model 1873 and Model 1892 were priced the same--$18 for a standard rifle with a round barrel and $19.50 for a rifle with an octagon barrel. (Model 1892 carbines were priced at $17.50 at that time.) Winchester discontinued production of the Model 1892 in 1941 as the company geared up for World War II. Just over one million Model 1892s were made in all styles, calibers, and configurations.

Actually, the one-millionth Model 1892 came off the production line in 1931. For comparison, the one-millionth Winchester Model 1894, which was the company's most successful lever-action model and which was chambered for full-length rifle cartridges such as the .30-30 and .32 Special, was produced in 1927. Interestingly, that would indicate that while it was being produced concurrently with the Model 1894, the pistol-cartridge Model 1892 was just about as popular as the rifle-cartridge Model 1894. Undoubtedly, the Model 1892's success was due in part to its size. It was a trim, little gun, even in full rifle configuration.

The Charles Daly Model 1892
The Model 1892 series offered by Charles Daly comes in four versions: the Take Down Rifle, the Standard Rifle, the Large Loop Rifle, and the Standard Lever Carbine. The Large Loop Rifle and the Standard Lever Carbine have 20-inch barrels, are chambered for .45 Colt, and come with a saddle ring on the left side of the receivers. As its name implies, the Large Loop Rifle has an oversized lever loop whereas the Standard Lever Carbine has a standard lever.

The Take Down Rifle and the Standard Rifle have 24 1/4-inch barrels and are chambered for .45 Colt. All Daly Model 1892s have American walnut stocks. The Take Down Rifle that we received for review has the crescent-shaped, steel buttplate; straight-grip buttstock; and steel forend cap like the original Winchester standard Model 1892. And it comes with a full-octagon barrel and full-length magazine tube. The barrel and magazine tube are blued finish, and the receiver, lever, forend cap, and buttplate are color-casehardened. The front sight is a post type, and the rear sight is a flat-topped open style that is adjustable for elevation. Both sights are dovetailed into the barrel.