Price check please

[TX50Cal]

Local dealer has a Winchester 92 rifle, octagon bbl, made in 1907 that started life as a 38-40. It has been coverted to 44 mag (sleeved), reblued (good job, slight surface pitting on the right side), and the wood completely refinished. Crescent butt plate reblued also. I am thinking about buying it but he has not priced it yet. We are trying to figure a price. What say the crowd? Any thoughts on a decent price would be appreciated.
Dave in TX

[longarm4146]

around here it wouldn't be very desirable.....if it functions good then i'd guess in the 400-600 range.....if it works it's a step above a replica 92 because its a winchester but thats about it.Others mileage may vary.

[Griff]

Two qualifying statements: 1- rechambering a rifle of that vintage to that cartridge really diminishes its value and shootability in my opinion; 2- relines are always suspect in my mind, unles I'm famaliar with the shop and can get confirmation a reputable one did the work.

$500-700, depends on how good the refinishing work is.

Too bad they didn't simply rebore to .44-40, easy double my estimate.

[Ray Newman]

Do you have anyway to check to headspace?

I've see a few .44-40 M92's converted to .44 Magnum that developed headspace issues from hot loads. Some required numerous rounds to do so, others a very small number. & considering that you have no idea of this rifle's history....

[longarm4146]

just remember like above posted...44 mag in a 100 yr old gun......Griff hit nail on head 44-40 and change nothing but barrel

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

I too think 44mag in that old gun is kind of iffy. If the gun looks good and can be had for $500-$600 I would have it relined back to 38-40.

[RIHMFIRE]

I too think 44mag in that old gun is kind of iffy. If the gun looks good and can be had for $500-$600 I would have it relined back to 38-40.

dittos on that one....
or stick with 44 special rounds

[Mike D.]

Retreat far from that one; the .44 mag is too hot for ANY older 92 that does not have either a Nickel Steel or Winchester Proof Steel barrel. Relines are especially suspect. IMO, MAYBE the gun will be worth a few hundred as-is. The reblue also kills any collector value, but a few hundred would give you some room for improvement, such as a decent original '92 barrel in .38 WCF.

[Pete44ru]

It is what it is, Dave - an altered, refinished older rifle, made in the days when steels were not as goos as today's - liner or not.

The trouble with "pricing" them lies in the convertors and subsequent sellers, who can only see the work and money sunk into the project, and the result (a "modern" rifle - a .44 Magnum) without considering the downside(s).

As posted above, as described IMHO it's only worth $300-400, basically as a parts gun, even though it's operable.
If that rifle had been left in original condition, it would easily be worth 3x my figure.

Good, but just externally refinished Win 92's, in their original calibers, generally sell for about half of a very good gennie, or about $700.

.

[Travis Morgan]

Old steel like that will stretch, if you use full house .44 mag loads.

[Gun Smith]

Four to five hundred. I converted a couple of M.92's to 44 Magnum in the '60's. I ALWAYS used a new barrel. Hot 44 Magum loads are right at the maximum pressure that a modern M.92 clone can tolerate. Never use them in a 100 year old Winchester. I would load the 44 Magnum cases only to 44 Special load levels. Use caution if you find old 44 Special brass to use also, as some may still be balloon head cases. The overall length of 44 Special cartridges may cause feeding problems in a converted gun. Winchesters are sensitive to overall cartridge length due the the magazine feed design.

[the telegraphist]

Gday mate
Let it go

[TX50Cal]

After reading all the responses, I passed on this one. I did buy a Marlin 308MXLR though to play with:)
Dave in TX

[Travis Morgan]

Please be sure to tell us about it; ever since Hornady sent me another bullet porn DVD, I've been wanting to play with one of those and their new .338. I also wouldn't mind trying their new version of the .416, just for the heck of it.

[JustaJeepGuy]

...ever since Hornady sent me another bullet porn DVD...

How does one procure this DVD? Is there a website to check or what?

[Travis Morgan]

Go to their website and join their little club. Sign up for newletters and stuff. I already have this year's catalog.

[JustaJeepGuy]

I'll look into it. Thanks!