The Model 1892: The Winchester Model 1892 began production in 1892 and continued until 1941. The calibers were 25 WCF (25-20), 32 WCF (32-20), 38 WCF (38-40), and 44 WCF (44-40). It was available in both rifle and carbine configuration. Later on in production, around 1919 or 1920, it was designated as the Model 92. A total of just over one million Model 1892/92 guns were made.
The Model 53: The Model 53 was a lighter version of the Model 1892/92, with standard configuration having a light 22" barrel, a button mag and a shotgun butt with steel buttplate and a fluted comb. Production began in 1924 and ceased in 1932. Some guns continued to be assembled from parts on hand up until 1941, although the final four years saw only a dozen or less built each year. The calibers were 25-20, 32-20, and 44-40. Just over 15 thousand were made in total, making the Model 53 one of the rarer Winchester models.
The Model 65: The Model 65 still used the Model 1892/92 receiver. The standard configuration, however, was with a 22" barrel (24" for the 218 Bee), a button mag, steel buttplate and sharply curved pistol grip and hooded front sight. The calibers were 25-20, 32-20, and 218 Bee. The new, flat shooting 218 Bee was the most popular of the calibers and almost half of all Model 65's made were in this new caliber. Production ran from 1933 to 1942, with a few guns assembled from parts after that. The total number of Model 65's made was only 5,717 guns, making it one of the rarest Winchester models produced.
Shown below are two photos illustrating the three members of the Model 1892 action family. On the bottom is a Winchester Model 1892 in standard configuration except for the octagon barrel. Caliber is 44-40 and this particular rifle was made in 1914 according to Winchester factory polishing room records (where the receivers were serialized). The middle rifle is a Winchester Model 53 in standard configuration. This particular rifle is a first year gun of 1924 and is in 25-20 caliber. The top rifle is a Winchester Model 65 in standard configuration, 32-20 caliber. It was made around 1941 or 1942.
