Identifying the Original Caliber of Your Winchester Model 1892 Rifle

Question
Hi Charles,  I have a mod. 1892 Winchester ser.# 53581, I think the barrel is not original, the caliber is not on the barrel either.  Is there a way to find out what the original cal. is from the ser.#?  I would like to put the rifle back to original.  Thank you for you time.

Answer
Hello Joel. As far as I know there isn't a number or letter that would show the caliber. However, you have a very rare model in that most of these guns were shipped to South America. Your serial# 53581 was made either in 1893 or 1894. The caliber options were 25-20,32-20,38-40 and 44-40. GUN SMITH ALERT!! It would not be difficult to check the caliber using a micrometer. Yes, it is possible the barrel was changes.If so, the cartridge may have been changed as well. A competent gun smith can tell you if it has. In original condition, you are looking at a price range of $4,000-$8,000. DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES TO IT before finding out about the barrel. DO NOT EVEN CLEAN IT! This could lessen the collector's value considerably. I hope this answers your question and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage