I suspect many of us have “Companion Guns”; probably chambered in 22 LR, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, or maybe 44 Special or Magnum. The handgun part of the pair is probably a Colt or S&W. However, I’ve always thought about how the cowboys in the old west probably chose “Companion Guns”. For them I suspect it was more out of necessity; two guns, one type cartridge, equals less to carry and less confusion in a panic type situation!
Usually when I say Colt it is synonymous with prewar Single Actions and when I say Winchester it is synonymous with prewar Lever Actions. My Winchester preference has always been the Model 1892, primarily Saddle Ring Carbines and Short Rifles, but occasionally I’ll tolerate a Standard Rifle if it seems to call my name. And, so that the Winchesters wouldn’t be lonely, I’ve always tried to pair them with A Colt if they were chambered for a cartridge that a Colt was available in.
This round barrel Model 1892 Rifle is chambered in 44-40 and is in the 501,000 serial number range. It is a Standard Rifle with a 24 inch barrel and is one of a small block of Winchesters that doesn’t have the Model stamped on the tang; rather it was stamped “Mod. 1892” by the factory, in small letters, laterally, just below the hammer. There are varying opinions regarding why these Winchesters are so marked. I cannot tell that the gun has ever been used. The only real mar on the rifle, which can be seen in the picture, is a thin line of corrosion on the left side of the frame. It probably leaned up against something in a closet for many years. The case colors are still prominent on the hammer and lever, but have darkened. Shown just below it is its companion Colt, chambered in 44-40 with a 7 1/2 inch barrel and shipped to Simmons Hardware in St. Louis, MO in 1902. I figured a long barrel Winchester deserved a long barrel Colt.
This octagon barrel, takedown, Model 1892 Short Rifle is chambered in 38-40 and is in the 217,000 serial number range. It has a 22 inch barrel and is pictured at the bottom of page 392 of the 1977 Madis’ Winchester Book. I’ve owned quite a few Winchesters in 40 years of collecting and this one is probably one of my all-time favorites! One thing that struck me about this Model 1892 is with a barrel only 2 inches shorter than standard, a takedown frame, and a short forearm (8 3/8 inches on a Short Rifle, 9 3/8 inches on a Standard Rifle); initially this rifle appears to be of standard length until you take a closer look! Shown just below it is its companion Colt, chambered in 38-40 with a 4 3/4 inch barrel and shipped to Wyeth Hardware in St. Joseph, MO in 1902. Keeping the theme going I figured a short barrel Winchester deserved a short barrel Colt.
I still have a 32-20 Single Action, but no longer have a 32-20 Model 1892. I probably should include a picture of a 44-40 SRC with its companion short barreled 44-40 Colt!
Amended to clarify that your companion guns don't have to be chambered for the same round, but any combination that usually accompanies each other! Please feel free to show us your favorite companions!!!!!
Usually when I say Colt it is synonymous with prewar Single Actions and when I say Winchester it is synonymous with prewar Lever Actions. My Winchester preference has always been the Model 1892, primarily Saddle Ring Carbines and Short Rifles, but occasionally I’ll tolerate a Standard Rifle if it seems to call my name. And, so that the Winchesters wouldn’t be lonely, I’ve always tried to pair them with A Colt if they were chambered for a cartridge that a Colt was available in.
This round barrel Model 1892 Rifle is chambered in 44-40 and is in the 501,000 serial number range. It is a Standard Rifle with a 24 inch barrel and is one of a small block of Winchesters that doesn’t have the Model stamped on the tang; rather it was stamped “Mod. 1892” by the factory, in small letters, laterally, just below the hammer. There are varying opinions regarding why these Winchesters are so marked. I cannot tell that the gun has ever been used. The only real mar on the rifle, which can be seen in the picture, is a thin line of corrosion on the left side of the frame. It probably leaned up against something in a closet for many years. The case colors are still prominent on the hammer and lever, but have darkened. Shown just below it is its companion Colt, chambered in 44-40 with a 7 1/2 inch barrel and shipped to Simmons Hardware in St. Louis, MO in 1902. I figured a long barrel Winchester deserved a long barrel Colt.
This octagon barrel, takedown, Model 1892 Short Rifle is chambered in 38-40 and is in the 217,000 serial number range. It has a 22 inch barrel and is pictured at the bottom of page 392 of the 1977 Madis’ Winchester Book. I’ve owned quite a few Winchesters in 40 years of collecting and this one is probably one of my all-time favorites! One thing that struck me about this Model 1892 is with a barrel only 2 inches shorter than standard, a takedown frame, and a short forearm (8 3/8 inches on a Short Rifle, 9 3/8 inches on a Standard Rifle); initially this rifle appears to be of standard length until you take a closer look! Shown just below it is its companion Colt, chambered in 38-40 with a 4 3/4 inch barrel and shipped to Wyeth Hardware in St. Joseph, MO in 1902. Keeping the theme going I figured a short barrel Winchester deserved a short barrel Colt.
I still have a 32-20 Single Action, but no longer have a 32-20 Model 1892. I probably should include a picture of a 44-40 SRC with its companion short barreled 44-40 Colt!
Amended to clarify that your companion guns don't have to be chambered for the same round, but any combination that usually accompanies each other! Please feel free to show us your favorite companions!!!!!