North American Auction Company
Live Auction

New Year January Western Collector Sale

Sat, Jan 23, 2021 11:00AM EST
Lot 229

Winchester Model 1982/ 65 218 BEE Conversion Rifle

Estimate: $1,500 - $3,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
This lot features a great example of a Winchester Model 1892/65 conversion lever action rifle chambered in 218 BEE caliber. This rifle was manufactured in 1908. The Winchester Model 1892 was a lever-action repeating rifle designed by John Browning as a smaller, lighter version of his large-frame Model 1886, and which replaced the Model 1873 as the company's lever-action for pistol-caliber rounds. When asked by Winchester to design an improved lever action to compete with a recent Marlin offering, John Browning said he would have the prototype completed in under a month or it would be free. Within 2 weeks, Browning had a functioning prototype of the 92. Calibers for the rifle vary and some are custom-chambered. The original rounds were the .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40 Winchester centerfire rounds, followed in 1895 by the new .25-20. In 1938, Winchester introduced a new cartridge in the Model 65 that gave the rifle a special place in hunting circles, the .218 Bee. It had a rimmed, bottle-necked case based on the .25-20 Winchester necked down for a .224 bullet. The .218 Bee was named for the bore diameter of the barrel, rather than the more common practice of using the bullet diameter for the name of the cartridge. This was a popular caliber swap when the .218 BEE was introduced. This conversion rifle features a 24" round blue barrel, wonderful walnut stocks, blue'd finish, and fixed sights. This rifle is in good condition, with some handling and wear from use. The top of the barrel is marked, "WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL – MODEL 65 – WINCHESTER TRADEMARK – 218 BEE”. The barrel and frame show the correct Winchester proof marks. The rifle tang is marked, "Model 1892 - Winchester – TRADEMARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF." The rifle has an upgraded Redfield rear sight. Serial Number: 419873. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.
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