Winchester Model 1895 Takedown .405 WCF Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1923 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,400
LSB#: 201021MW61
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895 Takedown
Serial Number: 408742
Year of Manufacture: 1923
Caliber: .405 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS COMPANY. / NEW HAVEN. CO / PATENTED NOV.5.95. NOV.12.95. AUG.17.97. JAN.25.98. AUG.23.98. AU” with the right portion of the marking partly obscured by the Lyman receiver sight. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 95 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. & FGN.”. The lower tang is marked “408742” and “B”. The top-left of the chamber ring and the top rear of the barrel are marked with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the barrel is marked “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” and “405 W.C.F.”.
Barrel Length: 24?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble Sheard brass beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a Lyman Number 6 folding leaf sight with a wide “V”-notch front leaf and a flat-top rear leaf with white triangle aiming reference, all in a base dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The left of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 41 WR receiver sight installed. The sight has a folding smaller aperture and is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with steel crescent buttplate, Schnabel forend tip with ebony insert, straight grip, and straight comb. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is light wear on the bottom-rear of the forend from the takedown switch. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear and some minor surface oxidation. The stocks rate in about Very Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The majority of the balance is in light surface oxidation on the receiver, barrel extension and lever assembly. The line between the areas of oxidation and strong finish is generally crisp. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action is smooth. The trigger is crisp. The lever locks up correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The 1895 Winchester was the first lever-action model to incorporate a box magazine. The box magazine allowed the use of spitzer-type bullets without the danger of ignition in a tubular magazine. The use of spitzer bullets improved ballistics and allowed for much higher velocities, especially with the use of smokeless powder. At the time of its introduction, the 1895 was considered the lever action big-game rifle, but it also saw favor with some militaries, being purchased in large numbers by the Russian Empire for WWI, given to Pancho Villa’s best troops during the Mexican Revolution, and 10,000 were purchased by the US Military for use during the Spanish American War. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and pointed bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. This rifle is a takedown version which was made in 1923, chambered for .405 WCF. Teddy Roosevelt himself favored the 1895 Winchester, considering his rifle chambered in .405 to be the “medicine gun” for lion. This example shows its age, but is a nice specimen of a takedown Model 1895. Please see our photos and good luck!