Winchester Model 1895 24″ .30-06 Box Magazine Lever Action Rifle, 1923 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,700.00
LSB#: WY250501TW014
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 411153
Year of Manufacture: 1923
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white beaded blade screwed to a base that is in turn dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel; the sight is not original to the rifle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left of the receiver has been drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present)
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a Schnabel forend, straight wrist, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The ebony tip is missing from the forend. There are filled holes in the belly and forend, presumably from previously installed sling studs, there are short cracks at the holes. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with some areas of discoloration. There are a few tiny losses around the edges. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light erosion with areas worn to white. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore and some minor pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light finish wear, most notable on the left of the barrel at the muzzle-end and on the right of the receiver. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions 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 non-detachable box magazine. This is the model Teddy Roosevelt called his “Big Medicine” that he used in hunting here and in Africa. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and spitzer bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. The 1895 was used by major powers worldwide, with Russia alone purchasing nearly 300,000 1895’s to supplement their own arms production during World War I. In 1898, the United States ordered 10,000 of the rifles in musket form with handguard for use in the Spanish-American War, but the war ended before they could be delivered. One hundred were issued for field testing in the Philippines and the remaining 9,900 were sold to M. Harley Company. Many of these were shipped to the new Cuban government in 1906 and some found their way to Pancho Villa’s troops in Mexico. The U.S. Government also ordered carbines, but we can’t find records as to how many.
This 1895 was made in 1923, during the “Roaring 20s”. It is chambered for the venerable .30-06 Winchester, which is suitable for nearly all North American game. This example has wear consistent with its age and use in the field, showing more notable wear in the stocks than the metal. The rifle is in great mechanical shape with a fair bore. This should make a nice addition to a collection of Winchester lever-action rifles, a worthwhile restoration project, and could be back out in the field for another century. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
