Winchester Model 1895 24” .30-03 SPRG Lever Action Rifle, 1915 C&R
SOLD FOR: $ 1,300.00
LSB#: LSB250612KN010
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 95077
Year of Manufacture: 1915
Caliber: .30 Gov’t 1903. (30-03 Springfield)
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “—NICKEL STEEL BARREL— / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” and “.30 GOVT.1903”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. CONN. U.S.A.” over patent dates. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1895 / —WINCHESTER— / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT OFF”. The top of the barrel and the left shoulder of the receiver are marked with Winchester WP proofs.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight dovetailed has been filled with a blank. The left side of the receiver is mounted with a Lyman #21 Receiver sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with schnabel forend with triangular ebony inlay at the tip, straight grip, straight comb, and a steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are cracks around the ebony inlay in the forend. The stocks are shy of the metal. They have been sanded and refinished. The LOP measures 12 7/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, heaviest at the heel and toe, with scattered light surface oxidation and erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light and even erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. Most of the finish is on the barrel which has scattered finish wear and pinprick pitting found throughout but concentrated toward the muzzle end. Most of the receiver has been worn. The worn areas show scattered discoloration from oxidation with infrequent minor erosion. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with useable slots. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It is fairly smooth, the lever locks up correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The 1895 Winchester was the first lever action model to incorporate a fixed box magazine (i.e., it could not be removed). This is the model Teddy Roosevelt used for hunting both here in the United States and in Africa—he referred to it as his “Big Medicine”. With quick handling characteristics, a box magazine, and spitzer—more aerodynamic, accurate—bullet capability, the Model 1895 completely changed the world of sporting rifles. This rifle pattern was utilized by major powers worldwide, with Russia alone purchasing nearly 300,000 1895 rifles in the lead-up to World War I. In 1898, the United States ordered 10,000 1895 rifles in musket form for use in the Spanish-American War (the war ended before they could be delivered, however). 100 of those were issued for field testing in the Philippines and the remaining 9,900 were later sold to a private business. Many 1895 rifles were shipped to the new Cuban government in 1906 and some even found their way to Pancho Villa’s troops in Mexico. The U.S. Government also ordered carbines, but we are, as of this writing, unable to find records as to just how many. This 1895 was made in 1915 during the outset years of WWI. This example, chambered in .30-03, is a somewhat later version made about the time of the massive Russian order of 1915/1916. This 110 year old rifle is mechanically sound, and has a fair bore. The plain fact is, Winchester rifles were exceedingly well built, and regardless of the wear present, it ought to function just as well as ever. Whether you’re looking to add to your Winchester collection or want to restore this for use as a classic hunting rifle, this would be a good addition to any safe in America. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
