Winchester Model 1895 24″ 30-03 Gov. Lever Rifle Special Order 1920 C&R
SOLD FOR; $1,032.00
LSB #: LSB251027RC001
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 406877B
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .30 US 03
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Barrel Length: 24?
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade pinned to a slotted base at the front of the barrel. The bead portion of the blade has been painted. The rear sight is a Kings type leaf with a U notch and an elevator. The left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a scope.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut, straight grip, straight comb, and a steel rifle-style buttplate. The LOP measures 12 5/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The forend has been checkered after the fact. All of the checkering has been worn heavily. There are extensive nicks, scratches, compression dents, and handling marks. There are a couple cracks in the wrist. There are a couple repairs from previous sling studs. There is one sling stud left in the buttstock. Overall, the stocks are in Poor condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling. There is light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its current metal finish. The bluing has largely worn to a gray patina. There are scratches, dings, and handling wear throughout. There is scattered corrosion staining throughout. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, the rifle is in Poor condition.
Mechanics: The action functions 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: This Winchester Model 1895 rifle dates to 1920 production and represents John M. Browning’s most mechanically distinct lever-action design. Unlike Winchester’s tubular-magazine rifles, the Model 1895 utilized an internal box magazine, allowing it to chamber high-pressure, military-pattern cartridges and placing it at the intersection of traditional lever guns and contemporary service rifles. Produced during the closing years of Model 1895 manufacture, this example reflects Winchester’s continued commitment to a design that appealed to sportsmen and military buyers alike for its strength and versatility.
Chambered in .30 US 03, commonly referred to as .30-03 Government, which was a special order option from Winchester, the rifle is tied directly to the early evolution of American smokeless military cartridges that preceded the .30-06. The 24 inch barrel and box magazine configuration complement the cartridge’s origins, while the Kings-style rear sight and drilled-and-tapped receiver suggest later sporting adaptation. The bore is dark with well-defined rifling, showing light erosion and minor pitting consistent with age and the historical use of corrosive primers, resulting in a bore that remains representative but clearly well used.
Overall, this rifle presents in poor condition, retaining approximately 25 percent of its original blued finish, now largely worn to a gray patina with scattered corrosion staining and operational wear. The stocks show heavy wear, cracking at the wrist, evidence of prior sling hardware, and extensive surface damage, significantly impacting both structural integrity and collector appeal. Despite these issues, the action functions correctly and the markings remain clear. As such, this Model 1895 is best regarded as a restoration candidate, parts source, or historical study piece that still conveys the uncommon design and transitional significance of Winchester’s box-magazine lever rifle produced by Winchester Repeating Arms. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
