Browning Model 1895 Like Winchester 24″ .35 Whelen Lever Action Rifle, 1984
SOLD FOR: $2,526.00
LSB#: LSB260419DN076
Make: This rifle was made by Miroku of Japan for Browning
Model: 1895 Grade I
Serial Number: 04518PW187
Year of Manufacture: 1984 (PW date code) / Modern
Caliber: Rechambered for .35 Whelen
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, the right is marked “BROWNING 1895 / CALIBER .30-06” and the left rear has an “NP” proof at the chamber. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the chamber is marked “.35 WLN”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade pinned into a base fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notched semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed into the top of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, and Decelerator buttpad. There are a couple minor compression. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is generally bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is heavy fouling that has oxidized down the length of the bore In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The action shows light operational wear and there are a few scattered marks and scratches. The front portion of the magazine has a plum hue. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The lever has an actuating safety. 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: This rifle includes its serial matching factory box and owner’s manual.
Our Assessment: The 1895 Winchester was the first model to incorporate a non-detachable box magazine. Teddy Roosevelt called this model, chambered in .405 WCF, his “Medicine Gun for Lions” (from his book “African Game Trails”). The M1895 rifle became the preference of major powers worldwide, with Russia alone purchasing nearly 300,000 1895’s for use in the Great War. The Model 1895 was designed for the new generation of cartridges utilizing smokeless powder and pointed bullets, and many of its original chamberings remain popular today. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and pointed bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. In 1984, Browning had Miroku of Japan make a limited run of M1895 rifles patterned after the original Winchesters. The rifles were chambered in either .30-40 Krag or .30-06 Springfield, and were made in Grade 1 with a bright blued finish and with select walnut. This rifle has been rechambered for .35 Whelen and is in Excellent condition. The rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. The bore will make for a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.