Winchester 1895 .30-40 Krag .30 US Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1915 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1026
LSB#: 220111MZ020
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 74161
Year of Manufacture: 1915
Caliber: .30-40 Krag .30 US
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Markings: The left barrel shoulder is marked “—NICKEL STEEL BARREL— / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” and “30 U.S.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. CONN. U.S.A.” over patent information. The upper grip tang is marked “MODEL 1895 / —WINCHESTER— / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT OFF”.
Barrel Length: 28”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an adjustable blade in a base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Marble’s flip up u-notch tang dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, and a steel crescent butt plate. There are scattered minor nicks and dings scattered about the wood along with a series of light scuffs on the left side of the buttstock. The edges of the forend have intermittent minor nicks and dings. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light surface oxidation throughout along with a few minor nicks and dings. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original finish is visible, but cold blue touch ups can be seen in spots on the receiver and along the barrel.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling. There is very minor erosion that can be seen in a few spots near the muzzle, and minor stubborn fouling persists down the length.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its current metal finish. The majority of the cold blue touch ups are on the forward ? of the barrel which has intermittent spots of minor thinning, intermittent peppering of minor surface oxidation, and scattered light nicks and draglines. The receiver has mostly gone to white under a dusting of light surface oxidation. The tangs and lever have spots of minor surface oxidation. Much of the action has gone to white as well and the magazine box has light operational wear. The screw heads range from lightly-to-moderately tool marked, all have usable slots. Most markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-to-Very Good condition as partially refinished.
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 saddle ring carbine was made in 1923 during the inter-war years. This example, chambered in .30 U.S, is a later version made just prior to the massive Russian order of 1915/1916. Note the grooved slab sides of the receiver, the later magazine profile, and the flat top profile of the bolt. This 107 year old rifle is mechanically sound, and has a decent 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 a classic hunting rifle, this would be a good addition to any safe in America. Good luck and happy bidding!