Winchester Model 1895 28″ 30 U.S. .30-40 Krag Lever Action Rifle, 1910 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,005.00

WOA#: WY240418JS081
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 61106
Year of Manufacture: 1910
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “—NICKEL STEEL BARREL— / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”, the top-rear is marked “30 U.S.” and with a Winchester proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN CONN. CONN. U.S.A.” and with patent dates. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1895 / —WINCHESTER— / TRADE MARK”.

Barrel Length: 28”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a copper blade pinned in a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
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, scuffs and scratches. The forend has some thinning finish. The belly has a more notable ding and a knot. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some minor oxidation and a few light marks. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has scattered finish wear with strongest finish over the forend. There is finish remaining in protected areas of the receiver and around raised features. The chamber ring has grind-marks. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear. The top tang has tool marks at the tang sight fill-screw. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle is in 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 saddle ring carbine was made in 1923 during the inter-war years.

This example, chambered in .30-40 Krag, is from 1910 and is doing pretty darned good for a 114 year old rifle. It retains about 45% of its original blued finish, a decent bore, and strong mechanics. 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. Good luck and happy bidding!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud