Browning Model 1895 Like Winchester 24″ .30-06 Springfield Lever Rifle 1984
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: LSB250628BE007
Make: This rifle was made by Miroku of Japan for Browning
Model: 1895 Grade I
Serial Number: 04258PW187
Year of Manufacture: 1984 (PW date code)
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble Sheard 14 brass beaded blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetail at the rear of the barrel for a rear sight (none present). The left of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, smooth steel buttplate and sling studs front and rear. There is minor cracking at the rear stud which is mounted directly to the wood. The front stud has replaced the forend mounting screw. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some water damage at the rear end of the stock around the toe. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some erosion, mostly around the toe, matching up with the water damage on the wood. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are infrequent spots of minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end, and some scattered light fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. The front of the magazine has a plum hue. The bottom of the magazine has what appears to be four small, filled holes. There is a similar mark on the right lever flat which does not show on the interior, it is possible these are some sort of punch-mark and not holes. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the trigger pull is crisp. 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: None.
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. Only 1,000 rifles were made in each caliber. This .30-06 Springfield rifle is in Fine condition, showing sings of light use. With its limited production, Browning collectors who missed their chance back in 1984 may want to jump on this one. If they fall asleep at the wheel, this will make someone a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
