Winchester Model 1895 24″ .30-06 Gov’t Box Magazine Lever Rifle MFD 1924 C&
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: WY241109DB016.1
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 412124
Year of Manufacture: 1924
Caliber: .30-06 (.30 Gov’t ’06)
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a base at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flat-top “V”-notched elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the chamber ring is finely serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with steel crescent buttplate, Schnabel forend tip with ebony insert, straight grip, and straight comb. The stocks have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a small filled hole at the toe. There are cracks at the toe on each side. 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 scattered scratches and some oxidation. The stocks rate in Good-Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The balance is mostly in scattered wear on the receiver and lever with some worn areas going to a light patina. There is some minor wear on the barrel with a line of wear on the right near the muzzle. There is some minor surface oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 lever-action model to incorporate a box magazine. The box magazine allowed the use of spitzer-type bullets without the danger of ignition in a tubular magazine. The use of spitzer bullets improved ballistics and allowed for much higher velocities, especially with the use of smokeless powder. At the time of its introduction, the 1895 was considered the lever action big-game rifle, but it also saw favor with some militaries, being purchased in large numbers by the Russian Empire for WWI, given to Pancho Villa’s best troops during the Mexican Revolution, and 10,000 were purchased by the US Military for use during the Spanish American War. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and pointed bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever.
This rifle was made in 1924 with a barrel chambered for the venerable .30-06 cartridge. For more than a century, the .30-06 has been among the most popular sporting cartridges in America, suitable for nearly all North American game. Teddy Roosevelt himself favored the 1895 Winchester, considering his rifle chambered in .405 to be the “medicine gun” for lion. This example shows honest wear consistent with its age. It will add nicely to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
