Winchester Model 1895 25″ 30 US .30-40 Krag Lever Action Rifle, 1899 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: WY250311BC002
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 22054
Year of Manufacture: 1899
Caliber: .30-40 Krag (.30 US in 1899)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Fixed Box Magazine
Markings: The barrel is marked “NICKEL STEEL BARREL / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” on the left and “30 U.S.” at the top-rear. The left side of the frame is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT. NOV. 5. 95. NOV. 12. 95. AUG. 17. 97. JAN. 25. 98. / AUG. 23. 98.”, the last patent date appears to have been marked separately from the previous markings. The serial number is found on the lower tang. The upper tang is marked -“WINCHESTER / MODEL 1895.”-.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade pinned in a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The bead has been broken off. The rear sight is a v-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered fancy walnut with schnabel-tip forend, ebony forend nose insert, straight grip, straight comb and steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is nearly smooth throughout with some subtle lines still remaining. There are compressions and scratches. There are minor losses on the heel around the plate.There are no notable cracks. The LOP measures 13? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered scratches, nicks, and wear with infrequent surface oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, parts have been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is dull with well defined rifling. There is some heavy pitting at the midlength with general erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950’s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation. There are several scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. There are tool marks around some screw and pin heads. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some were struck fairly shallow, but are legible. There is a heavy gash on the left side of the barrel below the rear sight, deep enough to perhaps cause concern. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair – Good 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 non-detachable box magazine. This is the model Teddy Roosevelt called his “Big Medicine” that he used in hunting stateside and in Africa. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and spitzer bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. The rifles were offered in a number of configurations with a number of special-order features, making for a great variety available to collectors.
This rifle is a nice example, made in 1899 and having checkered fancy walnut stocks. The rifle appears to have seen some use, with heavily refinished stocks. Such an example of the 1895 will make a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection and its bore condition means it still has some trips in the field left if you so choose. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
