Winchester Model 1895 28″ 30 US .30-40 Krag Lever Action Rifle, 1902 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2502
LSB#: 230914LM134
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 34651
Year of Manufacture: 1902
Caliber: .30-40 Krag (.30 US in 1902)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Fixed Box Magazine
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman brass beaded blade pinned in a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight dovetail has been filled with a blank. 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 checkered fancy walnut with schnabel-tip forend, ebony forend nose insert, straight grip, straight comb and steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have some scattered minor nicks and scratches with a slight concentration in the belly toward the toe. There is a repaired crack at the right-rear of the forend. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has infrequent minor surface oxidation with some faint erosion under the finish. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as refinished and repaired.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is fairly even light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates about 7 out of 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 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong with a few areas showing thinning, most notable toward the muzzle-end of the barrel. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. There is some scuffing on the bottom of the magazine and the hammer has areas showing discoloration from oxidation. The action has light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as refinished.
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: This rifle comes with a Cody Firearms Records Office records search which indicates that the rifle’s serial was applied February 6, 1902, that the rifle shipped in its current configuration (Lyman sights, fancy walnut, shotgun butt, checkered), was received in warehouse March 3 and shipped March 4, 1902 or order 134143.
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 1902 and having checkered fancy walnut stocks. The rifle has been restored, so it looks great for its age, but a Cody Firearms records search indicates that its special features are from the factory. Despite its age, this rifle retains a fairly strong bore, and great mechanics. Such an example of the 1895 will make a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection and it likely still has some trips in the field left if you so choose. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
