Winchester Model 1895 .30-06 Box Magazine Lever Rifle A5 Scope, 1925 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2575

LSB#: 230914LM133

Make: Winchester

Model: 1895

Serial Number: 416658

Year of Manufacture: 1925

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield (.30 Gov’t ’06)

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Internal Box Magazine.

Barrel Length: 24?

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The bead is missing from the sight. The front sight is not original to the gun. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed at the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the chamber ring is matted for glare reduction. The barrel has had two sight blocks installed, one in front of the rear sight and the other in front of the receiver, with an offset mount holding a Winchester A5 (5x) scope with crosshair reticle. The scope is adjustable for windage and elevation using knobs on the rear ring. The scope has scattered light wear and the lenses could use a good cleaning. It appears there was a rubber eye-cup which has mostly worn away.

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 several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some minor cracks and open grain-lines around the rear of the buttstock. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some scattered nicks, scratches, and minor oxidation. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original. Worn areas show treatment with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. The rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 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.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. Most exposed surfaces are worn to white. Most remaining finish is in the barrel around and in front of the forend. There is some finish remaining on portions of the action which are concealed when closed. The worn areas show treatment with cold blue. There are some scattered nicks and scratches including tool marks at most screw heads. 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 condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The lever locks up 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 the installed scope.

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. Teddy Roosevelt himself favored the 1895 Winchester, considering his rifle chambered in .405 to be the “medicine gun” for lion.

This rifle was made in 1925 and has some nice features. It’s chambered for the popular .30-06 cartridge, so ammunition should be readily available and suitable for just about any North American game. Also, the rifle has been equipped with a vintage Winchester telescopic sight. The gun shows honest wear, and has likely had a very useful life. It is a nice specimen of a Model 1895 suitable for a collection or for getting back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!

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