Winchester Model 1895 .30-40 U.S. Krag 22″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1899 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1450
LSB#: 210425EN07
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 21712
Year of Manufacture: 1899
Caliber: .30-40 Krag (.30 U.S. in 1899)
Action Type: Internal Box Magazine-Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “NICKEL STEEL BARREL / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”, the top-rear is marked “30 U.S.”. The left of the receiver 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 top tang is marked -“WINCHESTER / MODEL 1895.”-, under the tang sight. The serial number is marked across the bottom tang. The left of the trigger guard is marked “K.S.M.” and the bottom of the lever is marked “V” (U.S. inspector marks, there are no other martial markings or features).
Barrel Length: 22″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The blade is notched for a bead, but none is present. The rear sight is a flat-top V-notched leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch was fine-adjustable for elevation, but when the sight was cut flat, the set-screw for the notch was also shaved down on one side. The top tang has been drilled and tapped with a folding tang sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. The bolt contacts the tang sight at the rear of its travel, but the sight snaps back to its up-right position when the bolt moves forward.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a schnabel-tip forend with triangular ebony inlay, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition as refinished and/or replaced.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The lands are semi-bright, the grooves are gray. The rifling is well defined, generally sharp. There is scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with light thinning at some edges, a few minor scratches, and minor operational wear. The finish shows mottled areas with a plum hue, ranging from dark to bright. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to shallow with soft edges. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever lock-up is good and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire 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 here 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 1895 was used by major powers worldwide, with Russia alone purchasing nearly 300,000 1895’s to supplement their own arms production during World War I. In 1898, the United States ordered 10,000 of the rifles in musket form with handguard for use in the Spanish-American War, but the war ended before they could be delivered. One hundred were issued for field testing in the Philippines and the remaining 9,900 were sold to M. Harley Company. Many of these were shipped to the new Cuban government in 1906 and some found their way to Pancho Villa’s troops in Mexico. The U.S. Government also ordered carbines, but we can’t find records as to how many. This 1895 made in 1899 and chambered in .30-40 Krag. This would have been a popular cartridge at the time, being the primary rifle cartridge of the United States Army, and is well suited for most American hunting needs. This example has been lovingly restored with little wear in its new metal finish or its stocks, which have been refinished or replaced. It has been equipped with a nice set of sights, as well. This should make a nice addition to a collection of Winchester lever-action rifles and may even still be suitable for hunting use. Please see our photos and good luck!