Make: Winchester

Model: 1895

Serial Number: 407431

Year of Manufacture: 1923

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

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Fixed Box Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to a base integral to the barrel; the bead is missing. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 21 receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation; it is missing its folding aperture. The chamber ring has a strip of matting for glare reduction

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece custom-checkered walnut. The schnable-tip forend has a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a straight grip, straight comb and checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate. Each side of the wrist and the bottom-rear of the forend are marked "SC". The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. Around the checkering are scribed lines, appearing as though there was a larger checker pattern planed, but not completed. 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 gone to a moderate patina with scattered wear and surface erosion. The fit of the plate suggests that it is not original to the gun. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished and customized.

Type of Finish: Blue

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

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is on the barrel over the forend. Other areas have infrequent scattered finish with most surfaces showing wear treated with cold blue. There is some light surface erosion, mostly on the barrel forward of the forend. There are some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. Each side of the receiver and the top-rear of the barrel are stamped "SC" as seen on the stocks. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as customized.

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. 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 1923, chambered for the venerable .30-06 cartridge. It has had its stocks custom-checkered and fit with a checkered shotgun-style buttplate. The rifle retains a decent bore and strong mechanics with a little original finish and worn surfaces showing treatment with cold blue. This 1895 looks like it was someone's favorite hunting rifle and should still have decades of use left in it. It would also be a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!