Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 2469
Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Barrel Length: 28"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver beaded blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, steel crescent buttplate and a Schnabel tipped forend with an ebony triangle inlet into the wood at the nose. The stocks have light handling wear with some light nicks and scratches. There is a tiny loss at the bottom-front corner of the wrist on the right. There are a couple of spots of pooled finish in the left-front of the wrist. There are no cracks. The forend mounting screw is seized in its escutcheon, the escutcheon is not properly oriented when the screw is tightened down fully. The LOP measures 12 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has generally strong finish with some light wear in the face. The stocks rate in Fine overall condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Hardened Hammer & Trigger Plate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is light wear in the handling areas such as the top tang, bottom-front of the magazine and around the front of the receiver. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, primarily on the receiver and lever. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition as Antique.
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: Included is a Winchester Factory Records letter which indicates that this rifle was produced in its current configuration, received in warehouse September 18 and shipped September 28, 1897 on order 17474.
Our Assessment: The 1895 Winchester was the first 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. The rifle became the preference of major powers worldwide, with Russia alone purchasing nearly 300,000 1895’s just before World War I. The Model 1895 was designed for the new generation of cartridges utilizing smokeless powder and spitzer (pointed) bullets, and many of its original chamberings remain popular today. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and pointed bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever.
This is an early 1895 chambered for .30-40 Krag, the US Army standard rifle cartridge of the time, and the first smokeless cartridge adopted at scale by the American military. The rifle is in Excellent condition as Antique, appearing to have seen quite limited use over the last 129 years. An early "flatside" model, the receiver and magazine have a different profile than the later production rifles. This along with its high condition makes it a nice find for the collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
