Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 63837
Year of Manufacture: 1908 / C&R
Caliber: .30-03 (.30 U.S. Mod. 1903)
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine.
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a base at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with checkered hard rubber buttplate, Schnabel forend tip with ebony insert, straight grip and straight comb. There is light scattered handling wear. The checkering is crisp with light peak wear. There is minor grain splitting at the rear of the forend, but there are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The plate has wear at the heel and toe and the checkering is well defined with a few blunted peaks. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong throughout. There is thinning on the leading edges and high contact areas. The case colors on the hammer are vibrant on the sides. There is light intermittent oxidation and a few light handling marks. There are isolated spots of fine pitting around the receiver and lever. 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 Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action is smooth. 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: None.
Our Assessment: John M. Browning’s Model 1895 was Winchester’s first lever-action rifle designed around an internal box magazine, permitting the safe use of pointed bullets and the powerful smokeless-powder cartridges then transforming sporting and military arms. The .30-03 was introduced as a standard Model 1895 chambering in 1905 but was supplanted by the .30-06 in 1908. It was last shown as a standard caliber in the WRACo 1918 catalog, giving it one of the shortest standard-production runs among Model 1895 cartridges. Deluxe rifles are considerably more desirable than standard examples, particularly when accompanied by distinctive factory features and a high degree of original condition.
This 1908 Model 1895 Deluxe is an exceptional combination of scarce chambering, special-order features, and remarkable preservation. Its factory-checkered walnut stocks remain sharp and attractive, while the ebony forend insert, factory-matted receiver top, vibrant hammer case colors, and especially rare checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate distinguish it from the overwhelming majority of surviving Model 1895 rifles. It retains an impressive 90% of its original finish, and its bright 9/10 bore and smooth, correctly functioning action further complement its outstanding appearance. Altogether, this is a very impressive Deluxe Model 1895 and a rifle worthy of an advanced Winchester collection.
