Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 37961
Year of Manufacture: 1902 / C&R
Caliber: .40-72 WCF
Action Type: Internal Box Magazine-Fed Lever Action Rifle
Barrel Length: 26", Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight dovetail is filled with a blank. The receiver is installed with a fully adjustable Lyman No. 21 peep sight.
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 some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 12 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear and some minor erosion and wear at the heel and toe. The plate is punch dotted with two initials in the center. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with defined rifling. There is light to mild erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is in scattered finish wear on the receiver and lever. The barrel retains generally strong finish areas that are turning to a mottled patina. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and spots of light surface oxidation and erosion. 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 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: This rifle comes with a Winchester factory letter which confirms its original chambering in 40-72 with a Octagon barrel, received in warehouse date of September 22, 1902, and a shipped from warehouse date of October 8, 1902, order number 161458.
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 1902 and is chambered for 40-72 WCF which was introduced in 1895 for the Model 1895. The cartridge was swiftly replaced by faster and more powerful smokeless cartridges. This example shows wear consistent with light honest use over the last 120 years and is in great mechanical shape. This should make a nice addition to a collection of Winchester lever-action rifles.
