Make: Winchester

Model: 1895

Serial Number: 402483

Year of Manufacture: 1921

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield (.30 Government '06)

Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble Sheard beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The rear sight has notable play in its dovetail.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with schnabel forend with ebony inlay, straight wrist, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. Sling swivels have been installed in the belly and forend, there is a hole in front of the forend swivel. There is discoloration behind the swivel in the belly, either a fill or possibly a repair for the long cracks on each side at the toe. There is a red fabric residue on each side of the top tang. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with some odd wear in the stocks' new finish. The LOP measures 12 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered nicks, scratches and light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered wear, more notable in the receiver, magazine and lever. Worn areas are going to a light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with some light surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The forend mounting screw is disfigured with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.

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. Teddy Roosevelt himself favored the 1895 Winchester, considering his rifle chambered in .405 to be the “medicine gun” for lion. 

With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and pointed bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. This rifle is a version which was made in 1921 with a barrel chambered in .30-06. Developed for the Springfield 1903 rifle, the cartridge went on to serve in two World Wars as well as being perhaps the most popular hunting cartridge in the United State. This rifle appears to have been someone's favorite, having refinished stocks equipped with sling swivels and showing signs of use in the field. It should still have some hunting trips left in it, but it would also fit in a Winchester collection missing an 1895. Please see our photos and good luck!