Make: Winchester

Model: 1895 Takedown

Serial Number: 64807

Year of Manufacture: 1911

Caliber: .405 Winchester Centerfire (WCF)

Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Internal Box Magazine.

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver 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 chamber ring has a strip of matting for glare reduction. The left of the receiver has a Lyman 21 receiver sight installed.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a schnabel-tip forend, ebony inlay, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. 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 fairly uniform patina. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The balance is mostly in scattered minor oxidation, primarily on the receiver and barrel extension. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. 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 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. 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 takedown example was made in 1911, a few years after Teddy Roosevelt's hunting trip which created the term "Teddy Bear". Its 24" barrel is chambered for the .405 Winchester cartridge, one of the most powerful cartridges designed for use in lever-action rifles. The rifle is in Very Good condition, retaining 87% original metal finish, a strong bore and great mechanics, appearing to have seen gentle use over the last 110 years. This would be a neat addition to a Winchester collection missing the 1895 Model, especially chambered for the "Big Medicine" cartridge. Please see our photos and good luck!