Winchester Model 1895 Rifle……………………..(f 89)

A fine Winchester M1895 Lever Action Rifle – Early refinish

The more observant of you will notice that this rifle has a very low stock number within my system.  The reason behind this minor mystery is because I really haven’t being trying very hard to sell it – it’s so darn good!  I have been enjoying the simplicity of its sights and accuracy.  And the fact it makes me look like a reasonable shot!

This is the rifle that John Browning developed with Winchester designers and finally patented the model in the year 1895.  This was the first radicle departure from Winchesters standard tubular magazine type design.  Although still a lever action, this rifle specifically had to function whilst being fed from a box magazine.  The need for the box magazine came about because of the adoption, by the military, of the .30-40 Krag, which utilized a pointed bullet.  Pointed bullets become somewhat of a liability within the confines of a tubular magazine.  Due to recoil, the nose of one round can act upon the primer of the cartridge stacked in front of it, with disastrous consequences for all in the surrounding area!  So this rifle cleverly employs a narrow box magazine which takes five rounds.

Winchester also produced full length muskets and shorter carbines. Although some foreign powers ordered the 1895 for their military, the US never invested heavily in the design.  However, 75% of 95’s produced in all types, were chambered in the U.S .30-40 gov’t cartridge – as is this example.  Stocked in an American Black walnut with a particularly straight grain stock and in the sporting style with a crescent moon butt-plate.  Roosevelt’s’ Rough Riders are photographed with this type of rifle whilst on expedition.  It fits well into a saddle mounted boot and can be drawn easily.  The size and sheer presence of the highly polished bolt are impressive in themselves but also the attention to detail is striking.  The hammer at the rear of the action can be manually cocked by applying the thumb to pull it into one of the two positions; to aid this there is a neatly machine checked patch surrounded by an equally neat boarder.  Even the ejector spring is noticeable against the high polish of the bolt by its fine nitra-blue finish.

The serial number on this M95 is on the lower tang and becomes apparent when the lever is pushed downward. “49259” is stamped across the tang just behind the under-lever locking catch. The design of this weapon is truly mind boggling as apart from the intricate reloading and ejection procedure, which occurs each time the rifle is cycled, the trigger itself, on its mounting plate, moves out of the action during the process. When the bolt and lever close the complete trigger assembly is reunited with the action. Once the underlever locks back in position, it is ready to be used, feeling as steady and as a well built bolt action!  The serial number puts production in the year 1905.

This is not a flat-side model but has the sculpted sides.  The LHS of the action is marked in two lines as follows; ”  MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.  /  NEW HAVEN.  CONN.  U.S.A. PAT.NOV5.95.NOV.12.95 AUG.97. JAN25.98.  AUG.23. 98.”  The obverse is free from any markings.  The rear upper tang carries the following information; ” M O D E L 1 8 9 5 / WINCHESTER /  T R A D E   M A R K.”  The breech end of the barrel is marked on the LHS, just behind the rear sight wedge, “NICKEL STEEL BARREL  /  ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”   The Winchester “Proof” mark  (circled WP) is clear on the receiver bridge and the breech of the barrel with the calibre marking .30 U.S. adjacent to it.

Open, buckhorn rear sights with a brass beaded front blade sight.  This 1895 has been refinished quite some time ago, exactly when it is difficult to say but, it does show some minor scuffs which indicate a passage of time since the work was completed.  Apart from these specific points the weapon is in very good condition.  The wood work is in extremely fine order with an ebony insert at the tip of the fore-end.  The finish over the metal surface is a deep dark blue and is also in excellent condition with no issues worth mention.  The butt-stock is fitted with the classic Crescent Moon steel butt-plate.  The underlever which cycles the action is jointed to allow it to slightly expand but mainly to aid the release of the catch that holds it in position for firing.

The action is in good mechanical order and cycles perfectly and smoothly.  The trigger is very light yet still positive.  The bore is in excellent condition with clean sharp rifling which looks deep in comparison to some of its contemporaries.  The stock is highly pleasant to the touch and real easy on the eye.  This is a rare and interesting rifle which has got a very long shooting career ahead of it still. An unusual Winchester to secure for any collection bringing with it a strange mix of military and sporting history that surround these highly attractive slender rifles. I cant really describe with this media the way it fits into your shoulder – the words don’t exist but believe me it’s good.  In shooting terms, it almost feels like a natural extension of the shooters body.  The sights are simple and very fine.

If you want to ruin my day please ask for stock No f 89

£ 2650.

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