An 1895 Winchester-Lee a C&R or an antique?

[Rick the Librarian]

Just for curiosity, is an original 1895 Navy Winchester-Lee an antique or a Curio & Relic, as far as the BATF is concerned? After what they do with "splitting" Krags, I thought it best to ask.

[jon_norstog]

Rick, I think they may have quit making them by 1899. The Marines had all of them they needed by then. DIck? 5?

jn

[Rick the Librarian]

Could well be. I was just curious. Got one on the way and I have it covered, either way.

[rayg]

Lets see it when you get it. I have one and used to reload and shoot it, Ray

[Rick the Librarian]

You can be sure of that. This one will be taken out and petted at frequent periods, (especially when I watch "55 Days at Peking") but not shot.

Here's two views of it:

3755137552

[Dan Shapiro]

Nice! Almost acquired one but got outbid ......... By a REDICULOUS amount.

[CJCulpeper]

Here is an answer for you, Rick.

http://winchestercollector.org/models/model-1895-lee/

Another live rifle I can add to my census.

[Rick the Librarian]

CJ, thanks, an absolutely excellent rundown on this rifle!!

I've wanted one of these rifles for eons and looking forward to its' coming! Will share more pictures when I get it.

[CJCulpeper]

CJ, thanks, an absolutely excellent rundown on this rifle!!

I've wanted one of these rifles for eons and looking forward to its' coming! Will share more pictures when I get it.

Just remember. No reformed krag brass in the rifle. You don't want to end up with a hole in your head. Reformed 25-06, good. Reformed .220 Swift, good.

Here are two links for you.
http://www.forgottenweapons.com/m1895-lee-handbook/
http://www.forgottenweapons.com/m1895-lee-rifle-manual/

[CJCulpeper]

Now you need a second one. Or is it I need a third one? How much do you want for yours?:icon_lol:

[Rick the Librarian]

Absolutely NO plans to shoot it. I admit I'd like to get a "sample" cartridge for it (again ***NOT*** to shoot!).

[Rick the Librarian]

Now you need a second one. Or is it I need a third one? How much do you want for yours?:icon_lol:

Except for "Springfielditis", I've been remarkably immune to all the other "it is" out there! :)

[deadin]

Wait until you try to find a complete clip for it. It is an enbloc clip that technically is supposed to fall out the bottom when the first cartridge is stripped out..
They can be loaded without the clip but it takes three hands........

[Rick the Librarian]

I'll probably find one ...right next to the Garand .276 clip I've been looking for all these years!! LOL!

(I have 10 .276 cartridges for the early test version of the M1).

[CJCulpeper]

Wait until you try to find a complete clip for it. It is an enbloc clip that technically is supposed to fall out the bottom when the first cartridge is stripped out..
They can be loaded without the clip but it takes three hands........

The clips are not enbloc like the Garand or Berthiers, or the Carcanos. The Winchester-Lee clip is very much like the M1903 clip in function. The difference being a stiff wire is the retaining mechanism instead of the later internal spring and end tits on the '03 version. A body could say it had ideas from both the Mauser system and Mannlicher design.

Reproduction clips and wires can be found at S&S firearms (http://ssfirearms.com/search.asp?nobox=&scat=&stext=winchester+lee&stype=&sprice=&pg=2).

Originals on the other hand... Well, best of luck to you.

[Rick the Librarian]

No plan to try to spend lots of money on exotic accessories. I may spring for a repro lower butt swivel from S&S and I'd like to find a "sample" cartridge.

[CJCulpeper]

No plan to try to spend lots of money on exotic accessories. I may spring for a repro lower butt swivel from S&S and I'd like to find a "sample" cartridge.

Just what the doctor ordered.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/586106103

[Rick the Librarian]

The guy wants $29.99 for BIN AND $10.99 shipping. I'll pass and keep my eyes open.

[Kragrifle]

The detachable swivels fit a number of rifles and can be found. They can be found in different widths and I'm not sure which is more correct. As for the clips they can also be found if you're patient. I would suggest passing on S&S reproductions as they are not nearly as good as they were in the past .

[Rick the Librarian]

Yes, I'm familiar - I have a Mauser 98GEW which used the same type. What is maddening is I had the part (to the Mauser) and now, the trouble is remembering where I put it!!:icon_scratch: