Winchester 1895 arrives...

[Rick the Librarian]

There isn't a "Winchester Forum", so I thought this was the next best thing ... pardon me, if it isn't! -- RtL

A Winchester Model 1895 arrived (I had purchased it on Gunbroker a week or two ago. I'm very happy with it, as I felt I got it for a fair price. I posted several pictures below. I was aware of the repair on the stock. Maybe sometime I can keep an eye out for a replacement. It is in 30-40 Krag. The bore has very deep lands but there may be some fine pitting.

I don't really care that much for Winchester lever guns, but the 1895 has always fascinated me!

A few questions - I'm a M1903 guy (as some of you know) and my knowledge of Winchesters would fit on the head of a pin.

1) Where is the serial number? The seller said it was in the 24,000 range, but I don't seem to find it. (Probably staring me in the face!)

2) Just below the receiver information on the left side is "Aug. 23 '98" - Can I assume this is the manufacture date or does it represent something else?

3) There are what appears to be three deeply stamped letters on the lever - any idea what they are or what they represent?

4) Is the front sight original, or has it been replaced? The crown of the muzzle appears to be "squared off" - is this a sign that the barrel has been shortened?

5) I assume the typical "Buckhorn" rear sight? Original?

6) The "embedded" black piece in the forestock - an example of "customizing" or original on the stock?

Naturally, any comments would be appreciated!

















A few more pictures below ...

[Rick the Librarian]

[BudT]

My 30-40 has the Bison horn inset. Your front sight looks correct but may have been worked some. Mine and yours have different rear sights and butt stocks. My barrel is shorter. you need to shoot it to find out just where it is.

[Griff Murphey]

Ah well... Confluence of interest! Always one of my favorites, beautiful guns the 95s.

I enjoy drooling over Joe Salter's list... But especially the '95!

[Rick the Librarian]

Found the serial number ... 24423 or 24422 (last digit is partially covered with crud.

[mhb]

Some answers:

1. The serial number should be located on the lower tang, under the lever.

2. August 23 1898 is one of the patent dates included in the barrel markings, which varied over time. The separation of that date from the rest of the markings on the barrel probably indicates yours was one of the early rifles produced under that particular patent, and that date was stamped separately from the rest of the (roll-marked) patent info.

3. No idea on the letters: can you make out what they are?

4. The front sight blade may be original, but is probably a replacement. The muzzle is probably original: Winchester did not use a rounded crown on these rifles - the standard barrel length in .30 US is 28"

5. The rear sight may be original, but might not.

6. The foreend-tip black insert is original.

Hope this helps;
mhb - Mike

[Rick the Librarian]

1. Found the serial number - 24422, where you indicated.

2. I had my doubts that date was the date of manufacture, but it was "separate" and appeared to be a different font.

3. I can't make out the marking on the lever - they almost appear to be an "overstamp" of some kind. A closeup picture is below - it is taken "right side up.



4. The barrel measures 27" from the muzzle to where it joins the receiver. Does that indicate an inch has been chopped off?

[Parashooter]

. . . The barrel measures 27" from the muzzle to where it joins the receiver. Does that indicate an inch has been chopped off?

No, it means there is an inch of barrel threaded into the receiver. Just as with contemporary military rifles, one measures barrel length from bolt face to muzzle.

[Rick the Librarian]

Thanks for the correction.

It was suggested that the markings on the lever may indicate the lever was left over from the 10,000 rifles made under U.S. contract in 1898. Anyone know what the correct inspection stamp was? Possibly this was overstamped?

[Kragrifle]

You will find KSM on many parts on 1895's . I always assumed these were parts over runs from the 10,000 US contract muskets. It looks like this originally was KSM.

[Kragrifle]

Kelley S. Morse. On the original US muskets, KSM will be on the lever, hammer, top slide and I have seen one KSM cartouche on a horribly cut down sporter that was made from what must have been a "NEW" 1895 musket. Broke my heart!

[Rick the Librarian]

I'm familiar with him - his initials (in script) appear on some early M1903s.

[Johnny P]

The 28" barrel was standard length on the .30 Army (.30-40 Krag) caliber rifles. Various initials will be found on parts rejected from the 10,000 U.S. contract. If the parts were serviceable, Winchester used them on commercial rifles.

[Doug Douglass]

Winchesters first lever action rifle that could load pointed bullets. I think Winchester had grand visions of selling thousands of these to the military. Russia was the only foreign taker beside a small US order. I had one made in 1901 chambered for the .405, traded it for a Winchester WWII US marked and cartouched Model 12 Trench which I wish I still had.

[CJCulpeper]

Rick I checked your sn with http://oldguns.net/sn_php/winmods.htm and it states your gun was built in 1899

Culpeper