Winchester-Lee Model 1895 6mm Navy Rifle

[varifleman]

Here for your perusal is Winchester-Lee Model 1895 6mm Navy rifle serial number 18003 with bayonet and scabbard. This rifle was part of the second US Navy contract (serial numbers 15001-20000) inspected by Lt John N. Jordan (J.N.J as stamped on top of breech). Per the Winchester Repeating Fire Arms letter the serial number was applied to the on July 22, 1898; Caliber: N; received in warehouse on August 12, 1898 and shipped from warehouse on August 20, 1898; Order number 2689. It just missed the Spanish-American War but may have served during the Relief of the Foreign Legations in Peking during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 or during the Philippine Insurrection 1899-1902. I'll have to see if I can track down the USN or USMC ship/unit which eventually received this rifle.

 

[Nyles]

Beauty!

 

[varifleman]

Here are photos of a box of 20 Remington-UMC 6mm rouds, head stamps and individual rounds and a photo of the S&S repro clip and wire for this rifle.

 

[QM 8687]

Unusual firing pin lock and bolt stop set up. Up here I've handled only 5. Mine has cut down forend, and just 1 I've seen was full military as issue. Yours looks very good!

 

[shredder]

OP, nice rifle!

Are you planning on shooting it at all?

 

[enefgee]

Fascinating rifle, I handled a Remington-Lee a few weeks ago - these both very interesting rifles.

 

[Kevan]

Seriously, a very interesting rifle, excellent pictures and write-up.
Thanks very much for sharing with us.

 

[varifleman]

Thanks for all the comments. Once I get the rifle thoroughly checked out and get the repro clip/wire working properly I'll give it a shot. I'm looking for an original clip/wire if anyone should have on for sale or know where to get one.

 

[mbogo3]

I'd try Numrich Gun Parts in the States.

 

[varifleman]

I'd try Numrich Gun Parts in the States.

Yes; I check Numrich periodically; they have 2 pages of Winchester-Lee 1895 parts but no clips/wires and most parts are out of stock.

 

[green]

Beware of 6mm Lee ctgs made from 30-40 Krag brass. There have been two recent catastrophic failures of Lees caused by using this brass since the head of the case was weakened by cutting the extractor groove. One of the failures resulted in a fatality.
Use 220 Swift brass with rim turned to the proper dimension.

 

[varifleman]

Beware of 6mm Lee ctgs made from 30-40 Krag brass. There have been two recent catastrophic failures of Lees caused by using this brass since the head of the case was weakened by cutting the extractor groove. One of the failures resulted in a fatality.
Use 220 Swift brass with rim turned to the proper dimension.

Yes; I read about those two catastrophic failures and will have the original Remington and Winchester 6nn USN cartridges (they look like 1920s or 1930s vintage) thoroughly checked out if I decide to shoot this rifle.