So I came home from a show with this...

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MellyVinelli

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So, I came home with this M1895 Lee Navy.

I went into this purchase without knowing much about it. Did a search of these boards and even online info is rather scarce. The whole mechanism resembles a straight pull but it isn't. Perhaps anyone who has more clue than I do could shed some light on this find.

Edit: forgot to include the "throw in" gift in the form of a box of 6mm

Untitled by Melvin So, on Flickr
Untitled by Melvin So, on Flickr
Untitled by Melvin So, on Flickr
45288404112_8abb34bbe7_k.jpg
[/url]Untitled by Melvin So, on Flickr
 
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fantastic find, congratulations.
I did never even see one of those at all the shows I am going to in the last 35 years.
 
MellyVinelli said:
So, I came home with this M1895 Lee Navy.

I went into this purchase without knowing much about it. Did a search of these boards and even online info is rather scarce. The whole mechanism resembles a straight pull but it isn't. Perhaps anyone who has more clue than I do could shed some light on this find.
Click to expand...

Great find!

Plenty of info on the internet, a few examples-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH5xUzYgPEw

A caution; https://www.forgottenweapons.com/winchester-lee-navy-safety/

https://usmcweaponry.com/m1895-lee-navy/
 
Without a doubt one of the most outstanding items to come up here on the Milsurp forum, the stars aligned on that one for you. What a great find to come across. Very happy for you and a bit envious at the same time.
 
I paid $1600 for it. It certainly wasn't a cheap acquisition but certainly a lot less than what another guy was asking for a Canadian contract 1911.
 
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Just tried to push a patch through the bore and I don't know how many generations of gunk was pushed out. Almost like old cosmoline and a who lotta dirt and dust.
 
In case you want to reload for it:

Warning! Notes: Historical Notes: The 6mm Lee cartridge (also known as the 236 Navy) was used in the 1895 Lee Straight Pull bolt-action military rifle manufactured by Winchester for the United States Navy. About 15,000 of these rifles were made and used by the Navy on a trial basis. Winchester, Remington and Blake also chambered sporting rifles for this cartridge. No factory-loaded ammunition has been available since 1935. General Comments: The powders available in 1895 were not suitable to this small caliber. A few shooters who have old rifles for this round reload and use it for hunting. It is a good varmint, medium game, deer, black bear and antelope cartridge at moderate ranges. It is not as powerful as the 6mm Remington or the 243 Winchester. The case is the basis of the 220 Swift. (Cartridges of the World 6th Edition)

Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS) Favorite?
75 IMR IMR-3031 37.0 3300
Remarks: ME: 1809
100 IMR IMR-4895 34.0 2680
Remarks: ME: 1595
112 IMR IMR-3031 30.0 2650
Remarks: ME: 1895
112 IMR IMR-4895 34.0 2670
Remarks: ME: 1946
 
Might be an idea to grease the bore again with a nylon bristle bore brush and leave the grease in for a week.
Should loosen up quite a bit of old crud and carbon.
 
Yeah might have to. I did read up on the unfortunate incident in 2002 where a gentleman had one of these blow up in his face, killing him. At present the rifling looks quite worn (the lands and grooves aren't sharp).

Mind you, the reading I've done has indicated that the powder was quite corrosive and burned hot. Not to mention these rifles were put to good use in their short time in service and probably had their barrels shot out quite fast.
 
From;

https://www.revolvy.com/page/M1895-Lee-Navy

And;

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

Both the ammunition and rifle barrels were supplied by the government; the barrels, made of 4.5 per cent nickel steel, used Metford-pattern rifling with a rifling twist of one turn in 6.5 inches, and were supplied unchambered with the receiver thread uncut.[2][8] The rifle action was required to withstand the firing of five overpressure (proof) cartridges with a chamber pressure of 60,000 psi.[8]
 
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