Winchester Model 1895 Questions

holdingfast

holdingfast

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Okay Folks,

I came into a Winchester Model 1895 and as best as the Internet tells me, according to the serial number, it is a 1905 manufacture. I have attached some pictures to help; however, I know very little about this gun.

What I do know:

The gentleman who owned it before me rode six miles each way on a bicycle back in the 40's to buy it from another farmer. The man claims that he could drive nails with it at 50 yards and his son confirms this - I have yet to try. From what I know, it is chambered for 303 British (despite the 30 stamping) and the bore is... dirty. I have tried cleaning it over the years and it is getting cleaner ever so slowly.

I have not fired the gun (but know it does) and I have not taken the gun down. I am debating about parting ways with the gun and I want to ask a fair price because what the Blue Book says and what the world says are two different things. So, I humbly ask those with more knowledge than I if they may have any insight.

Thank you for any help or insight you may have!

Mikey

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Its unlikely to be 303 British - how about 30-40 Krag? Looks like the forestock has been customized, and the top wood cracked. Without knowing the state of the mechanics (action, bore, etc) its difficult to set a value, but if you got 500$ for it, you shouldn't look back.
 
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What you have is a 30-40 Krag U.S. army Musket.

These were tried out by MacArthur in the Spanish American war in the Philippines. These rifles were tried out in contest with the Krag.

The Krag was deemed better, as the 1895's were good, but prone to fouling as the "guts" are exposed and mud and dust can easily foul the insides.

Yours was likely brought back or sold off as surplus and made its way up here, where it was sporterized.

The bad:
- It's missing the cut wood forend.
- It's been drilled and tapped for the rear sight.

The good:
- they left the top handguard!!!
- they left the original rear sight!!!!
- they didn't mess up the buttstock

Lately they have been going nuts price wise in the USA.

Yours is worth restoring.

I have seen them fetch 1k minimum for messed up sporterized "sporter" models in Canada at auctions recently.

Although it's not a 1895 Russian contract gem (those are way way way more expensive) it's still a worthy rifle, and should got to a good home :)

They didn't make too many models of any kind in "Musket" form.
 
Now what I see that the 30-40 Krag is just a weenie bit bigger in most ways to 303 British - it all makes sense now how a 303 cartridge fits. This is making for interesting Saturday morning reading - thanks again fellars!
 
holdingfast said:
Now what I see that the 30-40 Krag is just a weenie bit bigger in most ways to 303 British - it all makes sense now how a 303 cartridge fits. This is making for interesting Saturday morning reading - thanks again fellars!
Click to expand...

I hope they weren't shooting .303 out of it.
 
Some more details.

It may have been used as a "NRA" musket. Most were acquired by them for shooting competitions, and may explain the rear sight. It might also explain why they left the original sights intact.

Now I know US prices and Canadian prices aren't always the same, but when it comes to Winchesters, they are usually at par. (Although not always.)

Lately, a Russian contract 1895 in 7.62x54R went for over 7k on gunbroker. One went for 12k a few years back at James D Julia. They are the "holy grail" of 1895's.
I know a store in Canada used to have just a barrelled action for mucho $.

The NRA muskets typically go for less, although there are many factors.

U.S. Army muskets in full configuration are scarce, not as expensive as Russian contracts, but I've seen them around 3-4k. Keep in mind there are excellent almost mint examples.

So either way, it's probably worth resorting. Unfortunately because of the drilled and tapped receiver and worn condition, it's not worth nearly as much.

Still; someone will likely give you a fair price here. Collectors won't want it in its current state, so it's subject to the hunter only community, who would offer you $500.

Restore it, and maybe you can get $800-2k. The problem is, it will always be drilled and tapped. Or take it to Switzers auction, and get big bucks lol
 
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I paid $1200 for one in a little better shape 3 years ago, paid $1700 US for one in 7.62x54 in about the same shape 2 years ago. I find prices a little higher in the US.
 
Looks very similar to mine in 303Brit. which has full length 28" barrel and the carbine forend but missing upper handguard. It's going to a gun show tomorrow.
 
spooksar said:
I paid $1200 for one in a little better shape 3 years ago, paid $1700 US for one in 7.62x54 in about the same shape 2 years ago. I find prices a little higher in the US.
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Wow nice! You stole that 7.62x54! Is it a sporterized one?

Edit: Oh yeah, I saw you said it was similar. Still a great price for a 7.62x54R one! Restore it! :)
 
I too highly suspect that it is a 30-40 Krag.
I owned a Model 95 back in the 60's (in 303 Br) and it was definitely marked 303 British.
 
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