Browning Model 1895 Like Winchester 24? 30-40 Springfield Lever Rifle, 1983
SOLD FOR: $1305
WOA#: WY230921DK002
Make: This rifle was made by Miroku of Japan for Browning
Model: 1895 Grade I
Serial Number: 01689PV187
Year of Manufacture: 1983 (PV date code)
Caliber: 30-40 KRAG
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, the right is marked “BROWNING 1895 / CALIBER .30-40” and the left rear has an “NP” proof at the chamber. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade pinned into a base fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notched buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed into the top of the barrel. There is a Lyman Sight mounted to the receiver with adjustable dual aperture for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth steel buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light marks on the face. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The action shows faint operational wear and there are a few scattered minor marks. The front portion of the magazine has a plum hue. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The lever has an actuating safety. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with this rifle is a box with a serial matching label and foam inserts and a manual.
Our Assessment: The 1895 Winchester was the first model to incorporate a non-detachable box magazine. Teddy Roosevelt called this model, chambered in .405 WCF, his “Medicine Gun for Lions” (from his book “African Game Trails”). The M1895 rifle became the preference of major powers worldwide, with Russia alone purchasing nearly 300,000 1895’s for use in the Great War. The Model 1895 was designed for the new generation of cartridges utilizing smokeless powder and pointed bullets, and many of its original chamberings remain popular today. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and pointed bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. In 1984, Browning had Miroku of Japan make a limited run of M1895 rifles patterned after the original Winchesters. The rifles were chambered in either .30-40 Krag or .30-06 Springfield, and were made in Grade 1 with a bright blued finish and with select walnut. This .30-40 Krag rifle is in Excellent condition. The rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. It would still make for a great shooter which combines the venerable .30-40 cartridge with the distinctly American lever-action. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.