Winchester Model 1895 .30ARMY (.30-40KRAG) – 1921, SADDLE RING CARBINE

The Model 1895 was the strongest lever-action rifle ever produced by Winchester and the first Winchester lever gun to utilize an internal box magazine, departing from the tubular magazine design that had remained essentially unchanged since the Model 1866. This innovation allowed the safe use of spitzer (pointed) bullets without the risk of accidental detonation within the magazine. The 1895 was also the last lever-action rifle to see significant military service, finding its way into the hands of forces from the United States, the Russian Empire, Mexico, Finland, and the Spanish Republicans. The U.S. government ordered 10,000 rifles chambered in .30-40 Krag for use during the Spanish-American War; however, they arrived too late to see widespread combat service. Many of the Army contract rifles eventually made their way to Mexico, where they saw service with Pancho Villa’s forces during the Mexican Revolution. Theodore Roosevelt privately carried a Model 1895 while leading the Rough Riders during the Battle of San Juan Hill and used two extensively on his safaris in Africa dubbing one chambered in .405 his “Medicine Gun.” This example, serial number 400788, produced by Winchester in 1921, chambered in .30 Army (.30-40 Krag) is in the desirable saddle ring carbine configuration. The 22” barrel retains 90% factory finish and a bore with strong rifling that rates 7/10. The receiver retains 80% of its original finish, showing expected silvering on the magazine and carry points. Overall, this is a fantastic example of one of Winchester’s less commonly encountered lever actions, a rifle that persevered in an era increasingly dominated by bolt-action rifles and machine guns. Specifications and pictures are below. Thanks for looking!