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Quick Look
The Winchester Model 1895 is a classic lever-action rifle introduced in 1895, designed by John Browning. It features a strong, robust design to handle high-powered cartridges in a box magazine. Today, it maintains a niche following among collectors and hunters valuing historical significance and powerful performance.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Durable lever-action mechanism for reliable cycling
- Box magazine accepts powerful cartridges
- Strong enough for early smokeless powders
- Classic design appeals to collectors and hunters
- Chambered for big-game hunting rounds
Key Variants
Winchester 1895 Russian
Produced for the Imperial Russian Army, ideal for historical collectors.
Winchester 1895 Sporting
Hunting-optimized variant popular for large game and outdoorsmen.
Winchester 1895 Trapper
Compact carbine version suited for maneuverability in dense terrain.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | Winchester 1895 | Marlin 336 | Winchester Model 94 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1,200 | $850 | $1,000 |
| Capacity/Size | 5–10 rounds, box magazine | 8 rounds, tubular magazine | 7–10 rounds, tubular magazine |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Optics-Ready | Yes, with mounts | Limited | Limited |
| Trigger Type | Lever-action | Lever-action | Lever-action |
| Notable Pro | Handles powerful cartridges | Smooth action, affordable | Historic popularity, light weight |
| Notable Con | Heavier weight | Tube mag limits cartridge size | Tube mag limits cartridge size |
Best Use Cases
- Big-game hunting
- Historical firearm collections
- Long-range lever-action shooting
- Rustic outdoor use
- Lever-action firearm enthusiasts
FAQs
Can I mount modern optics on a Winchester 1895?
Yes. Many modern Winchester 1895 rifles include scope mounts or can be fitted with aftermarket optics mounting solutions.
What caliber rounds does the Winchester 1895 use?
Common calibers include .30-06 Springfield, .405 Winchester, and .38-40 Winchester, depending on the variant and era.
How does the Winchester 1895 compare to other lever-actions?
It uniquely uses a box magazine allowing powerful cartridges unlike tubular magazine rifles, enabling use of pointed bullets safely.
