New Production Winchester Model 1895; the fancy one.

[Johnny Guest]

Does anyone here have ANY experience in owning and/or shooting the new production Winchester 95?

I had expressed interest in owning one in the past, and now a friend has offered his, 'cause he needs to pay off some medical stuff. I have not seen it--actually, never seen one of the new production guns at all. I understand there are a couple of grades, and this one is said to be "an engraved model."

1. Any input as to price on these rifles? Basic? Fancy grade?

2. Have you shot one? How do they shoot?

3. Is the piece adapted to the mounting of aperture sights? I picture something like that used in the cable movie "The Rough Riders" by Sam Elliot's character Lt. Bucky O'Neill. His was a carbine with a peep sight mounted on top of the bolt.

4. Is the "new" 95 still in production? If not, any idea how many were made? Would I be ruining some semi-priceless collector's item to turn it into a carbine and mount a peep sight on it?

Hey--it's a sort of nostalgic thing. I have plenty of decent hunting rifles, including a good .30-06 bolt rifle. I probably want a 95 for the same reason I want a reproduction Colt Walker and a Paterson. But, at least with the 95, I could shoot modern ammo and take game with it.

Actually, I've already told my friend I'll buy the rifle, at his price. Now I'm just trying to decide what the heck I'll do with it.

Any input appreciated.

Johnny
MOLON LABE!

 

[Art Eatman]

IIRC, this is part of the series of "resurrections" produced by Browning. I've held them in a gun store, but not shot one. They seem very well made, and are beautifully finished. For the 1895, I think the Plain Jane sold for around $795, and the fancy grade was around $1,095, mas o menos.

It was a limited production run, and they're no longer made, SFAIK. They also did the 1886, and did (are doing?) the HiWall or LoWall--anyway, that type of single shot.

As far as hunting, it's the usual deal for iron sights. Eyesight determines the effective range. It oughta be good in short-distance sitting through the best-lit portion of the day, and would serve well when walking and stalking.

At the worst, it's a fun-gun.

, Art