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November 7, 2015
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Must have been a rough trip up to Cody. One item on my short shopping list was a nice 1895 in 30US that I could actually shoot as well as admire. One of the first tables I visited was Mark Douglas’ fine spread. For reasons I can’t explain I apparently didn’t see this rifle on his table. That happened at another table nearby that morning, a shotgun I would have loved to purchase was apparently not visible to me. In fact, I recalled seeing a quite different 1895 that was NOT on his table. I mentioned my quest to Mark a time or two on Thursday and Friday and each time he told me he had what I was looking for. Just to be polite I dropped by Mark’s table early Saturday and saw a very nice (but not quite original) 1895 very much like I was looking for. It’s an early (1898) production and as some of you noticed very easy on the eyes. I went back to my table as the show was about to open to the public and tried to figure out what I had seen. While I was sitting a few aisles away 2-3 pretty serious collectors picked it up and seemed quite interested. ( I later learned Mark had asked them to drop by and express an interest. 
) I finally got a break and tried to walk calmly over to Mark’s table and negotiated a deal. Now all I need to do is find that 30US ammo I loaded a few years ago! Thanks for being patient with me, Mark.
Attached a few quick photos. Won’t have good light on my normal spot until past my bedtime.
Mike
Well when the sun is right don’t take the pictures standing on your head. I’m having a hard time looking at them.
November 7, 2015
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Chuck said
Well when the sun is right don’t take the pictures standing on your head. I’m having a hard time looking at them.
I suck at pics (and editing) but I feel like in this section an unwritten rule is “pics or it didn’t happen”. And yes, Clarence, the SB is always an attraction to me and pretty wood is another. The chambering is a huge plus as I love the history of the 30US (and I already have dies and brass).
Mike
Mike it isn’t you. I never can figure why some of my pictures end up upside down? A shotgun butt on a 95 is always a good thing. This model does not absorb recoil well at all.
November 7, 2015
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Found them! Sideways again. Must be the wine.
Mike
November 7, 2015
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For my fellow bullet casters that’s a Ranch Dog #312299 with a nominal bullet weight of 202grs loaded nearly two years ago into a resized Hornady 303 case over a gentle charge of Rx7 powder. This load showed promise in a much less attractive 1895 with a poor bore.
Mike
Now I need to get back to my test to make shootable rounds from the 30US blanks I have…. I got sidetracked for some reason and now the bug is back…. Nice find!
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
Mike –
It is easy on the eyes. Cool that it has antique status and has a shotgun butt 
November 7, 2015
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This old 1895 just keeps getting better. I suspected it might be a shooter when I looked at the bore and Mark just smiled. I may need to tweak my load a bit to regulate with the lines on the Lyman sight but early results are almost incredible. I know two shots are not a group but quite honestly I was having great difficulty finding the front sight. First target is at 50; trying to get used to the trigger and a couple of sighters just out of the frame. Second target at 100 yds; two hits at the bottom were fired using the top notch, two hits at the top were fired using the second notch.
After a nap I’ll need to study my load notes and manuals, been a few years since I came up with that load.
Mike
That’s fantastic Mike! That ’95 came into the shop shortly before the Cody Show, so I didn’t get the chance to shoot it. After seeing how pristine the bore is, I’m not surprised it’s shooting so well for you. I’m anxious to see how well you get it shooting with some load development. I’m sure glad it found its way into good hands. I’d be willing to bet it won’t be long until you’ve shot it more than it’s been shot in its first 124 years. Mark
November 7, 2015
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Thanks, Mark. Realized this week it was twice my age. Took it to the range today to shoot up the rest of the ammo I had loaded so I could try another load without forming more brass from .303 British. Discovered there was a notch between the first and second marked notches on the Lyman sight! This is my first “Climbin’ Lyman” so I have a lot to learn. Awesome sight! Found the inner aperture was initially flipped down during my first range session. 
The “half” notch was acceptable for a 6 o’clock hold @ 100 yards. Group was about 4”, much more in line with my expectations and limitations. I’ve always said “three shot groups lie”. Now I know two shot groups mean nothing, even when I have two of them. All in all, not bad for a 124 year old rifle and 62 year old eyes. No telling what new glasses and a bit of a load tweak will bring.
Mike
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