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January 19, 2017
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I was over in Crested Butte today and stopped in the visitor’s center. They had the John Plute Bull, which stood as the world record for nearly a century. I’ve known about the bull and the story for a long time. Killed in Dark Canyon, 1899, with a 30-40 Krag. The rack was used to pay off a bar tab. Etc.
Well, I always thought that was a round (30-40) and rifle manufacturer (Krag), not just a round. And I envisioned some ugly European thing. Today I found out it is a round and the rifle that killed the bull was a Winchester 95. Thought I’d share some pictures with you. Be cool to get a Cody Letter on it but they didn’t have one. They did have pictures of Plute holding the rifle with some other guys standing around and some deer. He was a meat hunter.
A Win 95 used in 1899 by a guy who couldn’t pay his bar tab? I’d have thought he would have had an old fashioned 73 or something. Must have been riding high when he got it and then fell on hard times?
The elk is now number two, I think. It’s MASSIVE!
December 30, 2011
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Thanks or taking the time to get the pictures and post them, along with the story. Neat stuff.
November 1, 2013
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Huck Riley said
Well, I always thought that was a round (30-40) and rifle manufacturer (Krag), not just a round.
If the bullet was fired by a ’95, it was not a .30-40; it was a .30 US !
February 22, 2005
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The 30 US is a 30-40 Krag.
Rob Kassab
Director & Executive Editor
Winchester Arms Collectors Association
To greatly enhance your collecting experience, join WACA. It's only $35 / year (eMembership), and you'll be able to directly upload photos on the forum, receive the e-version of our quarterly magazine and have full online access to our magazine archive database, along with many other member benefits such as 15 additional record searches for Cody Firearms Museum members. It’s easy to join at http://winchestercollector.org/register/.
November 1, 2013
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Rob Kassab said
The 30 US is a 30-40 Krag.
It never fails, I mean, never. Make the simplest little joke on any internet forum and you’ll immediately find out how many don’t get it.
April 15, 2005
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clarence said
If the bullet was fired by a ’95, it was not a .30-40; it was a .30 US !
Clarence,
Just to stir the pot a bit further, it might not have been a “30 U.S.” … it could have been a “.30 ARMY” !!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 29, 1993
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But then again, it might have been a “.30 Gov’t ’06″…………
Rick
WACA Life Benefactor Member
NRA Life Member
November 1, 2013
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Rick Hill said
But then again, it might have been a “.30 Gov’t ’06″…………Rick
But then it would be a different cartridge! (And a hard-kicking bastard in anything with a crescent plate.)
November 1, 2013
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Bert H. said
Clarence,
Just to stir the pot a bit further, it might not have been a “30 U.S.” … it could have been a “.30 ARMY” !!
Bert
My only ’95 has the 30 US marking, also my HW. But if I had my choice, I’d prefer 30 ARMY.
February 22, 2005
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You guys are all so confused! Just pick-up a copy of my ’95 book when it comes out next year! 
Rob Kassab
Director & Executive Editor
Winchester Arms Collectors Association
To greatly enhance your collecting experience, join WACA. It's only $35 / year (eMembership), and you'll be able to directly upload photos on the forum, receive the e-version of our quarterly magazine and have full online access to our magazine archive database, along with many other member benefits such as 15 additional record searches for Cody Firearms Museum members. It’s easy to join at http://winchestercollector.org/register/.
