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I would enjoy having any or all of those 1895’s! Well done. BTW, I also have the same carpeting in my house, except much more wear from dogs feet and nails. Tim
Without digging into the digital archives or printed photos, I found a picture on my phone of a bull I killed in 2020 with the 1895 in 30-06. The distance was a measured 225 yards. Three shots from the sitting position anchored him in the thicket he occupied with a cow. It took considerable time to clear away the brush for a photo and to field dress the animal. The sun was sinking fast.
It occurred to me that I have never shot a grizzly with one of my 1895s. I’ve cradled the 1895 in 30-06 while I’ve accompanied others on their stalk to kill a bear but have never had to use it. I’ve taken several grizzlies with a model 1894, 1886, and 71, including two B&C specimens. My 1895 in 35 WCF may need some time afield this September in search of a bruin.
These vintage firearms still perform as the makers intended. I pack them well in a padded case on my ATV or snowmachine, gingerly taking them out to make a stalk once the quarry is spotted.
dimrod said
Without digging into the digital archives or printed photos, I found a picture on my phone of a bull I killed in 2020 with the 1895 in 30-06. The distance was a measured 225 yards. Three shots from the sitting position anchored him in the thicket he occupied with a cow. It took considerable time to clear away the brush for a photo and to field dress the animal. The sun was sinking fast.
It occurred to me that I have never shot a grizzly with one of my 1895s. I’ve cradled the 1895 in 30-06 while I’ve accompanied others on their stalk to kill a bear but have never had to use it. I’ve taken several grizzlies with a model 1894, 1886, and 71, including two B&C specimens. My 1895 in 35 WCF may need some time afield this September in search of a bruin.
These vintage firearms still perform as the makers intended. I pack them well in a padded case on my ATV or snowmachine, gingerly taking them out to make a stalk once the quarry is spotted.
Here is another one of Mark’s trophy moose taken with a Winchester lever.
Burt Humphrey said
dimrod said
Without digging into the digital archives or printed photos, I found a picture on my phone of a bull I killed in 2020 with the 1895 in 30-06. The distance was a measured 225 yards. Three shots from the sitting position anchored him in the thicket he occupied with a cow. It took considerable time to clear away the brush for a photo and to field dress the animal. The sun was sinking fast.
It occurred to me that I have never shot a grizzly with one of my 1895s. I’ve cradled the 1895 in 30-06 while I’ve accompanied others on their stalk to kill a bear but have never had to use it. I’ve taken several grizzlies with a model 1894, 1886, and 71, including two B&C specimens. My 1895 in 35 WCF may need some time afield this September in search of a bruin.
These vintage firearms still perform as the makers intended. I pack them well in a padded case on my ATV or snowmachine, gingerly taking them out to make a stalk once the quarry is spotted.
Here is another one of Mark’s trophy moose taken with a Winchester lever.
nice grizzly taken by Mark with a Winchester lever – Model 1894 30 WCF -very fitting as this post is about the 1894 – gotta love the look of the half octagon and Lyman sight.
All I can say is WOW!! Beautiful animals taken with beautiful Winchesters. What an experience each of those must have been. Thanks for sharing!! I killed this bull elk in 2019 in the Wenaha unit in NE Oregon–took 22 years of preference points to draw the tag, but I’d be lying if I told you I took it with a vintage Winchester. Killed it with a modern Weatherby in 338 Lapua. It now resides in my dining room–I have a very understanding wife…Got snowed in after the first day of the hunt with 3+ feet of snow. Oh the memories…
Don
Great thread and pics of my favorite Winchester, the model 94 in 30wcf! But to see a Grizzly taken with one deserves a WOW!
Late April 2019
Glassing for grizzlies just emerging from their dens. This boar was sitting by his. He would periodically reenter his den and then exit again. I used a circa 1900 model 1894 in 30 WCF. Half round/half oct with Lyman 21 sight. Two shots if I recall to make sure he was down. Hand load with Hornady 170 grain bullets.
Late April 2023
Same rifle and hand load. The bear was sitting at the base of the rocks in the background. I approached from behind and above him. He sensed my presence and ran out and away from me. It took four quick shots to seal the deal. If you look closely, you can see that the locking lever on the Lyman sight isn’t locked down. I don’t know if that happened before I shot the bear or when I was trying to take photos by myself. The sight was still in its proper elevation.
Many gun magazine articles consider the 30WCF to be underpowered for bears and such. But if you read tales about the early prospectors and other adventurers in Alaska, the Winchester model 1894 chambered in 30 WCF was state of the art in the late 1890s. It offered superior ballistics at the time in a compact package. If one can stalk close to one’s quarry then it hits hard, with similar energy of faster 30 caliber cartridges at longer range. I’ll admit more modern cartridges eclipse it, but I don’t need to tell the readers of this forum how satisfying it is to bag some game with a vintage Winchester.
Great addition of the total story, and pics, thank you very much! The 30wcf has proven to be about perfect for any big game, for I’m a get close hunter, save long range for paper. And that configuration of the 94, imo, makes it completely capable as the 30wcf can be, long barrel-short mag, Lyman sighted for a much more accurate rifle in the field, especially off hand, and gives more velocity with comparable loads!
Make a great story for the journal!
dimrod said
Late April 2019
Glassing for grizzlies just emerging from their dens. This boar was sitting by his. He would periodically reenter his den and then exit again. I used a circa 1900 model 1894 in 30 WCF. Half round/half oct with Lyman 21 sight. Two shots if I recall to make sure he was down. Hand load with Hornady 170 grain bullets.
Mark,
Truly amazing stories and photos to back them up. You certainly live in God’s country! Experiences and scenery us lower-48 dwellers can only dream about. You have some very lucky Winchesters that get to live life to their fullest–thanks for sharing! My safe-dwellers are very envious for sure. Can’t wait to hear and see the stories of your next hunt. Have you submitted any to the WACA magazines? They’re certainly worthy of that!
Don
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