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One of my dream rifles has always been the M95 in .405 as it has tons of great history in the USA, Africa and India, I love reading old safari books and have finally saved enough (I think) for my first .405. It would be my dream to hunt with such a classic rifle is it is one of the only rounds I can use in my state legally for whitetail.
My question is what should I look for in purchasing my first one, and are there any dealers, shows or members currently selling one for fair prices?
Also, if anyone knows of a Shikar or Safari book (Other then TR’s!) Where a .405 1895 is used, please let me know!
Thank you.
November 7, 2015
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I’d look for one with the Lyman receiver mounted peep sight, especially if your eyes are nearing or past middle age. If the Lyman sight is original it will add considerably to the value and collectability as well as utility of the rifle. A good bore will also be important as you plan to hunt with it and many1895’s saw use during the corrosive primer era.
TR certainly had a way with words and an extraordinary eye for detail….and good taste in rifles as well.
Mike
I have shot my 1895 chambered for the 35 WCF a lot and it is the only gun I have ever shot that actually hurts to shoot it. 405 is probably a little worse?
Folks,
I would recommend getting an 1895 that was originally equipped with the shotgun butt. It has already been pointed out how the .35 chambering hurt. Yes, the .405 in the crescent butt configuration also hurts! Next, I would put a premium on bore condition if you intend to shoot it and hunt with it. Odds are the newer manufactured rifles will have a better bore than the earlier ones in general, as Mike pointed out about the corrosive primers. His point on the receiver sight is also well taken as older eyes do not aim as well with open vee type sights–and the .405 CAN be relatively accurate! After that, buy as good condition as you wish to afford (original that is). These seem to come up for auction rather regularly, but unless you or a trusted agent can look at the bore, I would not trust the descriptions to give the important information you need for a true “shooter”. Bear in mind the hype of the .405 tends to drive the price upward for that chambering.
Tim
Michael (and other interested parties),
I see as often I overlooked answering what was asked. If you wish to contact a dealer that likely could help you obtain what you wish in the way of a Winchester model 1895 in .405, I would suggest contacting Leroy Merz. Odds are you will get a worker vs. Leroy, but try to get Leroy. Tell him what you are looking to accomplish, what traits you are after, and see if your budget agrees with what you are after. He may have something in stock or he would keep an eye out and potentially be able to obtain what you are after. Just keep it honest, keep him informed if while he is looking you change your mind or find something on your own. You won’t get any real bargains from him, but he will be honest with you in return.
Tim
cwachter said
I have shot my 1895 chambered for the 35 WCF a lot and it is the only gun I have ever shot that actually hurts to shoot it. 405 is probably a little worse?
+1 on the shotgun butt plate recommendation. My .35WCF Model 95 with the crescent butt kicks pretty hard !
Dave Kenney said
cwachter said
I have shot my 1895 chambered for the 35 WCF a lot and it is the only gun I have ever shot that actually hurts to shoot it. 405 is probably a little worse?+1 on the shotgun butt plate recommendation. My .35WCF Model 95 with the crescent butt kicks pretty hard !
My gun has a shotgun butt!!!! I bought a sissy pad for my shoulder. If you are hunting it isn’t much of a problem but at the range working on loads and shooting up to 40 rounds it hurts.
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