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Gents, I am looking at a Model 1895 which is in the 63,8XX serial number range. The caliber marking on the barrel reads as follows: “.30 U.S. MOD. 1903.”
I have 2 questions:
1st-There is a Cody letter with this rifle that states the serial number was applied for in 1908, however, the serial number reference from Winchester and The Winchester Book indicate a 1911-12 production. Is this kind of variance common?
2nd-I am attempting to determine if “.30 U.S. MOD. 1903.” is a correct barrel caliber marking for this rifle and am not sure I am finding answers in the books I possess. Can anyone help with this issue?
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
jbob
In Arthur Pirkle’s Book Volume 3 Models of 1894 and 1895, Page 177. He states the marking on the gun from serial number 57500 to 71000 were stamped on the top or the left side.
Early gun in caliber 30-03 and 30-06 were almost always marked?
.30 U.S.MOD.1906
Later second models were marked differently:
–.30 GOV’T-06 ( the first dash in front of 30 is solid, my computer will not make it that long.
Note: Caliber markings may be duplicated on the receiver just to the rear of the Winchester proof marks starting around circa serial number 67,500.
That is how it is printed. I assume that the .30 U.S.MOD.1903 would be how it would be marked for a 30-03 caliber. The spacing is the the most important.
jbob
If you have the Cody letter, they are the dates to believe. Winchester books by Madis are a good quick reference but the dates in his books are not all that accurate when looking for date of manufacture.
Paul
jbob:
If you look under the RESOURCES tab above and click on WHEN WAS YOUR WINCHESTER MADE you will get a drop down tab that indicates 1908 after you select your model and serial number.
There are a plethora of posts on this site about the variations in tradition manufacturing dates/serial numbers and the newly revised “Polishing Room” data.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
I have one Ser.# 844… barrel stamped 7 M M. Any ideas as to the caliber?
The only 7 M/M that I am aware of during that time period is the venerable 7mm Mauser (7×57). That stated, you really need to have it checked by a competent gun smith.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Here is a photo of one I had. Kudos to anyone who likes ’95 Winchesters. They really are quite unique among Winchesters – and all rifles for that matter.
floyd58523 said
I assume that the .30 U.S.MOD.1903 would be how it would be marked for a 30-03 caliber.
Correct. There seem to be many more ’95s still around in this chambering than 1903 Springfields, the vast majority of which were converted to .30-06. Moral of the story: don’t jump on the bandwagon TOO soon.
I have a ’95 s.r.c. stamped 30GOV’T03 and a rifle in 30GOV’To6. I took a ’95 rifle in 303 British out to the gravel pit last week , first time I fired a ’95, and put a box of ammo thru it, it’s the most uncomfortable gun I have ever fired, including the big .50’s
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Henry Mero said
I have a ’95 s.r.c. stamped 30GOV’T03 and a rifle in 30GOV’To6. I took a ’95 rifle in 303 British out to the gravel pit last week , first time I fired a ’95, and put a box of ammo thru it, it’s the most uncomfortable gun I have ever fired, including the big .50’s
Henry – what kind of buttplate did it have?
Henry Mero said
I took a ’95 rifle in 303 British out to the gravel pit last week , first time I fired a ’95, and put a box of ammo thru it, it’s the most uncomfortable gun I have ever fired, including the big .50’s
If you think the .303 was rough, but a box through your ’06. .30-40 Krag, not so bad.
steve004 said
Henry – what kind of buttplate did it have?
Henry, it doesn’t matter what buttplate. The 95’s just don’t handle recoil very well. To me the crescent butt is no worse than the shotgun butt. The 35 cal I have is the only gun of any type I have ever had that hurts to shoot more than just a few rounds. It does have a shotgun butt.
Chuck said
The 95’s just don’t handle recoil very well.
Do ’95s have more drop at heel than the other levers?
I have always heard that the 303 British had a heavy recoil, even in the bolt action military rifles. My 1895 carbine in 30 Govt. 06 is a pleasure to shoot using the Military M-2 ammo. The 1916 Winchester Catalog and for many years there after, list the 30 Gov. 06 at 2,700 F.P.S. with the 150 grain bullet. Not the 2,900 F.P.S. plus hunting rounds that do have increased velocity and recoil. Give it a try and see for yourself. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. and the accuracy has been great too. Roger B.
It has a crescent butt plate. I think I’ll just stick to My comfortable old 30-30 s.r.c., it fits like an old pair of boots.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
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