clarence said

Chris Sterling said

 So is there any other way to tell if the rifle has been reblued , the finish looks original , not in great shape but no pitting anywhere , kind of a brown patina . 

Well, if it’s “brown,” it certainly hasn’t been reblued!

  

Well the receiver is but the barrel isn’t really but it is a really dull blue color so I’m guessing it hasn’t been . I guess it wouldn’t make any sense for someone to reblue the barrel and not the receiver . If the bore is lightly pitted how bad would that hurt the value ?

Chris Sterling said

1873man said

If you can post pictures would help us tell if its original.

Bob

  

Here’s a few pictures Bob ….

  

Bert H. said
Chris,

That is the original finish with 120-years of wear & aging.  Proof marks began in July 1905 for all models except the .22 rim fire rifles.

Which caliber is the Model 1895?

Bert

  

Okay thanks Bob , it is chambered in 30-40 Krag , I’m thinking of buying it , I’m just not sure where there is light pitting in the bore .

deerhunter said

Chris Sterling said

Bert H. said

Chris Sterling said

Chris Sterling said

Bert H. said

Chris,

That is the original finish with 120-years of wear & aging.  Proof marks began in July 1905 for all models except the .22 rim fire rifles.

Which caliber is the Model 1895?

Bert

  

Okay thanks Bob , it is chambered in 30-40 Krag , I’m thinking of buying it , I’m just not sure where there is light pitting in the bore .

  

Sorry Bert , I got your name wrong ….

  

Light pitting in the bore would not be of great concern to me if the rifle still shoots decently.

  

Okay thanks , do you think $1200 is a fair price , the wood is in good shape and the rifle overall is fair shape for it’s age ?

  

Others here might have a better idea, but from the photos and discussion I’ve seen so far, $1,000 to $1,200 is in the ballpark as long as the wood has not been sanded/refinished (no extra holes or aftermarket sling swivels added, etc.) and the bore is decent and shootable.  In general, the model 1895 hasn’t drawn as much collector interest as the tubular magazine models, such as the model 1886, 1892, 1894, etc.  However, I do believe they are gaining more collector interest in recent times, especially after the publication of the excellent book extensively covering the Model 1895 by Brad Dunbar and Rob Kassab.  Back to the subject rifle–from the limited photos, it appears to be an honest been there, done that rifle with a lot wear and use.  It will not appreciate in value like the higher condition guns, so it basically comes down to whether you want it as a shooter to use and enjoy vs. a collector piece that will increase in value over time.  The latter will be minimal in my opinion.  If your primary motivation is a good shooter, the 30-40 Krag is a good choice over some of the other obsolete calibers, since ammo would be much easier and less expensive to source (unless you are a reloader).  It would be a good idea to post more photos of the overall gun to make a better assessment of its value before forking over any money.  Just my opinion.

Don

  

Thanks Don , I appreciate it ! Yes I mainly want it to shoot and hunt with , not so much for resale profit but I would like to think some years from now I could make a little profit on it should I decide to sell it which is unlikely knowing myself ….