[Bartmasterson3]

I've got an opportunity to buy a BrownChester 1895 in 30-06 and am having a hard time deciding what to do. The rifle is original except that someone added a shotgun recoil pad at some point in the past. I can't imagine that these things are kickers due to the weight. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice for lugging through the hills. Barrel length appears to be 24". Like all Brownings it looks like it belongs in the livingroom amongst the finer furniture. I can't find much on the web about this model and have no idea what it would be worth or how many of them were made. Does $350 sound too high for this, assuming 80-90% condition? I see mention of this from time to time (and on this forum) as a basis for reboring/rebarreling to rounds like 35 Whelen, 375 Hawk/Scoville, 411 Hawk, etc. I need to decide before the end of the week. Any advise you guys can give would be much appreciated.

 

[alyeska338]

Sounds like this is one of the Brownings (before the tang safety?), and if it isn't beat up or rusted, $350 is an excellent price. All these repro's that I have seen do have a 24" barrel. I bought a NIB 270 Win (tang safety) last year and paid $400, but the 30/06 is a much more desired chambering. Mine should be delivered back to me in the next couple of weeks after being turned into a 411 Hawk. I did request a 22" barrel. If you go with anything over a 35 caliber, I think it needs to be rebarreled. My understanding was the barrel was too thin (with the dovetailed sights) to accomodate anything more than the 35 safely.

Check out Gunsamerica, auction arms and gunbroker websites, and you'll get a good feel for what these are going for. Most of what you are describing go for 550-600 and up. With the altered stock, it would be less, but I'm not sure how much.

I think its a good deal.

 

[alyeska338]

By the way, these are really interesting rifles. The actions are very smooth and very strong. From all the folks I know that have them, report fine accuracy. They don't lend themselves to scopes and peep sights are either the side mounted variety or on the bolt. I suppose you could do a Griffin & Howe side mount for a scope, but that might make it a tad ungainly. They are definitely fine firearms though some find them a bit awkward at first. Mine balanced very well. If it's in good shape and you don't mind hunting with an '06 without a scope, they are a lot of fun. The recoil pad can be replaced very easily and there are still factory buttplates available for purchase.

 

[Bartmasterson3]

They are definitely fine pieces of workmanship. I had to go check it out again today...hope he doesn't get tired of me stopping by to look at it. There are a few very small dings in the butt stock and forearm, blue wear at the muzzle, on the hammer, just at the point where the barrel starts to taper, and on the magazine (due to the lever). Other than that it's in very nice condition. I don't know how to grade gun condition so it could be on the high end of my earlier estimate. There is no safety. As for the recoil pad, I don't know if the stock was shortened or not. With the pad it shoulders very good and doesn't seem long in the butt.

Sounds like I should just buy it. If the asking price is that good I should at least be able to recoup my cost later should I want to get rid of it.

Thanks for the help!

 

[alyeska338]

Does he have 350 on the tag? If so, that is the most he thinks he can get for it. A little bit of persuasive dickering should get you a better deal. Check the bore, make sure it is fine condition.

 

[Bartmasterson3]

No tag. This would be a private deal. The bore is fine and I've shot it a few times, although not for groups. It would ring the 100 yd gong pretty consistently with factory 150gr. The sights are really pretty good for factory sights. I wouldn't think of scoping it. Probably would leave it just as is...recoil pad and all. I love lever actions and this is just one more type to admire, and this one will certainly get your attention. To own one of these in the original Winchester chambered for 405 Win would be the ultimate...although my ultimate lever gun also involves the model 71 and 1886.

 

[alyeska338]

If you are satisfied with the way it shoots and it is in good condition, the price is definitely right. This model is different from all the others and is my favorite lever gun. A wonderful addition to anyone's collection.

 

[BCstocker]

Grab it and run!!!!!

 

[Dutch4122]

Bart-

I'm with Alyeska338 and Bcstocker! Grab it and run with it. If you regret the purchase later you can always sell it to somebody who is serious about leverguns. Sounds to me like a great candidate to rebarrel into a .35 Whelen!

 

[Mecanik]

I plan to hunt with a 1895 high grade someday. It seems a shame to leave it in the box all of its life. its a 30-06 and still unfired. I'll baby it though, never walk in the rain or scratch anything. Make sure i never set it on anything that could scratch it. Hmmmm maybe I better just leave it in the box.