Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a second year production Winchester Model 1895 manufactured in 1896, one of only 5,000 made with the distinctive flat-sided receiver before Winchester changed to the curved receiver design. This example is chambered in .38-72 WCF.
The Model 1895 was John Browning’s final lever-action design for Winchester and the only one using a box magazine instead of a tubular magazine. This allowed the rifle to safely chamber pointed spitzer bullets that would have caused detonations in tubular magazines. The box magazine protruded below the stock, giving the 1895 a distinctive profile.
Winchester introduced the Model 1895 in 1895, initially producing receivers with flat sides. After approximately 5,000 rifles, Winchester changed to a rounded receiver that was stronger and easier to manufacture. These early flatside receivers are the most collectible variant of the Model 1895. The .38-72 WCF was developed specifically for this rifle, pushing a 275-grain bullet at around 1,900 fps. Winchester designed it as a medium-power cartridge suitable for deer and similar game. The cartridge never achieved the popularity of the .30-40 Krag or .30-06 chamberings that later dominated Model 1895 sales.
The barrel has been period shortened from its original length and the front sight blade replaced, indicating hard use during its working life. These modifications were common on rifles used in rough terrain or by trappers and guides who wanted a handier package. The Model 1895 gained fame when Theodore Roosevelt took one on safari and the U.S. Army ordered thousands in military chamberings.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Scarce Second Year Production Antique Winchester ‘Flatside’ Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1049/3009/antique-winchester-flatside-model-1895-rifle. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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