The Winchester Model 1895 High Grade is a lever-action rifle chambered in .30-40 Krag with a 24-inch button-rifled barrel, 4+1 capacity, and 42-inch overall length. Weight is 8 lbs. The receiver has a gloss blued steel finish. The stock is Grade III/IV American walnut with a straight grip and traditional cut checkering. Sights are a Marble Arms gold bead front and semi-buckhorn rear. The barrel has a 1:10" twist rate. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1895 High Grade 
• Caliber: .30-40 Krag 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Barrel Length: 24 inches 
• Overall Length: 42 inches 
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds 
• Weight: 8 lbs. 
• Finish: Gloss blued steel receiver with walnut stock 
• Safety Features: Top Tang safety 
• Sights: Marble Arms gold bead front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight 
   

Detailed Features 

The 1895 action is a box-magazine lever gun, not a traditional tubular-magazine design - this allows it to chamber spitzer (pointed) bullets safely. The 1:10" button-rifled barrel is accurate and consistent. Grade III/IV walnut with cut checkering is noticeably nicer than the standard walnut Winchesters typically ship with - the figure and finish are genuine wood quality, not just cosmetic grading. The semi-buckhorn rear sight and gold bead front are traditional and functional for iron sight shooting out to medium distances. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

The .30-40 Krag is a moderate-pressure cartridge with a history in military and hunting use from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is effective on medium to large game at ranges appropriate for iron sights. The Model 1895 is also a collector and cowboy action shooter platform - its historical association with Theodore Roosevelt and its connection to the original 1890s design make it a recognizable piece. At 8 lbs it is heavier than most modern hunting rifles, which is worth considering for anyone planning long days in the field.

The Winchester 1895 High Grade in .30-40 Krag draws buyers who value historical design and woodwork quality alongside practical shooting capability.

Craftsmanship gets the most consistent praise. The Grade III/IV walnut is a genuine differentiator - owners note the figure and finish as clearly better than standard Winchester walnut grades. The gloss blued steel and period-correct styling are appreciated by collectors and traditionalists alike.

Shooting performance is reported favorably. The lever action cycles smoothly, accuracy is solid for iron-sight distances, and the .30-40 Krag is effective on deer and similar game. The cartridge has manageable recoil.

Weight at 8 lbs is the main practical reservation. It is heavier than most modern hunting rifles and that adds up on extended hunts. Collectors who display or occasionally shoot it find the weight less relevant. The gloss finish, while attractive, is also noted as potentially impractical for stalking game in bright conditions - some owners prefer a matte finish for field use. .30-40 Krag ammunition availability is adequate but not as universal as common modern calibers.