Gentlemen:

In the 1970s and ‘80s I developed a nice collection of Winchester lever action rifles and shotguns. I had every model from 1866 to the 88 and was working on each caliber for each model when the double rifle bug bit me and the fever set in. In the transition time between the levers and the doubles I focused my attention of the models 1876, 1885, 1886 express calibers with British proofs, as well as the .405 model 1895. They were all sold except my grandfather’s 1873.

With the passage of time, things change and I have a few levers to play with again. They are (from top down):

Model 1901, 10 gauge, purchased for turkey hunting in the lower 48.

Model 1894, deluxe takedown, extra light, .30-30. Extras are shotgun butt with plastic plate, capped pistol grip, fancy wood, checkering, tang sight, folding rear sight, takedown, half magazine, half octagon barrel, and the short 22” tapered extra light barrel, and sling eyes.

Model 1895, .405.

Model 1876, .50-95 express. On the barrel with the English sights is: Sighted, shot, and regulated by Holland and Holland, 98 New Bond Street. London. Winners of all the Field rifle trials, 1883. I owned this rifle from 1987 to 1996 and sold it. 24 years later is was on the site of Vintage Doubles and I purchased it in a New York minute. Nice to have it back home again. Six shots in one ragged hold at 50 yards over a rest. Perfect bore.

Model 1873, .32-20. Purchased by my great grandfather in Greenfield Mass., in 1890. My grandfather gave it to me as a boy and I will die with this one.

Model 1886, .45-90. Nothing fancy, just the standard octagon barrel rifle. Traces of color can be seen on the receiver. Very good shooter.

It’s nice to have a few levers again. Looking to upgrade so the 10-gauge, .405, and .45-90 will be gone soon. The .50-95 will be taken to Africa, the ’73 is a family gun forever, and the .30-30 is a keeper as it is such an absolutely fine deluxe 1894.

Just thought I’d share with you lever guys. Thanks for looking.
Cal

You Sir are a very lucky man! What a nice display.
Thanks,

Welcome back to the best of both worlds-

doubles and leverguns!

Very nice ,I like that you know the history of some of these beauties

To my mind there is no classier configuration for a lever action rifle than that particular 1876 Winchester.

Cal, I had 1901 just like yours in 10 G. that I sold to a buddy but now can't find any shells for it. Any leads? Nice collection brother!

They are all nice but that M94 extra light with all the add on's plus being a takedown has to be extremely rare. Quite a collection you have there!

nice set.

that 50-90 must be a thumper on both ends in a lite rifle. I once owned a 50-90 built on a single shot Sharps thing weighed a ton after you toted it around for a few hours. With good stout BP loads it would knock the gold off your teeth.

quote:

Originally posted by NormanConquest:
Cal, I had 1901 just like yours in 10 G. that I sold to a buddy but now can't find any shells for it. Any leads? Nice collection brother!

RST sells 10 bore 2 7/8" shells in 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 ounce loads. Nice and light shooting for upland birds.

Of the old Remington and Winchester heavy 1 5/8 loads for 2 7/8" I have several boxes. They are too stout for my old English 10s. Then, at a gun show a few months ago a fella noticed the 1901 on my table and said he had some ammo for it. He brought over a half case of 10 new boxes of the Remington shells. I asked the price and he said $20 a box so I bought them all for $200. He was going to bring me another 6 boxes he had at home at the next gun show. But the gun shows are cancelled due to this virus thing. I hope he remembers for the October shows. Years ago I bought dozens of boxes from Griffin and Howe and a local gun shop who could not sell them. I paid then 10 & 15$ per box. Sold most, shot many and have a couple dozen boxes renewing. Also some blank cartridges loaded with 8 drams of black powder.

Cal, that 1876 is really something special from a historical perspective. Congratulations on "bringing it home."

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Cal, that 1876 is really something special from a historical perspective. Congratulations on "bringing it home."

Thanks, Bill.
and the '76 is accurate. Sized to .507" the bullets will place 6-8 shots in one ragged hole at 50 yards. I hope to take her to Africa for some plains game someday.
Cal

Over the last 3 or 4 years,and retirement for the most part from the hunting business Ive moved back to the older lever guns Winchesters and some savages, guns I,ve always liked and like cal IM now enjoying once again..BTW I have a nice mod. 71 for sale in the classified..