Winchester Lever Action Firearms: Models of 1894 and 1895

Now available is the highly anticipated third volume of Arthur Pirkle's extensive study on Winchester lever action repeating firearms. This volume is a comprehensive guide, providing detailed information on the most popular collectible and hunting models from the Winchester series that were previously featured in the first two volumes.

By the early 1890s, advancements in smokeless powder and high strength alloy steels were on the horizon. The introduction of smokeless powder marked a significant revolution in the firearms industry, allowing for smaller cartridges and more compact rifles capable of higher velocities. The Model 1894, a modernized version of John Browning's Model 1886 design, showcased internal locking lugs that were not only more robust but also quicker to actuate, leading to faster reloading abilities.

New cartridges like the .30-30 and the .32-30 offered increased power in a smaller package, making the Model 1894 rifle and carbine the go-to choice for American deer hunters, a status that remains unchallenged even after more than a century. John Browning's Model 1895, designed to handle the powerful new smokeless cartridges such as the .30-40 Krag and .30-06, differed significantly from earlier Winchester lever actions with its longer receiver capable of accommodating the lengthy .30-06 cartridge.

Both the Models 1894 and 1895 garnered collector interest at a slower pace compared to earlier Winchester models due to their later development. However, today these rifles are highly sought-after in the collector's market, with prices lower than those of earlier models. With detailed descriptions of all parts in sequence by serial number range, as well as illustrations of markings, dimensions, finishes, and changes, this volume serves as a valuable resource for collectors. Additionally, it includes a history of both rifles' development, descriptions of the Musket versions, revised serial number charts, and new exploded views in the appendixes.

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