Anyone Know a Lot About Winchester 1895 Levers

[Dean2]

Curious to know how hard it is, or is it even possible to re-barrel one of the 30 Krags to 30-06 or 303. I like the look of the original guns but would prefer a modern cartridge and performance. No idea if the 1895 original 30-40 actions were strong enough for the 30-06 or if they were upgraded when it was later chambered in that round. How hard are these to re-barrel and does it take a specialised smith to do the work. I can't find a 30-06 one in good shape so am thinking about restoring one with new bluing, new barrel and upgraded stock to make a good looking hunting rig.

[mjohn7]

It may be more cost effective to order a new one from Winchester in 30-06 SPRG
or 405 Win.

[bat119]

You can buy barrels

https://www.winchesterbarrels.com/st...895barrel.html

[Pioneer2]

Were made in 30-03 and later .30-06 but with strong modern loads they didn't hold up well to the higher pressure. A .303 or .30 Krag can become a .405 or .35 win. Some simply made a re-bored wildcat .338-303 in shot out barrels. Bob Jury in Red Deer has done some.As well re- barreled 1905 Ross.

[Prewar]

Over last winter I desired to add a 1895 to the collection. Wanted one in .303 or 30-06 for ammo availability. Vintage 30-06 specimens can be found with headspace issues if fired lots and .303 soft point ammo is more costly these days.
I ended up with a miroku reproduction in .270win. Ammo is common and very affordable such that reloading isn’t necessary with the deals I’ve acquired.

Also the .270’s were poor sellers so many were sent back to be rebarreled to .405 I’ve read. Don’t think there’s many in .270 out there so may be collectable in the future…

[Dean2]

I have got a lot of really good info and advice on this as I too have been looking for quite a while. I ended up doing like you. Prophet River is bringing me in a high grade in 30-06. At $2,200 it is actually a whole bunch cheaper than refurbishing an old one and the new issued ones are built of modern steel and completely capable of firing modern high pressure ammo. I looked at lots off decent shape old ones but even the best had a lot of use on them. Thank you so much for all of you that took the time to post and pm me to help. Very much appreciated and it really is one of the best parts of AO.