I took a plane flight to my brothers home in Massachusetts this past weekend and one of my chores while there was to inspect and pack five rifles I bought from him. The #1 rifle of the bunch is a 1895 Winchester in 30-06. The rifle was described as having a great bore but unfortunately, that was a slightly uneducated opinion. I found it rusted badly: probably from old service ammo and no cleaning. It is positively black. Likewise, the Remington pump rifle in 30 Remington is also a bit shady. I was disappointed but figure that they will probably shoot well regardless of the corrosion, and may polish up a bit in the process. If not, the Winchester will be bored and re-rifled to .323" and an 8mm-06 made of it. I have made several rifles in this caliber and have reamers and dies already. The Remington pump rifle is of no interest to me so it will be sold off with full disclosure to a collector.
A sparkling note is the 12 ga. 1897 Winchester (take-down) pump shotgun which was in excellent condition and the Lyman 50 cal muzzle loader, also in excellent condition. The best of the lot is an 11mm 71/84 Mauser that is positively new and unfired.
As I said, the 1895 was a disappointment but it can be reworked and for $160 US it was a deal not to be missed no matter what the bore condition.~Muir
A sparkling note is the 12 ga. 1897 Winchester (take-down) pump shotgun which was in excellent condition and the Lyman 50 cal muzzle loader, also in excellent condition. The best of the lot is an 11mm 71/84 Mauser that is positively new and unfired.
As I said, the 1895 was a disappointment but it can be reworked and for $160 US it was a deal not to be missed no matter what the bore condition.~Muir