Russian Winchester 1895

Published on December 29, 2013
Duration: 5:48

This review details the Russian-contract Winchester 1895, John Browning's first lever-action for smokeless powder. It highlights the rifle's adaptation for Russian 7.62x54R with a stripper clip guide, its significant recoil, and a vulnerability to dirt in the exposed action. The video also demonstrates the specific technique required for loading rimmed cartridges to prevent rim lock.

Quick Summary

The Russian-contract Winchester 1895, chambered in 7.62x54R, was adapted with a stripper clip guide for military use during WWI. Key features include its lever action, box magazine, and vulnerability to dirt in the exposed mechanism. Proper manual loading is crucial to prevent rim lock with its rimmed cartridges.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction & Design History
  2. 01:13The Russian Contract & Stripper Clips
  3. 02:10Ergonomics & Action Vulnerabilities
  4. 03:12Live Fire & Recoil Management
  5. 04:08Manual Loading Technique & Rim Lock

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Russian-contract Winchester 1895 unique for military use?

The Russian Winchester 1895 was adapted to fire the standard 7.62x54R cartridge and featured a charger loading bridge, allowing it to use Mosin-Nagant stripper clips for faster reloading in military contexts.

What are the main drawbacks of the Winchester 1895's action?

A significant military drawback is that cycling the lever fully exposes the internal mechanism, making it vulnerable to dirt and debris. It also produces substantial recoil due to its powerful cartridge and small metal buttplate.

How do you properly load rimmed cartridges into the Winchester 1895 to avoid malfunctions?

To prevent 'rim lock,' each rimmed cartridge must be carefully seated and then slid back so its rim sits correctly in front of the rim of the cartridge below it in the magazine.

When was the Russian Winchester 1895 contract issued?

In 1915, during World War I, the Russian government placed an order for approximately 300,000 Winchester 1895 rifles chambered in 7.62x54R. Most of these were delivered before the 1917 Russian Revolution.

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