bought a Winchester 1895 in 30-06

[shilo]

Called one of my favorite places to look for guns today just to see if they might have an 1895 in stock. They had one they had just taken in trade not to long ago. It is unfired, basically new in the box. It has the matte blue finish, checkered stock, and scroll engraving on both sides of the reciever. I think it is one of the ones made in 1995 to mark 100yrs of the 1895. The rifle is very good looking and the action for being new has a remarkable smoothness to it. If these weigh 8.5lbs, it sure doesn't feel like it. They balance very nice with the weight between the hands. The trigger is OK, but not great. Hopefully it will smooth up with use. I intend to use this rifle. Do you think I am making a mistake using it? Should it be a safe queen? Basically I don't have any safe queens, but is this one of those guns that it'd be kind of ashame to use? I'm planning on having it drilled and tapped and a reciever sight installed. Overall I've got to say this is a really neat rifle.

[35Rem]

I shoot mine.  Lots of fun.  It does feel pretty good, too. Not too heavy.
I shoot 180 grain factory stuff in it, can't complain.

[Blackhawk44]

Shoot it, that's what its made for.  While being beautifully made rifles, I don't believe the Winchester marked Miroku's will reach collector status any time soon.  Modify it the way you want.  On my Browning '95, I changed to an XS white stripe blade front, a Marbles tang rear, added a barrel band and sling swivels, squared the butt and added a non-slip rubber pad.  Your '95 is not an overweight .30-30.  With good sights and load work, 200 yard shots become passe'. 

[shilo]

Blackhawk 44, I like the mods you made to your rifle. I think XS sights has a ghost ring set up for the 1895s. I might look into that. I've got that setup on one of my Marlins and I like it real well. I've got a tang saftey so it eliminates the tang sight idea for me. A barrel band and stud for a sling sounds like another thing I'll need to add. Looking forward to getting to the range to see how it'll shoot.

[Blackhawk44]

The XS stripe blade is the berrys, even over fiber.  Much more precise than any bead.  Buffalo Arms has a copy of the Lyman #38 receiver sight.  The Williams receiver is another good possibility.  Just don't like the huge hole in the "ghost ring" sights.  Doesn't give me the confidence of precision for longer shots.  For big bucks, there is a man in Montana that makes a copy of the orginal Winchester bolt peep.  Williams Gunsight Co. has the barrel bands for your front sling swivel.  Decide where you want it, measure and order the correct inside diameter.  On your Winchester, I worry about the checkering cut through the finish.  My thought would be to apply thinned tung oil and stain then brush with a toothbrush while wet, wipe down and let dry.  Makes it more waterproof and won't look so unfinished, but that's just me.  Do what you want.  Have fun.       

[shilo]

Good tip on the checkering. Williams foolproof is another possibility. I also have one of those on a Marlin and like it real well too.  Thanks.