Winchester Model 1895 Two-piece Levers

[Rimfire McNutjob]

Does anyone know why they went to the two-piece lever early on in Win '95 production? The two-piece has that latch which leads me to believe there was an issue with the lever drooping ... perhaps from internal wear or maybe pressure from the bolt when firing. I just think the early solid lever and receiver were cleaner looks. Especially with a gently sloping pistol grip ... much like a long-tang 71.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

I think I found it in the Kassab/Dunbar book on pages 99 & 100. There are some notes about it in the pictures. I'm interpreting but I suspect the lever would drop a smidge on firing the high pressure stuff. It looks like T.C. Johnson adapted a lock for the first model and then they went to the two-piece lever and latch for the second model.

[Grizz]

I know the 1895 is a 'thing', but I didn't when I ran into one in the LGS in Juneau a long long time ago. A 30-06 was on the shelf, my experience to date with Winchesters was an 1892 in 25-20 that I had been using as a deer gun. I was extremely nervous about getting out of my skiff and seeing monster footprints in the fresh snow. Maybe a 30-06 would be better. Up to my shoulder, drop the lever, and the gun turned itself inside out! Oh Brother, this isn't for me I guess. LOL ROF etc.

[crs]

Interesting question that never occurred to me. Most of my rifles are Winchesters starting back when a teenager, so I never question any of them .
All I know is that if I load my 1895 .405 magazine properly, all goes well, otherwise it can jam.

[BenT]

I have both models. The one piece lever releases easily like a Win model 94. The two piece is a positive latch. I am putting a new stock on the flat side right now and it has a totally different feel than the later model. It feels much more like a Win 94. The later model is heavier and feels more robust in your hands. I am looking forward to taking the flat side deer hunting.