Guns International #: 100441029

Guns by Sally-always the best for less. We are extremely proud to offer the personal firearm of Dr. Frank Bird Gummey, a Winchester 1895 chambered in the potent .405 caliber. This was the most powerful cartridge ever offered in a lever action rifle until many years later. This gun is in fine shape, but the real value is in its history. Purchased by Dr. Gummey in 1903, this was one of the very first 1895's to be chambered in .405 Winchester. It is generally said that the .405 was offered in 1904, but the fine folks at the Cody museum verified this gun was produced in 1903. I asked Cody about this, and their research indicates about 20 guns were built in this caliber in 1903, with most of those made in December. That adds potential that this could be the first .405 ever made. Doctor Gummey's life was just as colorful. A full page about him can be seen at: ://archives.upenn.edu/people/1800s/gummey_frank_b.html Highlights include his graduation from Penn State in 1887, his sports involvement, and how he became a practicing physician in Philadelphia. He also served as a doctor in World War I. This is a great American success story, and this rifle is a lasting reminder of that man's life. We have all heard about the exploits of Teddy Roosevelt with his 1895 .405 in Africa, but that was in 1909, years after Dr. Gummey was shooting his .405. He cared for this lever gun well, as it functions as designed, with a good bore and sharp rifling. The blue has some freckles to it, and the wood bears some scratches. The stock is finished with a widow's peak shotgun butt plate. It is interesting to note that it was Winchester's policy to build the 1895 with a shotgun butt standard when chambered in .35 or .405 calibers. This is stated in the Winchester book by George Madis. An unknown to me rear sight has been installed, with a set screw and 4 elevation markings on the side. It is a very practical sight, aligning quickly and yet holding the front bead in a small notch for long range precision. These "big medicine" 1895's are at the top of the heap for desirability, and this one adds an extra helping of rich history. If you have been looking for the right 1895 with the added clout of being one of the first .405 guns, with the personal history of the original owner engraved in steel, then look no further. Good luck, gentlemen!