.40-65 Lever Gun Production End

[Dragoon 45]

Asking for a little history lesson. I assume either Marlin or Winchester was the last producer of a .40-65 lever gun. Does anyone know the last year when a .40-65 was available? What references I have contradict themselves. One reference states 1938 and lists Winchester. Another gives 1926 and Marlin. Another states .40-65's were available up to the late 40's but does not say who produced them. Cartridges of the World says that ammo was loaded up till the 30's but does not give when the last production rifle was made.

Thank You for any info you might have.

[405]

Whew! hard to say.
The Winchester records I've seen show that the 40-65 was dropped as a standard offering in the M1886 in 1911. The M1886 production ended in 1935. It's seems entirely possible that a few "special order" M1886s in 40-65 could have been made until the model was discont. in 1935. It's even possible that Winchester experimented with or monkeyed around with chambering a few early pre-war M71s in 40-65. But if true they wouldn't be called "production" guns. Beyond that- no clue and Marlin data- no clue. Other than I did find a brief but usually reliable reference that shows Marlin offered the 40-65 chambering in its M1895 until end of production in 1917. The only caveat to that is that Marlin's record keeping was not as sytematic as Winchester's.

[bigted]

so in that case it sounds like the "95" marlin WAS chambered in 40-65. this is of interest to me as i have a "95" marlin that id like to rechamber/rebarrel to the 40-65 winchester case but have been too lazy to find out if for sure it would work. but if they did so chamber these in the 40-65 then i should have little problem having mine done in like fassion.

[Dragoon 45]

Whew! hard to say.
The Winchester records I've seen show that the 40-65 was dropped as a standard offering in the M1886 in 1911. The M1886 production ended in 1935. It's seems entirely possible that a few "special order" M1886s in 40-65 could have been made until the model was discont. in 1935. It's even possible that Winchester experimented with or monkeyed around with chambering a few early pre-war M71s in 40-65. But if true they wouldn't be called "production" guns. Beyond that- no clue and Marlin data- no clue. Other than I did find a brief but usually reliable reference that shows Marlin offered the 40-65 chambering in its M1895 until end of production in 1917. The only caveat to that is that Marlin's record keeping was not as sytematic as Winchester's.

Thank you for the info. One of my goals is to eventually get a .40-65 lever to complement my .40-65 Highwall. With the popularity of the .40-65 in BPCR I really don't understand why some one is not making either an 86 clone or Marlin does not chamber the 1895 for it.

[Jon K]

Dragoon,

"Nothing Like an Original"

Jon

[6pt-sika]

Dragoon,

"Nothing Like an Original"

Jon

Yes sir !

I originally had ideas of relining a Marlin 1895CB in 40-65 , but never could bring myself to rape a brand new rifle that I had bought for that exact purpose . And I finally ended up getting a very nce old Marlin 1895 circa 1896 in the 40-65 chambering !

I gotta say it was quite satisfying when I took that rifle out the season after I got it and killing a deer with it shooting my own home cast and loaded ammo !

[Dragoon 45]

Dragoon,

"Nothing Like an Original"

Jon

I agree, but I can't afford an orginal. I am extremely leery of buying a used gun, sight unseen off the internet as I have friends who have been burned a number of times. In my area, I have seen three in the last 5 years. Prices started at $2500 and went up from there, and the cheapest one was fit only to be a wallhanger. The two I saw that might be shooters started at $3400. For whatever reason original Winchesters and Marlins built before 1940 around here are considered to be made out of gold. I almost have a heart attack everytime I price one.

I would think it would be rather easy for Marlin to chamber an 1895 in .40-65 as the cartridge length and rim diameter are so very close. I suspect all it would take is putting a .40-65 chambered barrel on the 95 action and possibly some slight alterations to the shell lifter. I could be totally wrong about that though.

I have talked to the Marlin Customer Relations Dept and suggested that chambering to them. I was told that Marlin is considering expanding the chamberings of both the 336 and 1895 after the dust settles from moving the factory, but no decisions have been made. My suggested 1895 in .40-65 was a CB version with full octagon 26 or 28" barrel (preferably the 28"), full length magazine tube, pistol grip stock, Marbles Improved Tang rear, and a Beach style front sight. I can dream can't I.

[Jon K]

I agree sometimes it can be a crape shoot. All you can do is pay close attention to the pics and ask lots of questions. It also helps to know the seller and if they can be trusted to give a good description of the gun, and better yet if they will stand behind the sale and let you send it back, if you're not happy with the item.
I have bought from, and consider Bill Goodman a reliable source.
You gotta watch out for some of the sellers on Gun Broker...read feedback, and be careful.

Jon

[doubs43]

You gotta watch out for some of the sellers on Gun Broker...read feedback, and be careful. Jon

Words to the wise, to be sure. I was looking on Gun Broker today and saw a Star Model A Super advertised as a "38 Super". It was a sold item and I hope the buyer knows better than to shoot ANYTHING other than 9mm Largo or .38 Auto cartridges in it. Even if they can get .38 Super to chamber (the semi-rim will likely hang on the "hood"), the pistol was not built to take the pressures a .38 Super creates. The seller could possibly face legal action should the buyer get hurt using .38 Super in it.

[Red River Rick]

The total number of 1886’s produced was 156,599 between 1886 till 1935 when production was stopped.

So therefore, Winchester stopped producing their lever guns chambered for the .40-65 in 1935.

Some interesting info: "Of that total number, 16,315 were chambered for the 40-65, which was a standard production caliber. The other standard calibers were .33, .38-56, .38-70, .40-70, .40-82, .45-70, .45-90, .500-100-450 and .50-100".

Hope that helps.

RRR

[saz]

Dragoon,

"Nothing Like an Original"

Jon

My Dad has one, it belonged to my Grandpa. I believe it was made in 1908. What a sweetheart. They dont make them like they used to.

[Dragoon 45]

The total number of 1886’s produced was 156,599 between 1886 till 1935 when production was stopped.

So therefore, Winchester stopped producing their lever guns chambered for the .40-65 in 1935.

Some interesting info: "Of that total number, 16,315 were chambered for the 40-65, which was a standard production caliber. The other standard calibers were .33, .38-56, .38-70, .40-70, .40-82, .45-70, .45-90, .500-100-450 and .50-100".

Hope that helps.

RRR

Thank you for the info. I always thought Winchester made a lot more than that. Those numbers indicate that .40-65 chambered 86's are probably few and far between these days. Kind of explains why everyone wants a premium for them.

[6pt-sika]

Thank you for the info. I always thought Winchester made a lot more than that. Those numbers indicate that .40-65 chambered 86's are probably few and far between these days. Kind of explains why everyone wants a premium for them.

You have a far better chance finding a nice Winchester 1886 in 40-65 then you do a nice old Marlin 1895 !

Extimates of TOTAL Marlin 1895 production from 1895 to 1917 are listed in Brophy's book as about 10,000 . But most authorities on this subject tend to agree the "actual" production of Marlin 1895's in that time period was closer to 5,000 !

Kinda why I always thought I was fortunate to own four of them at the same time !