Winchester 1895 Front Site Question

[CaliRN]

Hi All,
Was cleaning my 1915 Win 1895 and noticed the front site flips from a post type (tall) to a lower
small post. Anyone have any info on this? This is my first '95 and I am at a bit of a loss as I have
never seen any descriptions of a flip front sight. It kind of reminds me of the flip rear sight on
an M-16.

Thanks all.

CaliRN

[Pete44ru]

A pivoting, or flip-up, front sight like you describe has long been referred to as a "combination" sight - although it's most commonly found with a choice of either a plain post or a hooded pinhead/fine bead.

IIRC, the idea was first marketed by Beach, then later made by Lyman as their #5, and now by MVA.

A clear pic of yours might help with a further determination - but AFAIK it's almost certainly aftermarket, and not part of Winchester's sight options.

.

[Kansas Ed]

While likely that it is an aftermarket period sight, Beeches combination sights were available if ordered for about any Winchester around the turn of the Century. Only a letter from Cody will prove or disprove the originality of that sight as ordered. But any way you work it, the original sight can be had on Gunbroker for a whole lot less money than a good period Beeches front sight is worth.

Ed

[CaliRN]

Thank you for your input. Will start researching the Beech site. My serial number range
is past 500,000 and I don't believe that Cody has any after that. Production date given
as 1915.

Thanks again for your wisdom,

CaliRN