Been thinking of adding one of early ones to the pile. Anyone have some input/experience with these? Thanks

I have shot an 1895 30.06.
I would like to have one as well.

How "early"? I've always liked the look of the original flat side receivers but they only went for the first 5000 or so before they switched to the scalloped receiver (which still looks good IMO). I do prefer the older magazine to the newer one though.

You won't find a flat-side in 30-06 - too early.

Here's my 1895 flat-side in 40-72 Winchester made in 1896 S/N 22xx.

In fairly rough shape externally, but excellent bore/internals - hard to explain .............

I have a takedown model in .35 WCF.

I’ll post some pictures when I get in my safe.

I knew it was too early if I'd have though for half a second before posting. Thats what I get for posting when I was that tired. Nice .40-72 you have there.

Nice looking gun . Probably will be pricey . Best wishes

In the inter-mountain West, these things are highly valued by people who hunt elk on horseback.  The 30-06 is particularly prized, being preferred to the Krag round.  Many of the originals were carried in a scabbard for years, but shot little.

Happy hunting OP.  I'd like one to but probably won't luck into find one but I can dream.

I've got a fairly early (1899) 30-40 (30 US as it is marked) Saddle Ring Carbine with receiver sight.

Its a great lever gun and worn to a nice smooth action.  I am a fan of 1895 but its not a favorite for everyone.  Its slow to reload or top off if you care about that.

They are also fairly expensive

The rimmed cartridges can be a little slower to load in the fixed magazine but the .30-06 can be loaded by shoving cartridges straight down. Not as slick as a side loading gate and a tube magazine though.

Had a modern Browning for several years. Good rifle, shot well and a local Cowboy Action shooting gunsmith went over it for me.

I've shot one a bunch (30-06). A buddy has one made in the '20s with some type of period aperture sight on it. Overall, I would say it was in 85% condition. It is very well made and was quite fun to shoot offhand. We had an 8" steel gong at 100 yards that we would generally hit most times shooting (off hand). The weight of the rifle made the recoil very manageable, and the long sight radius made it accurate to shoot. It was a pleasure to appreciate the fine workmanship and smooth action of the rifle.

I think it is a fine period era collectible piece, and nice to shoot. My $700 DPMS 308 AR will out shoot it, but the 1895 is a true collectible and will both function well and appreciate in value. The workmanship and materials that went into these rifles will not be duplicated in most modern rifles unless one spends several thousand dollars.

Just picked this up ................

Winchester 1895 saddle-ring carbine made in 1907 in 30-03 Springfield.

30-03 was the predecessor of the 30-06.

30-06 can be fired in a 30-03 but not the other way.

Guns's in pretty good shape for it's age .........

Soon as I read .30-03 Springfield...