Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good service used example of an Argentine Model 1879 Remington Rolling Block infantry rifle chambered in .43 Spanish, or 11.15x57R Remington Spanish. Produced for the Argentine National Army, it retains the distinctive MODELO ARGENTINO. 1879 E.N. marking on the barrel breech, its original military ladder rear sight with extension, three barrel bands, sling swivels, and the rugged single shot rolling block action that made Remington military rifles enormously successful throughout Latin America. The rifle shows honest wear, oxidation, and repeated cleaning from a long service life, but remains mechanically complete with a very good bore and attractive aged walnut stocks.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

During the final decades of the 19th century, Argentina was rapidly modernizing its armed forces and purchased substantial quantities of military rifles abroad. Remington's Rolling Block action was already well established as a strong, simple, and reliable military system, and Argentina adopted versions of the rifle for national service before later transitioning to modern repeating Mauser rifles.

This example is identified by the marking on the barrel breech:

MODELO ARGENTINO. 1879 E.N.

The E.N. abbreviation stands for Ejército Nacional, or National Army. This marking is characteristic of Argentine Model 1879 Rolling Block rifles and carbines and provides the strongest identification of the arm.

The upper receiver tang would originally have carried Remington's three line patent marking. On this example it has been completely worn away through long handling and cleaning. It would originally have read approximately:

REMINGTONS ILION N.Y. U.S.A.
PAT. MAY 3D 1860 MAY 7TH JUNE 11TH NOV. 12TH, DEC. 24TH 1872
DEC. 31ST 1872 SEPT. 9TH 1875. JAN 12TH MARCH 18TH 1874

Loss of this marking is not unusual on heavily used Rolling Blocks because of its exposed position along the wrist and upper tang.

No visible R.A. within a circle was noted on this rifle. This marking, for República Argentina, is encountered on surviving Model 1879 arms, but we cannot determine whether it was originally present on this example and later worn away or whether it was simply never applied in a visible location. We therefore do not infer its history from the absence of the mark.

Immediately below the model marking is a crudely stamped:

IIMANN

We have not identified this marking. It may represent a later ownership, inventory, unit, or other service marking, but without supporting documentation it remains unattributed.

A separate:

B

is stamped on the left side of the barrel breech. Its significance is likewise unknown.

We measured the bore and examined the chamber, and the rifle appears to remain chambered for the original .43 Spanish cartridge, commonly identified as 11.15x57R Remington Spanish. The chamber retains the characteristic bottleneck form associated with the original cartridge rather than the much straighter chamber profile of the later Reformado conversion.

The rifle retains its military ladder rear sight, which is similar in general form to contemporary European military sights such as those used on the Werndl. The sight remains functional, including the extension that pulls upward from the ladder.

Overall condition is very good for a rifle that clearly saw extended military service. The metalwork has developed a light gray and brown patina with evidence of old oxidation and subsequent cleaning. There is some staining around the muzzle, but we do not see major deep pitting or heavy rust damage.

All three barrel bands remain present and carry their correct:

U

orientation markings for "up." Both sling swivels are also present and move freely.

The rolling block action functions correctly during manual inspection and gives a crisp dry fire. The extractor presents when the breech is opened, although the rifle has not been tested with fired or empty cartridge cases. These observations describe only the present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the rifle is safe to load or fire.

The bore is in very good condition, with a partly bright interior and clear lands and grooves. There is some evidence of past fouling and oxidation throughout, but the rifling remains well defined.

There is additional powder residue related corrosion visible toward the forward face of the breech block, consistent with prolonged use of black powder ammunition.

The walnut stocks remain in very good service used condition and have developed an attractive red brown color. The wood shows the dents, dings, scratches, gouges, and other wear expected from a military rifle that remained in service for many years.

We did not observe major structural cracks or other serious stock damage. The butt stock does show several old filled dents and gouges, most noticeably on the right side, where wood filler was applied long ago.

With its clear MODELO ARGENTINO. 1879 E.N. marking, apparent original .43 Spanish chambering, intact military ladder sight, complete three band configuration, sling swivels, strong Rolling Block action, and very good bore, this is an appealing example of one of Argentina's important late 19th century military rifles. Its worn markings, oxidized patina, and stock repairs speak to genuine service rather than restoration, making it especially suitable for a collection of Remington military arms, Argentine martial firearms, Latin American service rifles, or late 19th century black powder breechloaders.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1879
Maker: Remington & Sons
Model: Argentine Contract Model 1879
Caliber: 0.43" - 11.15 x 57R Remington Spanish
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 35.5 Inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Rolling Breechblock External Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.