Original Item: Only One Available. The Remington Rolling Block rifle was a breech-loading rifle produced from the mid-1860s into the early 20th century by E. Remington and Sons (later Remington Arms Company). The action was extremely strong, and could easily withstand the increased pressure of the new smokeless powders coming into use by the late 1880s.

This is a very nice example, which came to us a bit worse for wear, but has now been cleaned to put it in its best light. The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish still showing clear 5 groove rifling. There is light wear and oxidation, but it definitely does not seem to have seen extensive use in service. The exterior is in a bit worse condition, showing past pitting many of the fittings, including the butt plate, barrel bands, trigger guard, and cleaning rod. It definitely looks to have sat in storage, possibly a moist environment, for a significant period of time.

The stock faired a bit better, and still has a lovely red brown color, showing little wear and most areas are without any cracking or damage. The exception is the area of the butt stock near the butt plate, which has staining and cracking related to the rusting of the plate itself. This rifle has definitely read an interesting life.

The Receiver tang unfortunately has had the Remington Patent information cleaned away over the years, and we cannot make out any of it. The top of the barrel behind the rear sight is marked with a faded cartouche over R M, for República Mexicana, the "Restored Mexican Republic". This period lasted 1867–1876 and is right in line with when the rolling block rifles were in production. There are no other markings except for the standard "U" marks on the barrel bands, though there are no other U.S. issue markings. The bore measures to .43", so this is in .43 Spanish / Egyptian caliber, the most common caliber these were made in, and the correct caliber for a Mexican issued example.

The rifle still retains its original cleaning rod, which does have surface oxidation on the end, while the portion in the channel has fared a lot better. The Action functions, and is complete with the firing pin and ejector, which are often removed or lost over time. The action is however a bit out of adjustment, and the rolling block breech cannot be opened unless the hammer is pulled back slightly.

A very interesting Remington Rolling block, made in the U.S. and sent to Mexico in the late 19th century. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1870
Caliber: .43 Spanish/Egyptian
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 35 Inches
Overall Length: 40 1/2 Inches
Action type: Rolling Block with Rear Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

History of the Remington Rolling Block Rifle:

It was made in a variety of calibers, both rimfire and centerfire, including the 12.17x42 mm rimfire, 12.17x44 mm rimfire and 12.17x44 mm rimmed centerfire Swedish and Norwegian cartridges, .43 Spanish (11.15x58mmR), .50-70, 40-70,45-70, and later in .22 caliber. Later models were produced in .30-06 Springfield, 7×57mm Mauser, and 8×50mmR Lebel.

In 12.17x42mmRF and 12.18x44mmRF (two cartridges that were interchangeable), and towards the end of its service life also 8x58mmR Danish Krag centerfire, it served as the standard service rifle of the Swedish Army from 1867 to the mid-1890s (when it was replaced by the Swedish Mauser) and in Norway as the standard service rifle from 1867 to the mid-1880s (when it was replaced by the M1884 Jarmann). In .43 Spanish it was the chief service arm of the Spanish Army from 1870-1893, and was used by reserve and militia forces for many years thereafter. Many Rolling Block rifles were used by Argentina before being replaced in 1891 by the new 7.65mm Mauser, and were also widely used by Egypt and Mexico. The Remington rolling block also became the standard service rifle of the Danish Army. During the Franco-Prussian War, France acquired 210,000 Rolling Block rifles to make up for a shortage of the standard-issue Chassepot.

During World War I, the British Royal Navy purchased 4,500 Rolling Block rifles in 7mm Mauser from Remington's leftover stock after production had ended, issuing them to the crews of minesweepers and Q-ships. In November 1914, production of the Rolling Block was resumed, in the form of a French contract for rifles in 8×50mmR Lebel, designated by France as "Fusil Remington modèle 1914". 100,291 such rifles were delivered by 1916, and used to equip rear-line troops.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. 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.