Original Item: Only One available. Well this is something that we have not had before! The Remington–Keene is an early bolt-action design utilizing a tubular magazine, and was manufactured in both rifle and carbine lengths. The action was definitely a very interesting design, based around a bolt with an exposed "hammer" cocking piece for the internal striker. It definitely seems to have been designed with the military in mind, as after the bolt is cycled, it is placed directly into the "safety" position, and the bolt cannot be opened or the trigger pulled until the "hammer" is pulled back into battery. Only then can the weapon be fired, or also the bolt can be opened, which then will fly back as the bolt is de-cocked. As with many early designs, there are no locking lugs on the front or rear of the barrel, with the bolt handle being the only thing that holds the bolt closed, however with black powder this was not really much of an issue.

Like many rifles intended for the military, it also was designed with a relatively simple take down function, where the bolt and many components are held in place by a single bolt. This is on the right side of the stock just forward of the trigger. It should definitely be REMOVED WITH CARE however, as the slot on the top is still good. Many of these have the slot quite deformed due to one very simple reason: IT IS REVERSE THREAD. We can find no reason why this decision was made, but it is what it is, so in this case it is righty loosey, lefty tighty.

The tubular magazine is also a bit unique, being similar to the those used on other tube magazine designs, based around a lifter that brings up the next round when the bolt is moved all the way back. However it definitely has some unique features, the most noticeable of which is that the bottom of the lifter is visible on the bottom of the action, and serves as a loading gate for the magazine, which is loaded with the action closed. It is also held in the up position until bolt moves forward by a latch on the right side that hooks onto a pin on the inner right side of the receiver. When the bolt is closed, the latch is pushed forward, and the lifter drops back down for the next round. Also as with many bolt action rifles of the time, it has a "magazine cutoff" on the left side of the receiver, which keeps the rifle in single shot mode when at the rear, allowing repeated fire when pushed forward.

Remington & Sons had first manufactured prototypes of Keene's patents for consideration by the United States Army Ordnance Department Magazine Gun Board convened in 1878. Although the Army rejected the design in favor of the Winchester-Hotchkiss, Remington commenced production and offered the rifle to the United States Navy Bureau of Ordnance. The Navy purchased 250 rifles for comparison with their 2,500 Hotchkiss rifles and 300 M1885 Remington-Lee rifles. The Remington–Keene rifles were delivered in 1880 with US and an anchor stamped on the left side of the barrel and WWK and P (proof) stamped on the right side of the barrel by Lieutenant William W. Kimball. These rifles remained in service for less than a decade aboard USS Trenton (1876) and USS Michigan (1843). In July 1880 the United States Department of the Interior purchased 600 Frontier Model carbines with 24 in (61 cm) barrels to arm the Indian Police on a number of reservations in the western United States.

With the Government not really interested in the design, Remington & Sons turned to the Civilian Market, where they hoped to achieve more success. They marketed a "Hunter's or Sporting Rifle", available in .40 and .45 caliber, which was marketed in four "Grades" to appeal to more discerning customers. Grades A and B had 24 1/2 inch barrels, and were relatively simple in design, while the Grade C featured a fancy stock, and Grade D was a special custom order. These were made for several years, but all production stopped in 1886 when the company went into receivership. When it was purchased and reorganized as "Remington Arms Co." in 1888, production was not resumed, so all examples are definitively considered Pre-1899 Antique Firearms by the BATF.

What we have here is a very nice example of a Remington-Keene Grade "A" Sporting rifle, with the correct 24 1/2 barrel. As is correct, it features a fully round barrel and plain stock without any checkering. The Grade "B" would introduce a part octagon barrel, pistol grip style stock, and checkering on the grip. The rear of the bolt has the Remington patent information stamped in three close lines, in typical Remington rifle fashion:-

The left side of the breech is marked with 45 over 70, indicating the .45-70 Government centerfire chambering. There are no other markings such as serial numbers on the rifle, and from what we have read on these, only those made for military use had serial numbers applied, usually on the bolt and other components.

Overall condition is very good, still showing the original bluing in many areas, while the more exposed parts of the barrel and action are worn towards gray or plum. We do not see any evidence of past peppering or major oxidation, just wear from use and cleaning. The stock has a lovely red brown color, showing the grain of the walnut very well, and it looks to still have the original factory finish. There are some dents and small gouges, but there are no cracks or repairs we can see. As is correct, there are no sling swivels installed on this sporting rifle.

The action functions as intended, which means that when cycled it puts the bolt into the safety position. The lifter moves up and down correctly, however we have no way of testing to see whether it still feeds. The magazine cutoff switch moves back and forth, but it appears to be broken or possibly has a part missing, as it does not seem to stop the lifter from moving in either position, and if moved to the forward position actually blocks the bolt from moving into battery. The bore is in excellent condition, bright with clear lands and grooves, showing just a bit of wear from use and cleaning. The rear sight is still present, and fully functional.

A lovely example of a hard to find early bolt-action design Sporting Rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Years of Manufacture: 1880-1886
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 24 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 44 1/4 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action Magazine Repeater
Feed System: 9-Round Tube Magazine

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.

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

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 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.