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 interesting "Cadet" training version of the Remington Rolling block system, produced using a 'small frame' receiver. The caliber is about .50", but the chamber is definitely too short for .50-70 government. We have not been able to find out exactly what the chambering is, but we assume for a relatively low pressure cartridge, or else such a small rifle would kick like a mule when fired. Some research suggests that it would be .50-45 Remington Carbine, which would make sense.

The Rifle comes with its original cleaning rod, and still has the Remington patent markings on the left side of the frame fully legible, with very little wear:

The other side of the receiver has a U.S. Military proof mark of P / F.C.W., indicating inspection by Frank C. Warner, who inspected Civilian Remington M1866 .50rf Pistols as well as M1867 Remington Navy Carbine. He may have also inspected Remington M1871 pistols. However, this definitely does not look to have originally been a pistol. Definitely some great research potential here!

It has a standard military style fore stock, with two U marked barrel bands and a steel nose cap. There is a sling swivel on the upper band, and another on the trigger guard. The butt stock is the typical Remington style, but slightly scaled down for the smaller receiver. The stocks look to have been adapted from ones for the full size rifle,, and then had bevels added where they meet the receiver. There is no rear sight on the rifle, either on the barrel or as part of the receiver, however we can see no evidence of one having ever been installed.

Condition is just great, with a lovely finish on all the metal components, with the original blue present in many places, while others are faded to a lovely plum patina. The stocks are lovely, with that great red brown color that only aged oiled walnut achieves after over a century. There are very few dents and no major damage. The bore is in excellent condition, bright and shiny with just a bit of oxidation. The grooves are somewhat shallow, but we assume this is because it is a training rifle, and not due to wear.

The action cycles correctly, with the firing pin moving freely. The simple ejector on the top of the rolling cam is also present, though we have not tested it to see if it is able to eject a cartridge. The included bayonet is fully functional, correctly fitting onto the muzzle, and locking on securely. It has a lovely blued finish, and is marked U.S. on the ricasso.

An Antique U.S. made Remington Rolling Block Cadet Rifle complete with bayonet, cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: c.1870
Caliber: .50-45 Remington Carbine
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 28 Inches
Overall Length: 42 1/2 Inches
Action type: Rolling Block with Rear Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 15"
Blade Style: Triangular Socket
Socket Length: 3"
Overall Length: 18"

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.