Guns International #: 101395036

Category - Antique Rifles - Single Shot - Remington Rifles - Antique

Category
Antique Rifles - Single Shot
Remington Rifles - Antique

LATE PRODUCTION REMINGTON HEPBURN SPORTING RIFLE, .45-70 CALIBER, SERIAL NUMBER I-100XX

Description:
VERY INTERESTING AND DESIRABLE  LATE PRODUCTION HEPBURN SPORTING RIFLE, .45-70 CALIBER, SERIAL NUMBER I-100XX.  In the fairly new book by Tom Rowe, REMINGTON’S No. 3 HEPBURN,” only two rifles are shown with this late “I” prefix serial number and one of the two is consecutive to this one! These were the very last of the great Hepburn single shot rifle production and very few have this high “I” serial number. What is interesting and unusual about this rifle is that the 28” octagon barrel has the early Remington barrel address and under the forearm the serial number does not match. Also stamped under the forearm on the barrel is “ST” which meant that the rifle this came from should have a set trigger. Yet, the butt plate (the correct very late style) is numbered to the receiver as is the forearm itself. The forearm also has the correct very late ebony wedge in the schnable tip (earlier guns had a metal tip). And still the barrel fits the forend perfectly with no apparent re-fitting visible. It is very possible that at the very end of production of these rifles Remington was using up whatever barrels were on hand (Sharps did the same thing and Colt was known for never scrapping a usable part). Often rifles had barrels changed before shipment to a fickle customer or rifles were returned in like-new condition for a re-barreling to a different caliber. Obviously, the removed barrel wouldn’t be scrapped. Also, on this particular rifle the condition of the barrel matches the condition of the receiver and wood. On this rifle the barrel retains fine blue with only normal very light age. Markings are excellent including the small Remington receiver markings along with the caliber marking on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the forend "45.70." The muzzle shows the correct Remington crown in which the high edges of the octagon are slightly beveled indicating that this is the original length and that the barrel has not been cut. The receiver is a very mottled dark color still showing some good light case color on the left side and in the protected areas. Butt stock is excellent with sharp factory checkering on the pistol grip. Forend is excellent also, very tight action, mid-range tang sight with fully adjustable for windage spirit level front sight with pinhead insert. The rear barrel dovetail is empty. Best of all it has a bright, excellent bore.

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: REMINGTON
Model: HEPBURN SINGLE SHOT SPORTING RIFLE
Serial Number: I-100XX
Caliber Info: .45-70
Condition: FINE+-EXC.
Barrels: 28" OCT.