Make: Remington
Model: 1871
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1873
Caliber: .50-70 Black Powder
Action Type: Single shot rolling block with extractor
Markings: The top of the tang is marked with, “REMINGTONS’ ILION N.Y. U.S.A. PAT. MAY 3RD NOV 15TH 1864 APRIL 17TH 1866 AUG 27TH 1867 NOV 7TH 1871” The barrel bands and barrel are marked, “B”. The stock is marked with “E 45”. The buttplate is marked with, “E 45”. The stock cartouches are faded.
Barrel Length: 36”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post set into a raised base. The rear sight is a military #1 flip-up V-notch elevator/ladder.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap, barrel band w/ sling loop, barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, and semi-crescent buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. The forend has several larger cracks at the receiver. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as an antique. The stock has been refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case color.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is somewhat pronounced. There is heavy erosion and moderate spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The barrel is in the wight with a moderate patina. There is no case color remaining on the receiver. There are pinpricks of pitting throughout. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings are a bit faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Remington Model 1871 Rolling Block rifle is a significant piece of American post-Civil War military history, made for the New York State Militia around 1873. Chambered in the powerful .50-70 Government black powder cartridge, this rifle was part of a contract specifically for state-level forces, produced during a period when the U.S. military was transitioning from muzzleloaders to more modern breechloading systems. The Model 1871 featured improvements over earlier rolling block variants, including a redesigned extractor and a beefier receiver. Marked with Remington’s series of patent dates and military inspection stamps, this example speaks to the craftsmanship and reliability that made the rolling block a preferred design for both domestic and international service. This example rates in about Very Good condition for an antique and retains approximately 20% of its metal finish. The barrel is now in the white, showing a consistent and even patina, while the receiver has lost its original case coloring. There is scattered pinprick pitting across metal surfaces, and the screw heads show moderate to heavy tool marks. The bore is gray with somewhat pronounced rifling, though it exhibits heavy erosion and moderate pitting, earning a 5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The stock has been refinished and shows wear typical of age and service, with pressure dents, small chips, and multiple cracks at the forend near the receiver. Still, it remains solid, and its original military unit markings “E 45” are visible on both the stock and buttplate.
Despite its age and signs of field use, this Remington M1871 remains a valuable example of one of the more sought-after U.S. rolling block models. Its long 36” barrel, robust action, and large-bore .50-70 chambering make it an imposing rifle that would have served well in militia service. For collectors of American military long arms or those focused on rolling block development, this piece offers an increasingly scarce example of state-issued post-war firepower. It’s a worthy addition to any historical firearms collection and stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Remington’s legendary single-shot action.
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