Remington No. 5 Rolling Block
Remington Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1897
Also known as: Remington Model 1897 Rolling Block, Remington No. 5 Military Rifle, Remington Rolling Block Model 1897
Overview
The Remington No. 5 Rolling Block is a single-shot, breech-loading military rifle introduced in 1897. It adapted Remington's famously strong rolling-block action to the era of smokeless powder, chambering the high-velocity 7x57mm Mauser cartridge. Exported in large numbers to Latin American nations, it served as an affordable service and reserve arm well into the early twentieth century.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3860 g (136.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Rolling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 825 m/s (2707 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3050 J (2250 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 7mm Mauser, 7x57, .275 Rigby
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Rolling Block Breech, Smokeless Powder Action, Bayonet Lug, Tangent Leaf Rear Sight
Production
Production years: 1897-1917
Mexico bought about 14,700 rifles circa 1899-1900; other contracts went to Honduras, Nicaragua, Argentina and Uruguay.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Joseph Rider
Discontinued: 1917
Notes
The smokeless No. 5 family comprised the Model 1897, 1902, and 1910 patterns; the vast majority were chambered in 7x57mm Mauser. Mexico purchased roughly 14,700 around 1899-1900.
Background
Built on Leonard Geiger and Joseph Rider's rolling-block design, the No. 5 proved the old action could handle modern smokeless cartridges. Cheap, robust and simple to maintain, it armed Latin American armies and rurales and saw use through the upheaval of the Mexican Revolution.