Remington Rolling Block Egyptian
Remington Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1868
Also known as: M1868 Egyptian Remington Rolling Block, Remington No. 1 Egyptian Contract Rifle, Egyptian Contract Rolling Block, Fusil Remington Egyptien
Overview
The Remington Rolling Block Egyptian is a single-shot, breech-loading rolling block military rifle built on Remington's Rider rolling block action and chambered in the .43 Egyptian (11.43x50R) centerfire black-powder cartridge. Ordered by Egypt beginning in 1868, the contract called for roughly 60,000 long rifles with full-length walnut stocks and bayonet provision. The rolling block breech is opened by thumbing back the hammer and rolling the breechblock rearward, which is renowned for its strength and reliability. When Egypt defaulted on payment, a large portion of the order was diverted to France for use during the Franco-Prussian War, with the remaining Egyptian deliveries completed by 1876.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1270 mm (50.00") |
| Barrel Length | 889 mm (35.00") |
| Action Type | Rolling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 395 m/s (1296 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1997 J (1473 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .43 Egyptian · primary — also known as .43 Egyptian Remington, 11.43x50R, 11.38x49mmR, 11mm Egyptian
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Rolling Block Breech, Single Shot, Full Length Stock, Bayonet Lug
Service history
Operators
- Egyptian Army · adopted 1868 · as Remington Rolling Block
- French Army · adopted 1870 · as Fusil Remington
Conflicts
- Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
- Mahdist War (1881-1899)
Production
Estimated total produced: 60,000 · Production years: 1868-1876
Egyptian contract for roughly 60,000 rifles; an estimated 13,000 were diverted to France after Egypt defaulted on payment.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Joseph Rider
Discontinued: 1876
Notes
Egyptian-marked examples typically bear a crescent and 'E.P.' markings on the left receiver along with Arabic unit and serial markings. An estimated 13,000 rifles from the diverted order went to France.
Background
Egypt's default on the Remington contract proved fortuitous timing for France, which snapped up thousands of the diverted rolling blocks to help arm its forces during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.