Remington No. 1 Rolling Block Sporting Rifle
Remington Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1868
Also known as: Remington Rolling Block, Remington No. 1 Sporting Rifle
Overview
The Remington No. 1 Rolling Block Sporting Rifle is a single-shot, breech-loading rifle built on Remington's rolling-block action, in which a pivoting breech block is locked behind the cartridge by the falling hammer. Derived from the military rolling block patented by Leonard Geiger and refined by Joseph Rider, the sporting models were fitted with graceful octagon or half-octagon barrels, finer stocks, and could be ordered with set triggers, upgraded sights, and a wide choice of barrel lengths and chamberings. Chambered here in .45-70 Government, it became a favored long-range hunting and target rifle on the American frontier, prized for one of the strongest single-shot actions ever made.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1190 mm (46.85") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Rolling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 396 m/s (1299 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2032 J (1499 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70 Govt, .45-70
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Octagon Barrel, Single Shot Breechloader, Case Hardened Receiver, Optional Set Trigger, Optional Tang Sight
Variants
- Remington No. 1 Mid-Range Sporting Rifle — Target
- Remington No. 1½ Sporting Rifle — Light Frame
Service history
Operators
- American buffalo hunters
- Western frontiersmen and sport shooters
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1868-1890
Approximately 10,000 No. 1 sporting rifles were produced; the broader rolling-block family numbered in the millions across military and civilian models.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Leonard Geiger and Joseph Rider
Discontinued: 1890
Notes
Sporting Rolling Blocks were highly customizable; this entry reflects a representative .45-70 Government No. 1 with a 30-inch octagon barrel. Specific weights and dimensions varied considerably with barrel length and weight options.
Background
The .45-70 sporting Rolling Block was a frontier favorite, capable of bringing down buffalo at long range and later embraced by Creedmoor-era long-range target shooters for its exceptionally strong and reliable single-shot action.