Spanish Remington M1868
E. Remington and Sons · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1868
Also known as: Fusil Remington Modelo 1868, M1868 Spanish Remington, Spanish Rolling Block M1868
Overview
The Spanish Remington M1868 is a single-shot, breech-loading rolling block rifle built by E. Remington & Sons of Ilion, New York, for Spain. It was the first contract pattern of the Remington rolling block delivered to Spanish forces, chambered in the powerful .43 Spanish (11.15x58mmR) black-powder cartridge. First-contract rifles are identified by their concave breechblock, screw-retained firing pin, and two-line upper tang patent markings ending 'APRIL 17th 1866'. Many were issued to Spanish colonial garrisons in Cuba before the formal adoption of the improved Modelo 1871.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1289 mm (50.75") |
| Barrel Length | 891 mm (35.08") |
| Action Type | Rolling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 390 m/s (1280 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .43 Spanish · primary — also known as .433 Spanish, 11.15x58mmR, 11mm Spanish Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Rolling Block Breech, Concave Breechblock, Screw Retained Firing Pin, Barrel Bands, Ramp And Leaf Rear Sight, Socket Bayonet Lug
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Army · adopted 1868 · as Fusil Remington Modelo 1868
- Spanish Colonial Forces in Cuba · adopted 1868
Conflicts
- Ten Years' War (1868-1878)
- Third Carlist War (1872-1876)
Production
Production years: 1868-1871
Roughly 10,000 first-contract rifles delivered to Spanish colonial forces in Cuba; superseded by the Modelo 1871.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Leonard Geiger and Joseph Rider
Discontinued: 1871
Notes
Predates the formally adopted Spanish Modelo 1871 (Reformado). The M1868 and closely related M1870 were early contract rifles distinguished from the 1871 by their breechblock and tang markings.
Background
The Remington rolling block's simple, immensely strong breech — locked by the hammer rolling behind the breechblock at the moment of firing — made it one of the most widely exported military rifles of the black-powder era, arming dozens of nations including Spain, which fielded it across its Cuban colony during the Ten Years' War.