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Make: Remington
Model: No. 1 Short Range Sporter
Serial Number: 1978
Year of Manufacture: 1877-1886
Caliber: .44 Cal. Rimfire
Action Type: Single shot rolling block with extractor
Markings: The top tang is marked with the Remingtons 1866 roll mark and the bottom tang is marked with the serial number, “1978”. The underside of the barrel is marked, “44 CTG.E”.
Barrel Length: 28” Heavy Octagon profile.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver washed blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece walnut set with a capped forend, straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore along with some spots of pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 as an Antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The frame retains most of its bright case color with only minor spots of wear. The barrel has light thinning and wear marks throughout. The screw heads show light use. The markings are mostly clear with some blurry spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Remington No. 1 Rolling Block was one of the most durable and widely used single-shot rifle actions of the 19th century, renowned for its strength, simplicity, and ease of manufacture. Among the many variations, the No. 1 Short Range Sporter occupies a special place in Remington's catalog as a refined, civilian-target variant designed for recreational shooters and local competitions. Chambered in .44 Rimfire and fitted with a heavy 28” octagonal barrel, this model was designed to balance accuracy with portability, making it a popular choice for those who wanted the precision of a target rifle in a sporterized form. Produced between 1877 and 1886 in relatively small numbers, these rifles are now prized by collectors for their balance of function, beauty, and historic value. This example, serial number 1978, has been carefully preserved, retaining about 90% of its original metal finish with vibrant case coloring on the receiver and light wear on the blued octagonal barrel. The bore is remarkably strong for a black powder rimfire rifle of this era, bright with well-defined rifling and only minor erosion and light pitting, earning a strong 9/10 for an antique firearm. The walnut stocks are in excellent condition with a smooth finish and no structural damage, adding to the overall visual appeal of the piece. All mechanical functions are intact and the action remains crisp—an important feature for both display and potential use by black powder shooting enthusiasts.
As a collectible, the No. 1 Short Range Sporter is a standout example of Remington’s craftsmanship during the golden age of American single-shot rifles. Its robust design, striking lines, and target-focused configuration make it a centerpiece in any collection of 19th-century American firearms. The .44 Rimfire chambering, while obsolete, adds to the authenticity and historical charm of the piece. Whether you’re a dedicated Remington collector, an aficionado of single-shot rifles, or simply appreciate the artistry of antique American arms, this rifle offers an impressive combination of aesthetics, condition, and historical relevance.