Remington Rolling Block No.5 Sporter 35” Barrel .50-140 (.50-3 1/4) Rifle

SOLD FOR: $2,930.00

LSB#: WY250406JS004

Make: Remington

Model: 1902 No.5

Serial Number: 4705

Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1902 to 1910 (Not C&R Due to Rework)

Caliber: .50-140 (.50-3 1/4) Black Powder Only

Action Type: Single shot rolling block with extractor.

Markings: The rear tang is marked, “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, NY. U.S.A. PATENTED OCTR, 22ND 1901”. The top of the receiver is marked, “9 2 67”. The side of both tangs is marked “4705”.

Barrel Length: 35” #3 Profile Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Globe style sight with a post insert dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch folding ladder dovetailed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece walnut set with a metal tipped forend, semi-pistol grip, raised straight comb w/ cheek piece, and metal buttplate. There are little to no handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4”  from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition as replaced.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color

Finish Originality: Reworked/Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling sharp. There is little to no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The case color on teh receiver is bright with only faint wear. There are faint handling marks throughout, There is some refinished over pitting on the receiver pin par. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are faded in spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition for a refurbished 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: This Remington No. 5 Rolling Block Sporter, chambered in the massive .50-140 black powder cartridge, is an impressive and rare example of late-era single-shot rifle design. Built circa 1902–1910, the No. 5 was Remington’s final iteration of the famed Rolling Block system, originally designed for powerful black powder and early smokeless cartridges. The .50-140 (.50-3¼”) is a true big-game cartridge, developed for buffalo and dangerous game hunting, and is one of the most powerful black powder rounds ever produced. With a 35” #3 profile octagonal barrel, this rifle was clearly built for serious long-range or heavy-duty sporting use. This example has been thoughtfully refurbished, with approximately 97% of its metal finish remaining. The barrel has been expertly blued, and the receiver retains strong, vivid case colors. The stock has been replaced with a beautifully fit and finished two-piece walnut set featuring a cheek piece, semi-pistol grip, and metal buttplate. The wood shows little to no handling wear and matches the period style. The bore is exceptionally clean for a rifle of this era—bright with sharp rifling and minimal erosion—rating 9.5/10, which is particularly rare for a black powder cartridge rifle.

For collectors and black powder enthusiasts, this rifle represents an outstanding example of American single-shot craftsmanship. Whether displayed for its impressive form or loaded with hand-cast bullets for traditional black powder shooting, this Remington No. 5 in .50-140 offers both historic value and functional performance. It is a formidable and elegant reminder of the golden age of buffalo guns and Remington’s legacy in heavy-frame single-shot rifles. -R.E.