Remington Hepburn No. 3 .38 Diameter Centerfire Rifle, 1880-1888 Antique

SOLD FOR: $3,313.98

LSB#: LSB250521RR023

Make: Remington

Model: Hepburn No. 3

Serial#: 1547

Year of Manufacture: 1880-1904

Caliber: .38 Diameter Bore. Chamber will need to be cast by a professional gunsmith to determine actual cartridge chambering. 

Action Type: Single-Shot, Side Lever Actuated Falling Block Action. 

Markings: The top flat of the barrel is marked “E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION, N.Y.” The bottom of the barrel, under the forend is marked with the serial number “1547”. The right side of the receiver is marked “HEPBURN’S PAT. OCTOBER 7TH, 1879”. 

Barrel Length: 28 Inches, Half Octagonal, Half Round

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a wind-gauge front sight dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn V-notch sight on an elevator ramp dovetailed to the barrel. There is a Verneir tang sight screwed to the top tang. 

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip:  The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a metal capped schnabel tipped forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, crescent buttplate. There are moderate handling marks present, with some scratches, pressure dents, and scuffs throughout the stocks. There are no chips or cracks in the forend or buttstock. The LOP is 13 5/8 inches from the trigger to the rear end of the buttplate. The stocks appear to be all original, and not refinished. Overall, the stocks rate at about Good to Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued (Barrel), Case Colored (Receiver)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.  

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 50% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate wear with thinning finish on the barrel, and fading case color on the receiver from handling and storage. The finish on the barrel is starting to take on a patina color. The case color on the receiver, trigger guard, and bottom tang has mostly faded away. The screw heads show signs of tooling, but still retain serviceable slots. The pins are mostly unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and the trigger has a crisp break. We have not fired this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. 

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None. 

Our Assessment: Remington’s No. 3 Hepburn rifle was born out of the competitive shooting world of the late 19th century and named after its designer, Lewis L. Hepburn—a legendary marksman and Remington’s resident firearms genius. Introduced in the 1880s, the Hepburn quickly gained a reputation as a top-tier single-shot rifle, especially favored by target shooters for its precise side-lever falling block action and mechanical elegance. Though fewer in number than its Rolling Block sibling, the Hepburn stands out as one of Remington’s finest 19th-century designs.

This example wears a 28” half-octagon barrel and sports desirable target sights, including a windage-adjustable globe front and Vernier tang peep rear—an unmistakable sign this rifle was ordered or upgraded for serious paper-punching. Chambered for an unknown .38-caliber centerfire cartridge, it likely falls into the realm of black powder target cartridges such as .38-50 Remington Hepburn or .38-55 WCF. Chamber casting will be essential to identify and safely shoot it. The bore is remarkably clean with sharp rifling, and the action remains crisp—ideal traits for any shooter or collector.

While the rifle shows honest finish wear from a century of careful handling, the original case colors, sharp markings, and untouched walnut stocks suggest a life spent in the hands of a conscientious sportsman. Whether you’re a black powder silhouette competitor, vintage single-shot aficionado, or simply a collector of Remington’s golden age, this Hepburn No. 3 offers accuracy, history, and mechanical charm in equal measure. With its period-correct target sights and solid mechanics, it’s both an investment in Americana and a joy to shoot—once you’ve determined its exact cartridge. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.