Custom 1874 Type 4 Remington Rolling Block .45-70 28” Rifle, 1874 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,098.00
LSB#: LSB260119KW002
Make: Remington
Model: 1874 Type 4
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1874 / Antique
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single shot rolling block with extractor.
Barrel Length: 28” Replacement Numrich Arms Full Octagon 1.125” Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a height adjustable U-notch leaf sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece wood set with a flat bottom forend, straight wrist, straight comb, and checkered plastic buttplate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good + overall condition as a replacement.
Type of Finish: Antiqued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling worn. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 as an Antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal refinish. There is moderate thinning and patina throughout. There is refinished over spots of pitting on the receiver. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings worn. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good + condition for a refinished 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: 2x trigger springs.
Our Assessment: The Remington Model 1874 rolling block rifle is one of the most enduring single shot designs of the 19th century, widely respected for its strength, simplicity, and reliability. Built around Remington’s proven rolling block action, these rifles saw extensive use both domestically and internationally, with countless variations produced for military, sporting, and commercial markets. Chambered in .45-70 Government, a cartridge adopted by the U.S. military in 1873, the platform represents a cornerstone of American black powder cartridge rifle development, known for its heavy bullet, effective range, and lasting legacy in both military and sporting applications. This example has been custom configured with a replacement 28 inch Numrich Arms full octagon barrel and refinished metal surfaces, giving it a distinct appearance while retaining the core functionality of the original action. The rifle retains approximately 85 percent of its refinish, with moderate thinning, patina, and evidence of refinishing over prior pitting on the receiver. The bore is bright with worn rifling and rates 9 out of 10 for an antique, showing light fouling but no significant erosion. The replacement wood stock set remains in Very Good Plus condition, showing light handling marks and no structural issues. Screw heads show moderate to heavy use, and markings are worn, consistent with refinishing and age, while the action continues to function correctly.
The .45-70 Government cartridge remains one of the most historically significant American cartridges, offering substantial power and a long service life that extends well beyond its military origins. Rolling block rifles chambered in this caliber have remained popular among shooters and collectors alike for their robust design and straightforward operation. This example, while altered from original configuration, presents as a functional and visually distinctive rifle that highlights the adaptability and longevity of the rolling block system. -R.E.