Remington Hepburn No. 3 32-40 2 1/8″ Centerfire Rifle MFD 1880-1904 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,090.00

LSB#: LSB260120GM013

Make: Remington

Model: Hepburn No. 3

Serial#: 9353

Year of Manufacture: 1880-1904 C&R

Caliber: 32-40 2 1/8″ Remington Hepburn

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

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “E. Remington and Sons, Ilion, NY”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “32.2 1/8”. The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The left side of the receiver is marked “Hepburn’s Pat, Oct 7, 1879”. 

Barrel Length: 30″

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is an adjustable globe style dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight has been removed. There is an adjustable Vernier style peep sight installed on the upper tang. The front and rear sights are operational and not bent. 

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a custom two piece checkered walnut, capped forend, semi pistol grip, fluted straight comb, with smooth color cased buttplate. The LOP is 14 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. There are few light handling marks and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition.

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

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 7/10. 

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 95% of its current finish. There is light pitting, some that has been blued over. There are some light scratches and handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition due to the bore. If not for that it would rate Very 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: The Remington Hepburn No. 3 is a classic expression of late 19th century American target rifle design, built during a period when precision shooting and Schuetzen competition were at their peak. Designed by Lewis Hepburn and patented in 1879, the action is a side-lever actuated falling block known for its strength, simplicity, and excellent trigger characteristics. Remington produced these rifles from the 1880s into the early 1900s, catering to serious marksmen who demanded repeatable accuracy and refined ergonomics. Chambered in .32-40, one of the premier target cartridges of the era, this rifle reflects a time when deliberate, offhand shooting and careful handloading defined the sport.

This example has been refined over time with features that align closely with its intended role as a precision target rifle. The 30 inch barrel paired with a globe front sight and Vernier tang sight provides the long sight radius and fine adjustment capability prized by competitive shooters of the period. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, rating 7 out of 10, showing some light erosion and pitting but retaining strong shooting potential. The rifle has been refinished, now retaining approximately 95 percent of its current blued and case colored surfaces, with some underlying pitting visible beneath the finish. Markings remain mostly legible, preserving the identity and historical context of the piece.

The custom walnut stock adds both visual appeal and functional enhancement, featuring a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and capped forend that provide a stable and comfortable shooting platform. The wood remains in excellent condition with only light handling marks and no structural issues, complementing the rifle’s overall presentation. Mechanically, the action operates correctly with a crisp trigger break, consistent with the Hepburn’s reputation for precision. This rifle stands as a thoughtfully configured example of a Remington Hepburn, blending original design with period-style enhancements that reflect its long association with American target shooting tradition. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF