Remington Model 1879 Argentine .43 Spanish 36″ Rolling Block ATF Antique

SOLD FOR: $705

WOA#: WY240126MC008

Make: Remington Arms Company

Model: 1879 (M1879 Argentina)

Serial Number: NSN

Year of Manufacture: 1878

Caliber: .43 Spanish (11.15×58mmR)

Action Type:  Single-Shot Rolling Block style Rifle

Markings:  The top of the barrel flat is marked “MODELO ARGENTINO. 1879 E.N.”. The top tang has a faded Remington patent marking. The left side of the barrel flat  The left side of all three barrel bands are marked “U”.  The belly of the buttstock is marked “025” twice.  The right side of the rear sight is marked “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 36”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a ladder which presents a V-notch in the down position. When raised there is a slider with a “V”-notch and the top of the sight has an integral “V”-notch. The ladder is marked “5-11”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood featuring a forend with a cap, a slot for the cleaning rod, three barrel bands and a butt with a straight wrist, straight comb and metal semi-crescent buttplate. The stocks have some handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is a small crack on each side of the buttstock at the buttplate. The LOP is 13.25” from the trigger to the rear end of the buttplate. The buttplate has some handling wear.  Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition for Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

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

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but 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 collectors’ firearms.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 97% of its refinished finish.  There are some scratches and scuffs on the receiver and trigger guard. There are some nicks on the barrel underneath the finish. There is no bluing around the rim of the muzzle. The screw heads show moderate use but the slots are strong. The markings are legible except for the patent stamp on top of the tang.  Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as 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: This rifle comes with its attached Hunter sling in Very Good condition with mild handling wear but remains pliable with no rips or tears.

Our Assessment:  The Argentine Model 1879 was specifically manufactured for Argentina, a nation in the midst of significant military modernization and expansion. Argentina sought to equip its forces with the latest in firearm technology, and the Remington Rolling Block in .43 Spanish was a prime choice, offering both the stopping power and range desired for contemporary military engagements. This adoption is reflective of the era’s broader trends, where nations worldwide were rapidly updating their arsenals with more advanced weaponry.

The Rolling Block rifle’s impact extended beyond its military use; it also became popular for hunting and target shooting, showcasing its versatility. The Argentine Model 1879’s adoption by Argentina underscores not only Remington’s international presence but also the global movement towards more efficient and reliable firearms in the late 19th century.

The Remington Rolling Block Argentine Model 1879 in .43 Spanish remains a significant piece of military and firearms history, embodying the technological advancements and international dynamics of the period. Its legacy is preserved among collectors and historians who appreciate its historical importance and the technological innovation it represents in the evolution of firearms.  Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.