So confused

[lawdawg]

Hello everyone, I took my rolling block to a gun smith who works on antique arms. He told me it was an 1863 remington 45/70 rolling block. He said it was a baby carbine and was a calvery rifle. It has a circle stamped on the stock about the size of a nickel but its faint and you can't read what was in it. He said it was "US". The barrel has "FB" stamped on it and the number 4 above that. He replaced the trigger spring that was broken and made ten rounds for it. He shot it 3 times and gave me the other 7. He offered me $1200.00 for it but I told him it was not for sale. He asked what I was going to do with it and I said shoot it a few times and put it up. He said you will only shoot it once because it kicks like a mule. Sounded to me like he really wanted it and was trying to discourage me from keeping it. After doing some research I understand that US did not use 45/70??? The barrel is 20 1/2 inches long and the stock is curved on the end. .43 Spanish??? I don't know. I am trying to post pictures but have not figured it out yet. Would a 45/70 even fit? is it 50/70??? I can't wait to post the pictures to show everyone. Could it be a custom rifle??

[tjack]

Neither the Rolling Block nor the .45-70 cartridge existed in 1863. Get another gunsmith. This guy is a moron. With the FB stamped on top of the barrel you have an ex-Spanish model Rolling Block originally chambered for the 11mm Spanish cartridge and converted to the 11mm Reformado cartridge beginning in 1889. The conversion consisted on nothing more than reaming out the shoulder and neck portion of the chamber to take a straight/tapered case. This allowed the use of a slightly larger diameter bullet which the Spanish determined would improve accuracy. The circular cartouche in the butt stock is a Spanish marking. The carbine was probably refinished when it was rechambered so the cartouche is faint from sanding.

[JV Puleo]

Ditto to what Tom says... and I think you should have taken the $1200!

[lawdawg]

Since it was converted in 1889 what was the original year for the 11mm.

[tjack]

Some sources give the date of 1869 for the 11mm Spanish Remington. The 11mm Reformado dates from 1889. The "FB" on the barrel is for the two Spanish officers who came up with the Reformado cartridge: Lt. Col. Freire and Capt. Brull. On Spanish made Rolling Blocks the conversion from 11mm Spanish Remington to Reformado is indicated with an "R" on the barrel altho there are some exceptions.

[lawdawg]

Thanks for the world of information. You have cleared up alot of questions for me. Where can I get a sadle ring since mine is missing?

[tjack]

On the opening page of this site scroll down the left column to "Service/Parts". I am familiar with "G.S. Womack" and have received several parts from him. He also carries George Layman's excellent book "Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World" which is where my info comes from.

[lawdawg]

Womack did not have it but he told me to go to S and S in New York. Found it for 3 bucks and shipping.