It stikes me that what beginning collectors, or people like me who just happened to come into possession of a Remington, need most is a basic ID guide. I could not not find a concise guide to the different rolling block models on the internet. It seems to me that a sticky document at the beginning of each forum could have a photo guide of the most common models of rifle/carbine/pistol, with a few basic specs that help ID the model such as by barrel length. I am sure that the experts are more than happy to answer questions of those like me who seek ID on a weapon, but this would cut down perhaps on the vague basic questions from beginners. Another sticky could also show the basic terminology of the parts of a rifle. Just my two cents worth.
Alan
ID Guide
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Jay Huber
For the military rollers, George Layman's "The Military Remington Rolling Block Rifle" has been my very best source. He covers, at least partially, most of the foreign contract models as well. And if, like me, you take a fancy to the Swedish explosion of rolling block production, then hang on to your hat! Almost endless variations there. But I do like the idea of having posters to this site showing their hardware and giving the specs.
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metamage
Well, my ID questions were answered by Rudy (Thanx Rudy). But it would probably have helped him and others answer my question if I could have said in my post whether it was a No. 1 rifle, or a No. 4 Carbine?!?! For that matter, I had to browse a dozen websites before I found a clear diagram that taught me the difference between a tang and a receiver. I am just saying that a quick and dirty guide for us neophytes who find our way to this website, and just happen to have a single rolling block in the closet, would probably increase the quality of the questions being asked.