Stocks for #1-1/2?

[Floop]

I have a Remington Rolling Block that I believe is either a Model 1-1/2 or Model 2. The only visible markings are on the top of the octagon barrel in front of the rear buckhorn/harpoon sight, E. Remington & Sons. Ilion, N.Y., a number of Patent dates,May 3 1864, May 2, May 12, June 11, Dec 24, Dec 3 1872, Sept 9 1873 and the number 10483 stamped into the underside of the octagon barrel just forward of the receiver, and on the lower tang between two screws, one of which extends from the tang above through the stock. There is a "38" stamped on the underside of the barrel near a dovetail with a threaded hole in the center of it. The centerline of the hole is 14" from the front edge of the receiver. The barrel is 28-3/4" long from the muzzle to the front edge of the receiver. the front sight blade seems to have been replaced with one made out of a copper coin. The barrel tapers from 1" at the receiver to 3/4" at the muzzle. It has a sliding bar ejector for rimmed cartridges on the left side just below the breech centerline. Overall length is 45-1/2".

There is a dimple on the bottom edge of the breech bore, which matches up with a hole in the breech block about 1/8" in diameter. The firing pin protrudes through a second hole in the breech block and lines up with the center of the breech bore. The firing pin itself is bent into a curve to reach the new hole. Obviously this rifle was converted from .38 rimfire to .38 centerfire at some point. The receiver is 1-3/16" wide.

It has a butt stock that matches the shape of the No. 2 rifle (not the No. 1 or No. 4) except that although the receiver and butt stock joint is a straight line, the wood is scalloped to match the flat side of the receiver. This may be a home made modification, since there are visible file marks on the stock in this area. It has a steel butt plate held with two screws. The forestock is missing altogether. All of this may be the result of the rifle having been in a fire. The butt stock is scorched in some places and has obviously been sanded to remove some of the damage. The overall finish is a uniform brown patina with no rust or pitting. The barrel looks somewhat rough, but there is still visible rifling.

The fire damage matches a story told by my father about my grandfather's cabin burning and the family only being able to save a few items, including the rifle. I have not been able to remove the buttstock since the screw that goes down from the top tang and threads into the bottom tang appears to be galled. It will turn 1/2 turn and that is all.

Now for my questions. As it is, this rifle has little value. I'm considering restoring it. Is it a No. 1-1/2 as I suspect? Where can I find an original or reproduction set of stocks? Should I carefully drill out the galled screw and replace it with an original or reproduction if I can find one? Would I be hurting the piece if I had the finish restored? My father said he used to shoot .38 pistol cartidges in it. Would that be .38 WCF? Would it be worth getting the barrel lined and the breech block modified to shoot some other cartidge? Is it a hopeless wall hanger?

[Jay Huber]

I would not waste the time or money to restore it. Jay Huber RSA

[Floop]

I understand that this rifle is not a valuable antique. It is, however, a family heirloom. I would love to bring it back to at least decent appearance, and possibly make it shootable. I don't expect it to be worth nearly what I would put into it to get it back in shape, but it would be satisfying to do most of the work myself and have something at least nice to look at when it's done. So if you'd care to give me more than one sentence on why it isn't worth restoring I'd much appreciate it.

[Floop]

And BTW, it is definitly a #1, not a 1-1/2. I've also found stocks for it from Treebone Carving.

[Jay Huber]

I stand by what I said however if you want to do it for the fun of it enjoy. I cant really answer all your questions without seeing the remains. As to the caliber check it with a gun smith as to what it shoots. Don't rely on hearsay. There is a new parts man in the field that specializes in Rolling Block Parts. I hear he is very good. He is Ken Wolmac 530 333 2233. Also review the SERVICE / PARTS section on the home page of this site. Good Luck and happy restoration. Jay Huber RSA

[Floop]

Well, I know a bit more about the rifle now. It was a .38 RF, very similar to a .38 Spec. varying only a thousandth or two in case dimensions. That's probably why my father got away with shooting .38 Spec cartridges in it.

The rifle is now at Delta Gun Shop in Colville, WA where Jim Dubell is installing a .357 Mag barrel liner and chambering the rifle for .357 Mag. When he's done I'll fit the new wood, then send it back for blueing the barrel and case coloring everything else. Jim says the action is in extremely good shape, one of the tightest he's seen. Total cost of all of this work and parts will be around $750. A typical Pedersoli repro of this rifle is not only butt-ugly, but costs around $2500.00.

[Floop]

BTW, here's a photo of what the rifle would look like if it had a forestock and the buttstock was complete. You won't find those kinds of lines in the Pedersolli repro.

[Floop]

Well, we are making progress. The barrel liner has been installed. The conversion to centerfire was cleaned up, new firing pin and ejector, etc. All the lines and corners on the metal have been sharpened and trued up without losing any of the patent or other stampings. It's been rechambered for .357 Mag and it is very sweet to shoot. The new stocks have been fitted. The rifle is now back at Delta Gun Shop for final metal and wood finishing, and maybe some nice sights.

So far it's been about 10 months and I have about $1250 in it. Final cost is projected to be about $1600, which still compares nicely with the Pedersoli repro. I inherited this rifle when I was 20 years old and I've waited 40 years for this. I'll post some pictures when I get it back.