Another whats this gun ??

[cowbelly]

I have this Remington and was told it is a Baby Carbine. After doing some searching here I see theres probably more to it than that. Any info would be greatly appreceiated. I would also like to know approximate value. On top of the tang it reads: Remington Arms Company Ilion, N.Y. Pat. May ??1864, May 7th June 11th
Nov12th Dec 24th 187? dec ?? 1872 Sept 9th 1873 Jan 12th March 18th 1874
There is a "U" on the left side of the forearm band. Right side of forearm band has a 1.5" crack, would is sound and crack does not look like it goes all the way thru. The rest of the wood is in good condition. Barrel has scratches from removal of forearm band. Flip up rear site has the numbers 3 and 6 on it. Gun functions great and shoots. Action is tight. It is .44-.40 cal. Length of barrel including chamber is 20". Nice steel BP. Overall length is 35.5" Bore is dark but the rifling looks good. Any help is appreciated. I can post more pics if needed. Thanks, Mark

[ehull]

This does appear to be the standard Light Baby Carbine. The tang markings make the manufacture date after 1889. The .44-40 caliber and 20 in barrel are also standard for that manufacturing era.

Since I have been collecting data on such Baby Carbines, I'd appreciate knowing the factory serial number on the tnags (under the buttstock). We have not yet established the serial number range for the post 1889 carbines.

Ed

[cowbelly]

Ed
The Pat. dates are on the top tang. On the bottom tang there is nothing. Do you mean I have to remove the stock to find the ser. number ?
Thanks, Mark

[ehull]

Mark- Yes, the factory numbers are on the sides of the tangs so you have to remove the buttstock. That's why I call them "factory" numbers because they weren't intended to be used as ID numbers like the usual SN. Ed

[cowbelly]

Ed
I tried to remove the buttstock. I can get 1/3 of a turn on the tang bolt then it binds up tight. I dont want to apply more force because I'm afraid I would damage the slot. Any suggestions?? Mark

[ehull]

Mark- If WD40 doesn't free up the screw threads than I have no other ideas! A properly fitting gunsmith's screw driver is mosst useful. Ed

[cowbelly]

Ed, Yes I did use a gunsmith screwdriver. The bottom of the screw is rounded, maybe lightly peened? I will try penetrating oil and see what happens. Do you have an idea of the value of the gun? Mark

[ehull]

Mark- They're relatively scarce. The latest "Flayderman's Guide..." says good condition = $1100 and excellent = $2750.

[cowbelly]

Ed, I got the stock off this morning. Stamped #512. So whats this tell you? Mark

[ehull]

Mark-
With that low number, but with the Remington Arms Co. marking, it tells me that the company apparently started numbering them from 1 after the change from E Remington & Sons to RAC. A very useful bit of info. Thanks, Ed

[cowbelly]

Ed
so what year would it have been made??
Mark

[ehull]

Probably around 1890.