need help with rolling block

[bishop8821]

Please help us identify a Remington Rolling Block Rifle we inherited, below is the information we have on the rife:
It is a Remington Rolling Block Rifle
The patent dates on the gun are May 30, 1864 June 11, November 12, December 24, 1872 December 21, 1872 September 9, 1873 January 12, March 18, 1874
Gun markings E. Remington and Son Ilion, NY USA there is a capital B on the barrel
The length of the rifle is 51 1/4" the length of the barrel is 36" from end of barrel to opening of the breech.

We cannot determine the caliber or gauge of the gun, this is one of the items we would like to know, we would like to purchase ammunition for the gun. All we know is the gun was purchased from Sears and Roebuck, out of a catalog, we think in late fifties early sixties. We would like to find out whatever information we can on the rifle. My son was chosen by draw to go buffalo hunting in Wyoming and he wanted to honor his grandfather by using the rifle. This rifle has never been shot. Any help in our quest would greatly be appreciated. Thanks JBishop

[tjack]

The most common caliber for these old military rifles is .43 Spanish. The .43 Egyptian is also common. There were several other calibers chambered in these rifles. The BEST way to determine caliber is to have a chamber cast made. The rear of the chamber can be measured with a caliper but this will only be a guess as to caliber. The Spanish cartridge had a base diameter of approx .516", The Egyptian has a base diameter of approx .581". This measurement will separate these two cartridges. HOWEVER, many Spanish-chambered rifles/carbines had a .43 Reformado chamber reamer run thru them after Spain (and her colonies/ex-colonies) went to that cartridge. Then, to add to the confusion, a number of .43 Spanish-chambered rifles/carbines had a .43 Mannlicher chamber reamer run into them when they were imported here because, at one time, there was lots of surplus Mannlicher ammo available and little Spanish ammo available. So, the BEST way to determine caliber is with a chamber cast.

[bishop8821]

Thank you so much for your help. Took the rifle to a gunsmith Monday and found out today that is is a Spanish .43. Again thank you so much. The buffalo hunt is a once in a lifetime dream for my son. Judy

[rudybolla]

Can you send more pics? c/u action, block w/ receiver open, anything else that might help?