Questions RE: Remington 45-70

[wrandolph]

I just picked up an interesting rifle yesterday. It's a 45-70 bolt action marked, Lee Arms Co. Bridgeport Conn USA and the pat. date is Nov. 1879. It is  magazine fed, looks to be an old military w/ a cut down stock. It's been very nicley reblued at some point and has a big hooked buttplate. Any information on this weapon would be appreciated.

[John Traveler]

Your description fits the Remington-Lee in .45-70 caliber.  The rifle was designed by James Paris Lee, an American that pioneered the bolt action that bears his name.

The Lee Rifle Co. made small quantities and Remington made a larger batch (several thousand) for trials by the US Army in the early 1880's.  It performed well, but Army officials thought repeater rifles would make troops waste ammunition.

The rifle was rejected by the US Army, but the action went on to fame and fortune as the famous Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield of British Army fame. :shock:

[John Traveler]

I just wanted to add that your rifle is the model 1882, and Remington made only 770 rifles for Army trials.

I saw a very nice martially-marked orginal M1882 Remington-Lee at the Tucson gun show last week, and the new owner paid $1600 for it.  A VERY nice collector's item and well worth restoring if you can find the parts! :shock: