Author Topic: Rolling Block (Read 1027 times)

marlinman93 · « **on:** August 14, 2004, 06:29:41 PM »

Boy am I a happy guy! Found a old Rolling Block 20 ga. shotgun walking into our local gun show today! It looked pretty decent, with sound wood, and metal. The whole gun was covered with a brown fuzz, from years of neglect, but the seller only wanted $100, so I snatched it up!
After cleaning it up, it looks pretty nice, and turns out it is not a Remington as I thought. Instead it's a Whiney Arms Rolling Block. Flayderman's says that between 1881-1887 Whitney built less than 1,000 of these RB shotguns, after Remington's patent ran out.
Once I get through it thoroughly, and it checks out, I will take it to the range and break some clays with light target loads. Should be a fun shotgun, and a real conversation piece at the trap range!

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #1 on:** August 15, 2004, 08:32:00 AM »

Congrtulations, great find and for only $100 its even sweeter. Wish those things happened to me now and then. You take care of that gun its a gift from Heaven. POW

marlinman93 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2004, 09:31:49 AM »

Yes, it definitely is a super gun for the money! I like Remingtons, but I like oddball guns even more! Having a Whitney RB is just a bit better for my oddball interests!
A bit more investigation into my reseach books shows it to be a second variation, which is nearly identical to the Remington version, with the exception of the receiver cross pins. The Whitney uses pins with a plate attached to each pin. Where they overlap, they are secured by a single screw, unlike the Remington version where the single screw hold a common unattached plate. The ends of the Whiney plates are small half hooks, that swing under the retaining screw. Very unique way of retaining them.
This Whitney is also the large framed version, so it is very strong, and should withstand light target loads with no trouble. Can't wait to see the guys faces at the trap range!

marlinman93 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2004, 04:16:25 PM »

I'd love to post a picture here, but the photo album wont allow me to upload a picture. Here's a link to a picture though.
http://www.marlinowners.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=&pos=3

JCP · « **Reply #4 on:** August 27, 2004, 03:44:31 AM »

Man; I don't see how you sleep at night, you robbed that guy. If you conscience starts bothering you i'll take it off your hands.
By the way does the forearm have 2 screws or 1. I'm building a rolling block buffalo rifle and was wandering if the originals had 1 or 2 screws.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 01, 2004, 02:24:16 PM »

Hey, I let him name his price, not me. Didn't even dicker with him. What really surprised me was that a dozen guys looked at it before me, and didn't buy it? It did look pretty crusty, and the bore hadn't been cleaned in years, but I figured the action was worth the $100. It wasn't until I soaked it, and cleaned it, that I found out what a decent gun lay hidden underneath all that crud. Several guys who saw it cleaned up, regretted not taking a chance on it before me! Their loss!
The forearm has one screw, as do all Remingtons also. I have two other rollers, and a Hepburn. They all use a single screw to hold the forearm, on sporting type rifles.
I'd like to see your buffalo gun when you finish it! I saw an original Remington heavy octagon barrel, with a new Rebmans .45-70 liner for sale at our show this last weekend. The guy wanted $125, and it would have screwed right on the Whitney, but I hate to change the Whitney after it came out so clean. I sure contemplated it though!

JCP · « **Reply #6 on:** September 02, 2004, 02:51:03 PM »

I'll finish my roller this winter and try to take some photos. Thanks for the info on the forearm screw.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 05, 2004, 06:04:13 PM »

Here's a link to a picture of my Remington #2 in .22 LR. It's a nearly 100% gun, unrestored. Wish all my old single shots were as good condition!
http://www.marlinowners.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-339

2520 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 08, 2004, 03:06:04 AM »

Very nice. I missed one a few months ago in simular condition. I was to meet the owner at a show and he failed to appear having sold the gun to someone else (for less $$). Go figure. I bought a Mod 4 take down, second version, in real nice condition at the same show. This rifle has been restocked with (I believe) a Fajan stock. Very fancy but not original wood. I have found a source for a original style stock but not the butt plate. Have been beating the show circuit in my neck of the woods in search of one without success. Any suggestions for other places to look appreciated. Off to the range today with my Martini K-Hornet-load testing. Keep them shooting, one at a time.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 08, 2004, 02:20:24 PM »

I saw a great original stock set for a #2 at a local show, but haven't sen anything for a #4. I'll keep my eyes open, as mant of my gun friends are also into single shot rifles. Something should turn up. How much condition are you looking for? I assume something real nice, but if you have talents to refinish, maybe something solid and restoreable?

2520 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 09, 2004, 02:02:41 AM »

Marlinman 93: Thanks for looking. Will settle for anything restorable. I have a source for the wood, what I really need is a butt plate. Two shows this week end-maybe I'll get lucky. I have a Ballard Gallery model barrel left over from my Ballard project (24" with front sight) if anyone needs one. The Martini shoots well with the new loads. Regrettable that it is too heavy to take anywhere but the range. Need to buy a camera. Imagine a heavy bench rest rifle built around a Cadet action. Can't leave them alone these single shots. Appreciate your assistance.