Remington RB Light Baby Carbine

[dltvette]

I've noticed a few post on Remington Rolling Blocks, so I thought I would share one of mine.
This is a Remington Saddle Ring Light Baby Carbine, chambered for the .44 RF cartridge with an 18" barrel (the majority were chambered for the .44-40 cartridge and had a 20" barrel). The overall length is 33-5/8" and weighs approximately 5.5 pounds. There were approximately 3,480 Light Baby Carbines manufactured starting in 1889 and sold through 1910, with the majority sold between 1889-1898, with diminishing sales through 1910.
The top tang is marked: E. Remington & Sons. Ilion, N.Y. U.S.A. PAT. May 3rd 1864. May 7th. June 11th. Nov 12th. Dec. 24th 1872. Dec. 31st 1872. Sept. 9th 1873. Jan 12th. March 18th 1874.
The serial number is marked under the stock on the left side of the frame (1251).
The left side of the stock behind the receiver, is marked: 44 R F
These originally sold for $13.25 for a blued version & $14.00 for a nickeled plated version.
Dave

 

[Iggy]

Good looking old rifle. I had one similar to that chambered in .357 Magnum. Fun gun.

 

[Texas Star]

Those old Rolling Blocks got around. I think Egypt used them (and Remington .44 Model 1875 revolvers) and some Nordic country had them. (??)

Lt. W.L.S Churchill, of the British Army, observing the Spaniards in Cuba in the 1890's mentioned that they had them, I think in cal. 11mm Spanish, although Churchill's book didn't specify caliber.

 

[Alpo]

"some Nordic country had them. (??)"

Sho' nuff. Both Denmark and Sweden issued 'em.

 

[dltvette]

Although the Light Baby Carbine was a "military-style" carbine, it was manufactured several years after the the Remington Rolling Block Military Firearms were ordered by foreign countries.
Listed in The History of Remington Firearms by Roy Marcot are some of the foreign countries ordering and or licensed by Remington to manufacture the rolling block rifles.
Denmark: 1867-1868 (Rem.Model 1867) (later given license to manufacture).
Sweden & Norway: 1867 (Rem.Model 1867) (later given license to manufacture).
Egypt: 1869-1879
The Papal States:1868-1869 (license given to Nagant Bros.)
Belgium: 1869-1871 Ordered from Nagant Bros.
Cuba & Spain: 1868-1872
Japan: 1867-1868
Greece: 1869-1871
Chile: 1874
Peru: 1874
Puerto Rico: 1874
Argentina: Early 1870's - 1879
Mexico: 1869-1873
Below are photos of a sample of a Danish Rem. Rolling Block with the last photo showing the size comparison with the Light Baby Carbine.
Dave

 

[Muley Gil]

I've always loved the rolling block rifles. My first centerfire rifle was a .43 Spanish carbine that I got at the Baltimore Antique gun show, back around 1971.

Later RBs that I have owned are a .22 LR No 4 and a Uberti baby carbine in .357 Magnum.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I had one in 7MM years ago. Wish I could remember the country that it was from.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have a "Reformado", that is a Spanish arsenal made copy of the rolling block (without paying Remington a fee) in the 43 Reformado cartridge. That uses a .454 400 grain bullet in a 57mm (2 1/4") case. It uses an almost semi spitzer round nose bullet that I can't find a mould to cast them, and around 75 grains of FFg black powder. I also have a Egyptian action that was re-barreled to 50-50 U.S. carbine (same as 50-55 Maynard). I made brass from Dixie 50-70 brass, and load it with a 425 grain bullet over 50 grains of FFg BP. It is a joy to shoot.

I believe the 44 RF round is the Henry round. If you can find a center fire block you could use 44 S&W Russian ammo. There is supposed to be a way to re-drill the rim fire block, but I assume you won't want to do that! Ivan

 

[mrcvs]

I did not see this thread until now. Here is a Baby Carbine I have, in .44-40, a true baby carbine. I suspect an old re-nickel with regards to finish, however.