At the Victoria 56th annual gun show at the Saanichton Fair Grounds last weekend I came across a rifle I've been pursuing for over 40 years.
A 3rd Model 1883 Hotchkiss repeating rifle with US inspector and martial acceptance stamps. It isn't the Carbine version. It's also the improved model with the two piece stock.
My computer skills are challenged at best so if you're interested in looking at pics, GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND. Lots of pics that are exactly like my specimen.
The receiver still has some straw colors but most of the finish above the wood is a dappled gray patina. Bore is excellent. Wood is very good without cracks and retains 80% of its finish.
No broken parts, all parts present, thankfully.
I believe it's the first repeating bolt action rifle, chambered in 45-70 to be issued to the US military. This rifle was made in early 1884 and was likely issued to a State Militia unit. US Army issued rifles are typically in very rough condition. US Navy examples can be hit and miss. The serial number is below 25,000 so the number is actually on the trigger guard, rather than the right front receiver.
The Chinese bought the Lion's share of the production at 110,000 units.
The last rifles I saw were from China and they looked like they went to Hell on more than one occasion. Ridden hard and put away wet.
I'm fussy about what I buy. This was the first rifle that I've seen in acceptable condition and in a price range that was within my budget. My only regret is acquiring it so late in my life. Still, I'm looking forward to shooting it with Carbine loads of lead and black powder.
TURF THE LIBERALS IN 2019
Liberals really like POOR people, they're making more of them every day
If you can't vote CPC, stay at home in protest
A 3rd Model 1883 Hotchkiss repeating rifle with US inspector and martial acceptance stamps. It isn't the Carbine version. It's also the improved model with the two piece stock.
My computer skills are challenged at best so if you're interested in looking at pics, GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND. Lots of pics that are exactly like my specimen.
The receiver still has some straw colors but most of the finish above the wood is a dappled gray patina. Bore is excellent. Wood is very good without cracks and retains 80% of its finish.
No broken parts, all parts present, thankfully.
I believe it's the first repeating bolt action rifle, chambered in 45-70 to be issued to the US military. This rifle was made in early 1884 and was likely issued to a State Militia unit. US Army issued rifles are typically in very rough condition. US Navy examples can be hit and miss. The serial number is below 25,000 so the number is actually on the trigger guard, rather than the right front receiver.
The Chinese bought the Lion's share of the production at 110,000 units.
The last rifles I saw were from China and they looked like they went to Hell on more than one occasion. Ridden hard and put away wet.
I'm fussy about what I buy. This was the first rifle that I've seen in acceptable condition and in a price range that was within my budget. My only regret is acquiring it so late in my life. Still, I'm looking forward to shooting it with Carbine loads of lead and black powder.
TURF THE LIBERALS IN 2019
Liberals really like POOR people, they're making more of them every day
If you can't vote CPC, stay at home in protest
