The British Contract Remington Model 14 1/2 in .44 Remington (.44-40 Winchester) is a scarce and historically significant variation of Remington’s pump-action rifle, ordered by Britain during World War I to supplement a severe shortage of small arms. In April 1915, the British Admiralty procured 4,000 of these rifles, issuing them primarily to miscellaneous craft and the Royal Naval Air Service (R.N.A.S.). The selection of .44-40 Winchester as the chambering was a direct result of Britain’s previous purchase of 20,000 Winchester Model 1892 rifles in the same caliber. Due to Britain’s urgent need for arms, the British Admiralty and Royal Navy Command reached out to Winchester through purchasing agents at J.P. Morgan and the Canadian Minister of Militia, Sam Hughes, who agreed to send Canadian small arms inspectors to Winchester’s factory to process these lever-action rifles. The Canadian Master General of Ordnance was tasked with selecting the most suitable rifle options for the Winchester-produced .44-40 cartridges.
Unlike later Model 14 1/2 rifles with spiral tubular magazines, these early British contract versions retained the original full-length straight magazine tube. Some examples were marked with rack numbers on the frame, and all were stamped with a Dominion of Canada Proof on the barrel, indicating inspection and acceptance. Due to their limited numbers, unique military history, and connection to the broader British and Canadian wartime arms procurement efforts, surviving examples of these rifles are highly collectible today, especially those retaining their original markings and finishes.
This rifle is in VG mechanical condition with over 50% original finish. The bore is shiny with some wear. Wood is in good condition with a later repair on the wrist of the stock. $1000 Not on line contact orders@theshootingcentre.com
