Winchester-Hotchkiss M1879 & M1883 Bolt Actions

Published on February 9, 2014
Duration: 4:17

This video provides an in-depth look at the Winchester-Hotchkiss M1879 and M1883 bolt-action rifles. It covers their design by Benjamin Hotchkiss, their participation in US Army trials, technical specifications like the .45-70 Government caliber and tubular buttstock magazine, and key differences between the M1879 and M1883 models, including design revisions to address durability issues. The production history and notable sales, such as to the Chinese government, are also discussed.

Quick Summary

The Winchester-Hotchkiss M1883 is an early American bolt-action rifle designed by Benjamin Hotchkiss, chambered in .45-70 Government. It features a 5-6 round tubular buttstock magazine and a magazine cutoff. A key revision from the M1879 was its two-piece stock, addressing breakage issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction to the Winchester-Hotchkiss M1883
  2. 00:43Designer Benjamin Hotchkiss
  3. 01:00Military Trials and Adoption
  4. 01:35Technical Specifications
  5. 02:05Magazine Cutoff Feature
  6. 02:50Production and Sales
  7. 03:18Model Comparison: M1879 vs M1883

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key features of the Winchester-Hotchkiss M1883 rifle?

The Winchester-Hotchkiss M1883 is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government. It features a tubular magazine in the buttstock holding 5-6 rounds and a magazine cutoff lever, a common military requirement of the era.

Who designed the Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle?

The Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle was designed by Benjamin Hotchkiss, an American inventor known for his work on cannons and machine guns. He achieved significant success with his firearm designs in overseas markets.

What were the main differences between the M1879 and M1883 Hotchkiss rifles?

The primary difference was the stock design. The M1879 had a one-piece stock prone to breakage, while the M1883 incorporated a two-piece stock to address this durability issue, particularly around the magazine cutoff area.

In which caliber was the Winchester-Hotchkiss M1883 chambered?

The Winchester-Hotchkiss M1883 was chambered in the .45-70 Government cartridge. This was the standard military cartridge used by the US Army during that period, making it a relevant choice for military trials and adoption.

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