Remington-Lee Model 1879

Published on September 4, 2015
Duration: 10:02

This guide details the disassembly and magazine interaction of the Remington-Lee Model 1879, as explained by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the rifle's bolt action, the complexity of bolt disassembly requiring a screwdriver, and the evolution of its detachable box magazine, including modifications to the magazine well. The information is presented with high authority, drawing on detailed historical and mechanical knowledge.

Quick Summary

The Remington-Lee Model 1879, the first successful design by James Paris Lee, revolutionized firearms with its detachable box magazine. This design, developed to prevent cartridge detonation in tube magazines, is now standard. The rifle features a bolt-action, cock-on-close mechanism, with the bolt handle acting as a locking lug and a receiver hood aiding primary extraction.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Remington-Lee Model 1879
  2. 00:26James Paris Lee's Background
  3. 01:20Invention of the Detachable Box Magazine
  4. 01:33Development and Manufacturing History
  5. 02:17US Navy Adoption
  6. 03:52Magazine Design Evolution
  7. 05:58Rifle Modifications for Magazines
  8. 07:38Receiver Hood and Extraction
  9. 08:20Bolt Action and Disassembly
  10. 09:20Conclusion and Auction Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Remington-Lee Model 1879 historically significant?

The Remington-Lee Model 1879 is historically significant as the first successful design by James Paris Lee, featuring the revolutionary detachable box magazine, a design that became ubiquitous in modern firearms and offered safer, faster reloading than contemporary methods.

How did James Paris Lee's background influence his firearm designs?

James Paris Lee, a Scottish-born inventor who moved to Canada and then Wisconsin, spent decades developing firearm technology. His focus was on solving the dangers of tube magazines, leading him to invent the detachable box magazine to prevent cartridge detonation under recoil.

What are the key mechanical features of the Remington-Lee Model 1879?

The Remington-Lee Model 1879 features a bolt-action, cock-on-close mechanism. Its bolt handle acts as a locking lug, and a receiver hood assists in primary extraction. It utilizes a 5-round detachable box magazine.

What is the significance of the magazine modifications on some Remington-Lee Model 1879 rifles?

Many original US Navy contract Remington-Lee Model 1879 rifles were hand-modified with a cutout in the magazine well. This modification allowed the rifles to properly seat the later Lee-Cook style magazines, which featured a riveted detent.

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