The 1878 Remington-Keene: Tube Fed .45-70 Bolt Action Rifle

Published on August 23, 2017
Duration: 14:28

This guide details the disassembly and loading procedures for the 1878 Remington-Keene rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the unique left-hand thread disassembly screw and the bottom loading gate mechanism. The information is presented with a focus on historical accuracy and mechanical understanding, suitable for enthusiasts and collectors.

Quick Summary

The 1878 Remington-Keene is a unique bolt-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government, featuring an under-barrel tubular magazine loaded via a bottom gate. Developed by John W. Keene and manufactured by Remington, it competed in 1878 military trials but saw limited military adoption, becoming primarily a commercial success with around 5,000 units produced.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Remington-Keene Rifle
  2. 00:45Development History by John W. Keene
  3. 01:451878 U.S. Military Trials
  4. 03:20Commercial Release and Production
  5. 04:37Mechanical Design: Bolt Action & Tube Magazine
  6. 05:41Cocking Mechanism Explained
  7. 07:11Feeding and Loading Procedure
  8. 08:30Disassembly Process
  9. 11:22Sights and Magazine Cutoff

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the 1878 Remington-Keene rifle?

The 1878 Remington-Keene rifle, as featured in the video, is chambered in .45-70 Government. It was also offered in other calibers like .40-60 and .43 Spanish during its commercial production.

How does the Remington-Keene load ammunition?

The Remington-Keene utilizes an under-barrel tubular magazine. Ammunition is loaded through a gate located on the bottom of the action, similar to some other period firearms, but distinct from many Winchester designs.

What is unique about the Remington-Keene's bolt action and cocking mechanism?

It features a bolt action with a single locking lug, reminiscent of the French Chassepot. Notably, it has a hammer-shaped cocking piece for visual status, but it is striker-fired and requires manual cocking after cycling the bolt.

Was the Remington-Keene successful in military trials?

No, the Remington-Keene was rejected by the U.S. Army in 1878. While the Navy purchased 250 units for testing, they did not place further orders, and the rifle was primarily a commercial venture.

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