Winchester Hotchkiss 45-70 Model 1879 US Navy Rifle

[varifleman]

Here for your viewing pleasure is my Winchester Hotchkiss 45-70 Model 1879 U.S. Navy rifle serial number 2926., 32"" round barrel with Naval acceptance proofs visible (WWK Lt W.W.. Kimball on chamber, the initials ""R.T"" are carved onto the right side of the butt-stock. Left side has ""257 042"" stamped just below receiver address.. The Winchester Hotchkiss is a smooth-working arm holding five rounds in a tubular magazine within the butt plus one in the chamber. First models are identified by the giant rotating mag cutoff/safety on the right side under the bolt. These rifles remained in service until 1895 when they were superseded by the Winchester-Lee Model 1895 6mm US Navy rifle.

[Anderson]

Interesting rifle.

[varifleman]

Got the Cody Firearms Museum shipment letter; any way to trace the order number to see USN recipient?

[mauser9]

Very nice! My book claims over 84,000 Hotchkiss rifles made between 1879-1889. Also made with carbine configuration with a 24 inch barrel with 1 band. Thanks for sharing.

[Richard2]

That is a really nice rifle! The recipient of the Winchester-Hotchkiss serial number 2926 was the New York Navy Yard, received on January 7, 1880. This is from the book Springfield Research Service Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms, Volume 3, page 188.

[varifleman]

Thanks Richard2 for the information' much appreciated!