I need one of those rifles, maybe in 45-70! I can't imagine fighting with these. Once the 1st round is shot, the smoke would hide you as well as the enemy.
NOPE. Not nearly as bad. Black powder smoke from a few rifles is no issue. A battlefield is another story but there were no Gettysburgs in the Indian Wars. As far as shooting one, good luck with the ammo. Cheapest goes for $2.50 a round or so. Most people who shoot them re-load but my guess is the primers and powder are way up there and as for finding lead to cast your own, good luck there too. It has to be harder than soft pure lead. Last time I checked .22 LR rounds are about $ .10 apiece.. Biden is stopping sale of .223 ammo completely. You don't have to ban weapons. Just cut off ammunition. Bow and arrows anyone?
When I was a kid I got a toy carbine for Christmas, it fired a plastic bullet and ejected the shell. That didn’t last long because the plastic bullets broke from snapping them back into the shell each time at least the ones I could find. The card board that the gun came attached to had the words “rolling block action”. I had no idea what that meant at the time but it was my favorite gun that I ever had as a kid. Great episode Mike.
I had the six shooter and the carbine. Mattel, also had the derringer that was part of the belt buckle. Also had to be careful when reloading the shells.
@@williamscroggins9627 My brother and I both had the six shooters, as well as derringer and rifles. You could always buy baggies with replacements as well as the stickum caps.
@@coleparker I still have some of the Greenie Stick-um caps. Not sure where I got them. I think I got them with the Parris wood and metal Civil War musket that I bought on eBay several years ago. It shoots a cork musket ball.
@@williamscroggins9627 I remember those muskets. It had a rubber bayonet as well. I really wanted one at the time. I have some stick-um caps as well. They came with the Louis marx miniature cap gun, which is a Springfield 1903, that I have.
Great video . I was unaware of the 1871 Springfield rolling block . A lot of shooters scuff at the 50-70 but I think this is unfounded . A friend and I went on a buffalo hunt a few years ago and he killed a nice bull with a 50-70 roller . He went down with no problem .
The historical videos that you have been making are excellent. Please keep it up. I've been watching you for years and these have been the best. I'm waiting for you to get your hands on a Gatling gun.
Hi Mike, Another great video! We have seen you clean a muzzle loader before and the way you do it, how about one on cleaning a breach loading black powder rifle? I know you are very busy but a flintlock video would be awesome as you haven’t done one in awhile. Best Regards John
Great video! I’m always tempted by these rifles when I see them. I see them in 43 Spanish most often. I broke down and bought a model 4 take down Remington not long ago. It had been “bubba’ed” pretty badly, with a regular bolt in the take down lever hole and the main spring replaced by a flattened nail! I derusted it with electrolysis, had the bore sleeved and chambered for 22 LR. Still have some work to do in it, but I suspect it will make a fine squirrel rifle when it’s done!
I have one of the 1871s in .43 Spanish, I shouldn't have bought it. .43 Spanish is hard to find and expensive, I'd have been better off with a reproduction in .45-70.
@@3ducs Some of the reproductions were made to be chambered for the .45/70 and the 50/90 and weigh a freaking ton because of all the extra steel in the action and barrel. The Spanish versions in 7mm Mauser are vastly better gun and the ammo is not impossible to get.
@@dwightehowell8179 I know, I have two of them, one in 45-70 and another chambered for the huge 50-140. They are very heavy. There is/was one of the 7mm versions at a local shop, I was very tempted. Hickok45 has a very sleek old Roller in 45-70, Uberti or Pedersoli should make a replica of that.
I would gather you are now reloading that cartridge. I remember when you were shooting the McNelly Sharps and the cost of a box of cartridges. Thank you for the history lesson and good shooting.
I have an 1871 that I bought on G*n Broker. The trigger pull was 20lbs. I made a spring out of a hack saw blade. That got down to 5lbs. I can live with 5lbs. Great video, as always Mike!
I didn’t think about it before but in Bowling Green, KY there’s a victorian and Edwardian military rifle shoot at the Green River Gun Club. There’s a pre 1960 service rifle and service pistols shoot (pistol match is 1985 and prior iirc)
I have a hunting version of the Rolling Block in 45-70 Government. It is my favorite deer rifle when there is enough light to use the peep. It is Heavy but a delight to use. 65 gr of Back heavy paper wad grease wad and a 405 grain lead paper patched bullet
@@thomaszaccone3960 Kodiak bears up to 100 yards or meters I've read both. Using one of the strongest actions you can go out a good bit farther with loads for them.
@@thomaszaccone3960 antique rounds load are good for bear out to 100 yards or meters. If using a modern one you can reach out about 175 yards looking on some charts and minimum energy
For being a backup video, it is still a great one! I love how fast that canon bullet made it to Roy's body. I have a question about the Army at the time of this rifles introduction. Were they still doing the stand in ranks and fire in mass? Great fun watching you make smoke, Mike.
Love the rollers. Right now I have them in 22lr, 43 Spanish, 45/70 and 7mm. I have owned several in 43 spanish. All have been slightly different. Condition has ranged from well used to factory new. One thing you did not mention is yours looks like a NYS-NG rifle. The hammer is up turned for easier cocking. Well done. Steve
Another entertaining and educational video by the Duelist although I NEED to see how that rifle fairs at 200 yards. But, the answer I want to know, is why did the government make 10 thousand rolling blocks? They had warehouses full of 61s and 63s just waiting to be converted to trapdoors.
If I recall the NY state 50-70 guns used that same odd hammer and block drop to half cock deal or the one I had did. And for the life of me I can't find a front band for a 11mm that is a 44-77 bore with the band screws vs the old type spring hooks
Hi Mike. The Remington "Rolling Block" was the regulation rifle of the Spanish Infantry, from 1871, in caliber 11 millimeters (which you call 43 Spanish). Starting in 1880, this cartridge was improved by the Spanish gunsmiths Freire and Brull, to fire jacketed bullets that, with 5 grams of black powder (77 grains), gave the bullet a higher velocity without leading the barrel. Before the bolt-action Mauser models (in 1893) with smokeless powder cartridges, the Remington was the best single shot military rifle. I think equal to or better than the British Martiny Henry. It was also an excellent rifle for long-distance competitions and for hunting big game, for example there for hunting bison. Greetings from Spain.
Hi Mike. Thanks for answering me. And you are right, the Remington is an excellent rifle. Although in Europe Pedersoli also sells many Sharps, which is another mythical American rifle. But I like my replicas of the Hawken. And also in Spain for muzzle-oading rifles the license or permit is easier to obtain. I assume you'll also be shooting quite a bit with your '54 Lyman Great Plains. Cheers.
Mike, I always enjoy how you weave history into your videos. FYI: Yesterday a group of History Re-enactors visited the Battleship New Jersey and put on a show and tell about flintlock firearms used by pirates. When they got out a Queen Anne pistol I immediately recognized it, since I learned everything I needed to know about it here first!
Yet another fantastic video, Mike, thank you. These are fantastic rifles (especially the Springfield with its safety feature--I didn't know about that), and although I understand perfectly well why we went with the trapdoor instead, it really is a pity we didn't go with these.
I love the rolling Block. there's Beauty in its simplicity. Also like the safety of yours going into halfcock when loading. After my time in the army. if theres something that can go wrong. It will go wrong.
@@robertrobert7924 the bore is .518-.520 as far as I can tell. There is a slight bulge about 1/3 way up from the muzzle due to a previous owner (i think messing around with smokeless loads). The chamber is on spec and I was using Lee .515/ 450grain bullets in 90% lead/10%tin, starline cases, and 65 gn FG with 1/8 compression.
@@RichardGoth The bore is oversized and damaged. I am sorry for your loss. I would not recommend shooting your rifle in the future. If you can find another rifle that is in good condition, only use pure soft lead cast bullets. That is what I use in my Lee .515 mold.
@@robertrobert7924 yeah unfortunately with the taper on the musket length barrel and the thinness at the muzzle it cant even be relined. I am not really comfortable cutting it down to carbine length so I'll just keep it as a wall hanger
Mike I really enjoyed this video …. Love the rifle. And I just want to mention that I really appreciate the lengths you will go to provide us with a video… thank you.
I love Remington Rolling Blocks, first one I owned was a #4 back around 1999 in .32 Rimflire and back then the ammo from Navy Arms was easy to come by and I had a few boxes of original factory ammo. I hunted small game with it a few times but an old timer one day saw me and asked about the gun and when I told him the caliber he told me how he grew up with one and had always wanted another before he got too old, so me being in my 20's then figured I would have more chances later on so I sold him the gun and all the ammo. A few years back I picked up a Spanish Rolling Block in .43 Spanish. I liked the gun and the round but I really wanted something bigger or more available. I found another .32 Rimfire #4 Rolling Block and experimented with the cases that you need a .22 LR blank or as I found worked better, pulling the bullet from a .22 Short and dumping the powder. I traded that off for something else and picked up another #4 Rolling Block, this time in .22 LR and my son loves shooting it as do I. Then last fall, a guy ended up selling a super clean solid frame in .32 Rimfire that was his Grandfather's so I went back to playing around with another one of those again, but I really would like one of the .50-70 Rolling Blocks. To me they're the one to get. I've got a .50-70 Cimarron Sharps and I love the round. To have one in the Rolling Block would be a lot of fun.
I have a Model 1870 in 50-70. The bore is excellent. I cast my bullets for it. You don't have to use black powder in the 50-70, 25 grains of IMR 4198 is safe and does well. And you don't have any pressure to clean it right away. Best of all, you can see what you've done as you shoot.
As with many others, I too was unaware that Springfield made rollers, as usual I learned a lot! Also didn't know they were such smooth shooters, crisp extraction too!
Mike a great video, did not know about that safety feature on the Springfield models. I had a Trapdoor in .50-70 it is a nice ctg..I have two Egyptian Rolling Block Rifles in .43 Egyptian...need to ream a set of loading dies for them..your stuff is always interesting. Thank you.
Really sweet old rifle, Mike! If I weren't so heavily involved with "levers," the Rolling Block would have been a focus of my collection activities. Alas, funds only stretch so far. THANK you for the video! I really enjoyed it.
Every time I see anything in print or in video form about rolling blocks, I kick myself for not buying one or more of the Spanish or Belgian models I ran across back in the 1970s and early 1980s when they were readily available at very low, by today's standards of course, prices. I even monked up and passed on a very nice Spanish model as recently as 2017 because I was on a mission to collect one of every "JM" Marlin I ever passed on in my misguided youth....And then it was that addiction to Savage 99s after that. Thanks as always for an excellent video covering a firearm I've had a long interest in even if I was not bright enough to buy one or more of them when they were readily available and affordable. Take care and keep the great videos coming!
I just inherited one of these! although the trigger spring is borked. I can drop the hammer but only by pushing on it. Still pretty cool, I'm going to clean it up and put it on the wall
The best laid plans of mice and men lol. I have had those range days too where something goes wrong. You're correct about 30-06 my 1903A4 is a very unpleasant rifle to fire a lot.
Love the video and the rifle, wouldn't mind having one myself. Looking forward to the video on the accuracy, thanks for great gun knowledge and sharing it with everyone.
Loved the video. Great information, and loved seeing the rolling block in action. Another reason for me to be on the look out for one. Thanks again, for all you do. You are a gift.
Always loved the Rolling block though I never got to own one. Closest I ever got was a Mattel Shootin' Shell Rolling block as a kid. Had another chance years later but then Uncle Sam sent me a letter starting with '...Greeting from the President of the United States. Great video Mike. Like that safety feature on the Springfield for sure. Keep 'em coming.
I hate to say it l, but, the quality of the 1871’s far exceeds A lot of what we have today…. I’d love to have one… or five! Lol. Thanks 🙏 for all you do!
Was not aware that the US military ever bought Remington rolling blocks. Lots of the foreign military rolling blocks were on the US market in the late 1950s, which could be had for around $15. Yes, these were mostly in .43 Spanish.
Congrats on making it on the Joe rogan! I was just listening to the audio of them talking about the Colt Patterson wondering where the trigger was lol, And I thought if they're watching that on UA-cam they're probably watching we watching duelist! I pulled up the video and it was you! NICE!
A few years ago I saw a .50-70 carbine at Hakes gun shop in Wrightsville for $700.00. The gun looked a little rough but the bore was decent. Now I wish I had the $700 to buy it. As always great video.
Met you at a cowboy action shooting match on the police range near Cooper City Florida. I told you then that Elmer Keith was a Personal friend of mine. and aside from Keith you are the best gun writer out there. And you still are.
Would have never been able to figure out how to shoot my Pietta .36 Colt Navy without your videos Duelist. Great information on the history, good editing, thanks. By the way, I hit a 1 ft target, 65 yds away, 3 times consecutively!! Can you do a video on replacing a worn hand on the Colt Navy? Thanks again and keep up the good work!!
I had problems hitting ranges sometimes. I'm kinda in the middle of locations so when I can't shoot at one I just call it a day since it means driving 50 miles in the other direction. About 25 miles to one in one direction and 20 to the other way from home. I'd love to have got a bunch of those Springfield/Remingtons in the day surplus.
The 50-70 is a great and effective cartridge. I have used it for hunting deer, black bear and moose . I've also used it in long range shooting matches. Black powder loads , metallic sights at 700 metres ....score was 44/50 Not too shabby. The 45-70 is a better overall cartridge, but the 50-70 is no slouch; especially for hunting
Mike, Remington did adapt the US Gov't. safety system to some of the rolling block rifles they produced most notably the rifles made for the New York State Militia in .50-70. I have one of those actions on a .50-70 semi-custom rifle. I have another #1 action sitting here on my desk, that is getting ready to be polished , so that it can be re-case hardened. Then it will get a 32" barrel in .40-70, and be used as a silhouette rifle, I hope.
Great video, but it led to further questions. To who, and where did the U.S. issue them? When were they taken out of service, and what became of them after that? Love your work, thanks.
Thanks Mike. Great job. If I ever get time to go deer hunting again, I would like to use a single shot big bore black powder rifle. I really like your videos.
Hi Mike, I hope you are well. A be great video or videos would be a tutorial in long range shooting with the sharps, the rem rolling block. With vernier long range tang sights. Also a video with a Gibbs & a whitworth muzzle loader. I think that would generate a lot of interest. Thanks again don
Good to see you AGAIN! I hope You are Having FUN! Let those Negative or Assuming Comments Roll Off like Water off a Duck's BUTT! Sounds to me like an Opportunity to watch another Video!
I guess if you shoot long enough you will eventually be reloading 50 70. Check out Midway USA video series on reproducing Custer’s 50 70 rolling block, it is fascinating.
I have an old Remington roller that was originally chambered in .43 Spanish then years ago re-chambered badly in 11mm Mannlicher. There's a step midway in the chamber part way around. I don't think it can be restored to .43 Spanish. I could have it re-lined to .45-70 or something else but it seems a shame since it has a shiny bore. Any ideas?
Great story/history of the Remington Company! May I ask, what or how much you have to give for an ecxellent New York 1871/72 rifle in 50-70, or what to expect?¨¨¨Greetings from Norway!
@@duelist1954 Thank you very much Mike! Here in Norway we have the Kongsberg rolling block M/1867 in 12X44R The production lasted from 1867 - 1883 at Kongsberg in Norway. Some of them are converted to center ignition and you can use 50-70 brass that is shortened down a little, and you may also have to take a little of the rim. I dont`t own any Kongsberg at the moment. Must say I liked your New York rolling block better, with the safty fiture on the cocking of the hammer and the automatical ejection of the case (like on the 7mmX57 - Mauser rolling block). Sincerely Idar🙂
Adapt And Overcome! You enjoyed shooting it and I enjoyed watching and learning! Even in the Late 1800's the U.S.government wAs worried about the common foot soldier! Was holding the next couple rounds in the fingers a standard army tactic or, just an improvised field thing?
Got one in 43 Spanish but can’t find any bullets or bullet molds for it even though I have some brass. Someday I’ll stumble across some molds but until then it’s a cool wall hanger
The 1870 was made for the Navy. 10,000 units were made that the Navy rejected because the rear sight was installed over the chamber. Springfield made 10,000 more with the rear sight mounted ahead of the chamber and sold the first batch to Remington who promptly sold them to France. In 1871 the Army came along and made a change so that when the breechblock was rolled forward the hammer moved to the half cock notch. This was to satisfy the Cavalry because the idea of loading the rifle and then lowering the hammer to half cock manually while on horseback was problematic. I have one of the 1870 Navy rolling blocks. I got this information on page 50 of the "Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World" book by George Layman.
There aren't many gun channels I can stand to watch everyday, but this channel is one of the very few.
Thanks!
I need one of those rifles, maybe in 45-70! I can't imagine fighting with these. Once the 1st round is shot, the smoke would hide you as well as the enemy.
NOPE. Not nearly as bad. Black powder smoke from a few rifles is no issue. A battlefield is another story but there were no Gettysburgs in the Indian Wars. As far as shooting one, good luck with the ammo. Cheapest goes for $2.50 a round or so.
Most people who shoot them re-load but my guess is the primers and powder are way up there and as for finding lead to cast your own, good luck there too. It has to be harder than soft pure lead. Last time I checked .22 LR rounds are about $ .10 apiece.. Biden is stopping sale of .223 ammo completely. You don't have to ban weapons. Just cut off ammunition. Bow and arrows anyone?
The smoke and noise would actually overwhelm alit of people even out to like 30 meters
😂😂😂
Sorry to hear the 200 wasn't ready for you, but a rifle as fine as this one certainly deserves another range day.
I'll get it out there later this summer.
When I was a kid I got a toy carbine for Christmas, it fired a plastic bullet and ejected the shell. That didn’t last long because the plastic bullets broke from snapping them back into the shell each time at least the ones I could find. The card board that the gun came attached to had the words “rolling block action”. I had no idea what that meant at the time but it was my favorite gun that I ever had as a kid. Great episode Mike.
I also had the same toy carbine as a kid. It was made by Mattel. I quickly lost all of the bullets. Have always wanted a rolling block since then.
I had the six shooter and the carbine. Mattel, also had the derringer that was part of the belt buckle. Also had to be careful when reloading the shells.
@@williamscroggins9627 My brother and I both had the six shooters, as well as derringer and rifles. You could always buy baggies with replacements as well as the stickum caps.
@@coleparker I still have some of the Greenie Stick-um caps. Not sure where I got them. I think I got them with the Parris wood and metal Civil War musket that I bought on eBay several years ago. It shoots a cork musket ball.
@@williamscroggins9627 I remember those muskets. It had a rubber bayonet as well. I really wanted one at the time. I have some stick-um caps as well. They came with the Louis marx miniature cap gun, which is a Springfield 1903, that I have.
Great video . I was unaware of the 1871 Springfield rolling block . A lot of shooters scuff at the 50-70 but I think this is unfounded . A friend and I went on a buffalo hunt a few years ago and he killed a nice bull with a 50-70 roller . He went down with no problem .
The historical videos that you have been making are excellent. Please keep it up. I've been watching you for years and these have been the best. I'm waiting for you to get your hands on a Gatling gun.
Hi Mike, Another great video! We have seen you clean a muzzle loader before and the way you do it, how about one on cleaning a breach loading black powder rifle? I know you are very busy but a flintlock video would be awesome as you haven’t done one in awhile. Best Regards John
Later this summer
I can see the happiness in her eyes!
Great video
Great video! I’m always tempted by these rifles when I see them. I see them in 43 Spanish most often. I broke down and bought a model 4 take down Remington not long ago. It had been “bubba’ed” pretty badly, with a regular bolt in the take down lever hole and the main spring replaced by a flattened nail! I derusted it with electrolysis, had the bore sleeved and chambered for 22 LR. Still have some work to do in it, but I suspect it will make a fine squirrel rifle when it’s done!
I have one of the 1871s in .43 Spanish, I shouldn't have bought it. .43 Spanish is hard to find and expensive, I'd have been better off with a reproduction in .45-70.
@@3ducs Some of the reproductions were made to be chambered for the .45/70 and the 50/90 and weigh a freaking ton because of all the extra steel in the action and barrel. The Spanish versions in 7mm Mauser are vastly better gun and the ammo is not impossible to get.
@@dwightehowell8179 I know, I have two of them, one in 45-70 and another chambered for the huge 50-140. They are very heavy. There is/was one of the 7mm versions at a local shop, I was very tempted. Hickok45 has a very sleek old Roller in 45-70, Uberti or Pedersoli should make a replica of that.
around here none the clubs will let you bring your own steel targets 😞. IMO the rolling block was way better then the trapdoor.
Ha! I literally just dug mine out after sitting in the back for ages. Then I saw your video as I get ready to go shooting tomorrow. Great minds….
Its such a brilliant single shot action . Elegant and super solid , so well made .
Simple and very strong.
I would gather you are now reloading that cartridge. I remember when you were shooting the McNelly Sharps and the cost of a box of cartridges.
Thank you for the history lesson and good shooting.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I am reloading .50-70 now.
I have an 1871 that I bought on G*n Broker. The trigger pull was 20lbs. I made a spring out of a hack saw blade. That got down to 5lbs. I can live with 5lbs. Great video, as always Mike!
I didn’t think about it before but in Bowling Green, KY there’s a victorian and Edwardian military rifle shoot at the Green River Gun Club. There’s a pre 1960 service rifle and service pistols shoot (pistol match is 1985 and prior iirc)
Great video Mike! I was unaware that Springfield had also produced rolling blocks. I learn something new in all of your videos!
I love the Remington Rolling block. Years ago I had one in 43 Spanish that was in pristine condition,
I have a hunting version of the Rolling Block in 45-70 Government. It is my favorite deer rifle when there is enough light to use the peep. It is Heavy but a delight to use. 65 gr of Back heavy paper wad grease wad and a 405 grain lead paper patched bullet
I think you can use modern .45-70 rounds safely on bear too, no?
@@thomaszaccone3960 Kodiak bears up to 100 yards or meters I've read both. Using one of the strongest actions you can go out a good bit farther with loads for them.
@@thomaszaccone3960 antique rounds load are good for bear out to 100 yards or meters. If using a modern one you can reach out about 175 yards looking on some charts and minimum energy
Yeah poking holes in things that didnt needs holes poked into it tends to get the upper echelon in a fidget.
For being a backup video, it is still a great one! I love how fast that canon bullet made it to Roy's body.
I have a question about the Army at the time of this rifles introduction. Were they still doing the stand in ranks and fire in mass?
Great fun watching you make smoke, Mike.
Yeah, I could not help but notice how fast that bullet got there.
I am definitely looking forward to what you and the 1871/1872 can do on paper at 200. Great video as always!
Love the rollers. Right now I have them in 22lr, 43 Spanish, 45/70 and 7mm. I have owned several in 43 spanish. All have been slightly different. Condition has ranged from well used to factory new. One thing you did not mention is yours looks like a NYS-NG rifle. The hammer is up turned for easier cocking. Well done.
Steve
I love the Remington rolling blocks. I own RRB cavalry carbines in (2)45-70, .43 Spanish and .43 Reformado - great fun !
Another entertaining and educational video by the Duelist although I NEED to see how that rifle fairs at 200 yards. But, the answer I want to know, is why did the government make 10 thousand rolling blocks? They had warehouses full of 61s and 63s just waiting to be converted to trapdoors.
If I recall the NY state 50-70 guns used that same odd hammer and block drop to half cock deal or the one I had did. And for the life of me I can't find a front band for a 11mm that is a 44-77 bore with the band screws vs the old type spring hooks
look forward to another range day with this rifle - had never heard of it before. Would be interested in a tad bit more history on its cartridge
Hi Mike. The Remington "Rolling Block" was the regulation rifle of the Spanish Infantry, from 1871, in caliber 11 millimeters (which you call 43 Spanish). Starting in 1880, this cartridge was improved by the Spanish gunsmiths Freire and Brull, to fire jacketed bullets that, with 5 grams of black powder (77 grains), gave the bullet a higher velocity without leading the barrel. Before the bolt-action Mauser models (in 1893) with smokeless powder cartridges, the Remington was the best single shot military rifle. I think equal to or better than the British Martiny Henry. It was also an excellent rifle for long-distance competitions and for hunting big game, for example there for hunting bison. Greetings from Spain.
I have a .43 Spanish rolling block rifle. It is a wonderful gun.
Hi Mike. Thanks for answering me. And you are right, the Remington is an excellent rifle. Although in Europe Pedersoli also sells many Sharps, which is another mythical American rifle. But I like my replicas of the Hawken. And also in Spain for muzzle-oading rifles the license or permit is easier to obtain. I assume you'll also be shooting quite a bit with your '54 Lyman Great Plains. Cheers.
Mike, I always enjoy how you weave history into your videos. FYI: Yesterday a group of History Re-enactors visited the Battleship New Jersey and put on a show and tell about flintlock firearms used by pirates. When they got out a Queen Anne pistol I immediately recognized it, since I learned everything I needed to know about it here first!
I wish I had an original of that.
His straightforward and easy demeanor explanation of the history .Make the information so easy to Watch and understand!
Yet another fantastic video, Mike, thank you. These are fantastic rifles (especially the Springfield with its safety feature--I didn't know about that), and although I understand perfectly well why we went with the trapdoor instead, it really is a pity we didn't go with these.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
I love the rolling Block. there's Beauty in its simplicity. Also like the safety of yours going into halfcock when loading. After my time in the army. if theres something that can go wrong. It will go wrong.
For sure!
I have the NYS NG Model in 50-70. It is very accurate and really fun to shoot. Thanks for another great video Mike.
I have one of those too, still trying to make it shoot straight with my handloads
@@RichardGoth What condition is the bore in? What kind of loads are you using?
@@robertrobert7924 the bore is .518-.520 as far as I can tell. There is a slight bulge about 1/3 way up from the muzzle due to a previous owner (i think messing around with smokeless loads). The chamber is on spec and I was using Lee .515/ 450grain bullets in 90% lead/10%tin, starline cases, and 65 gn FG with 1/8 compression.
@@RichardGoth The bore is oversized and damaged. I am sorry for your loss. I would not recommend shooting your rifle in the future. If you can find another rifle that is in good condition, only use pure soft lead cast bullets. That is what I use in my Lee .515 mold.
@@robertrobert7924 yeah unfortunately with the taper on the musket length barrel and the thinness at the muzzle it cant even be relined. I am not really comfortable cutting it down to carbine length so I'll just keep it as a wall hanger
We had a great 200 yard range here in my area but it was closed because the EPA said lead was poisoning the ground.
Mike I really enjoyed this video …. Love the rifle. And I just want to mention that I really appreciate the lengths you will go to provide us with a video… thank you.
Thank you! I try, but the universe throws a curve ball every now and then.
I love Remington Rolling Blocks, first one I owned was a #4 back around 1999 in .32 Rimflire and back then the ammo from Navy Arms was easy to come by and I had a few boxes of original factory ammo. I hunted small game with it a few times but an old timer one day saw me and asked about the gun and when I told him the caliber he told me how he grew up with one and had always wanted another before he got too old, so me being in my 20's then figured I would have more chances later on so I sold him the gun and all the ammo. A few years back I picked up a Spanish Rolling Block in .43 Spanish. I liked the gun and the round but I really wanted something bigger or more available. I found another .32 Rimfire #4 Rolling Block and experimented with the cases that you need a .22 LR blank or as I found worked better, pulling the bullet from a .22 Short and dumping the powder. I traded that off for something else and picked up another #4 Rolling Block, this time in .22 LR and my son loves shooting it as do I. Then last fall, a guy ended up selling a super clean solid frame in .32 Rimfire that was his Grandfather's so I went back to playing around with another one of those again, but I really would like one of the .50-70 Rolling Blocks. To me they're the one to get. I've got a .50-70 Cimarron Sharps and I love the round. To have one in the Rolling Block would be a lot of fun.
I have a Model 1870 in 50-70. The bore is excellent. I cast my bullets for it. You don't have to use black powder in the 50-70, 25 grains of IMR 4198 is safe and does well. And you don't have any pressure to clean it right away. Best of all, you can see what you've done as you shoot.
Your story telling style makes history vibrant. Thanks.
Thanks!
Awesome video I love Remington roll in blocks on one myself so much fun to shoot enjoy everything you do
Sweet rifle, and great shooting!
Mike, I really like this video. I'd like to get one of these some day.
As with many others, I too was unaware that Springfield made rollers, as usual I learned a lot!
Also didn't know they were such smooth shooters, crisp extraction too!
Mike a great video, did not know about that safety feature on the Springfield models. I had a Trapdoor in .50-70 it is a nice ctg..I have two Egyptian Rolling Block Rifles in .43 Egyptian...need to ream a set of loading dies for them..your stuff is always interesting. Thank you.
I like that Springfield, I didnt know they made a rolling block? Shows the depth of my knowledge, lol. Thanks for showing us
When the video doesn't go to plan it still turns out bloody excellent, well done Mike 👍👍
Sometimes you get lucky. I burned a lot of gas that day, driving from range to range.
Really sweet old rifle, Mike! If I weren't so heavily involved with "levers," the Rolling Block would have been a focus of my collection activities. Alas, funds only stretch so far. THANK you for the video! I really enjoyed it.
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.
Every time I see anything in print or in video form about rolling blocks, I kick myself for not buying one or more of the Spanish or Belgian models I ran across back in the 1970s and early 1980s when they were readily available at very low, by today's standards of course, prices. I even monked up and passed on a very nice Spanish model as recently as 2017 because I was on a mission to collect one of every "JM" Marlin I ever passed on in my misguided youth....And then it was that addiction to Savage 99s after that. Thanks as always for an excellent video covering a firearm I've had a long interest in even if I was not bright enough to buy one or more of them when they were readily available and affordable. Take care and keep the great videos coming!
Hi from Syracuse NY brother thank you for sharing your adventures in history firearms and weapons
Mike,another great video and I like your hat 👍🏽
It's an oldie, but a goodie...LOL
Another great video. You Are my favorite youtuber!! The history part is just amazing!
Thanks!
I just inherited one of these! although the trigger spring is borked. I can drop the hammer but only by pushing on it. Still pretty cool, I'm going to clean it up and put it on the wall
My first rifle was the sport'en two model back in the 60's still got it and shoot it every now and than
Really enjoyed this great history lesson. I knew the rolling block was popular, but not how extensively popular. Thank you so so much!
Mike your the best.
God Bless.👍
The best laid plans of mice and men lol. I have had those range days too where something goes wrong. You're correct about 30-06 my 1903A4 is a very unpleasant rifle to fire a lot.
Thanks for the video Mike, i've always found these rifles interesting, and now i want one!
Love the video and the rifle, wouldn't mind having one myself. Looking forward to the video on the accuracy, thanks for great gun knowledge and sharing it with everyone.
Loved the video. Great information, and loved seeing the rolling block in action. Another reason for me to be on the look out for one. Thanks again, for all you do. You are a gift.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
For a video that wasn't going to be it was awesome Mike. Love the history. we'll done Sir
Nice Shooting Mike. Thanks for the Presentation.
Good video, I'm starting to feel sorry for evil Roy, he's probably not such a bad guy once you get to know him!
We've been together for so long that I'm starting to feel bad for him myself.
@@duelist1954 Yeah I get it!
Always loved the Rolling block though I never got to own one. Closest I ever got was a Mattel Shootin' Shell Rolling block as a kid. Had another chance years later but then Uncle Sam sent me a letter starting with '...Greeting from the President of the United States. Great video Mike. Like that safety feature on the Springfield for sure. Keep 'em coming.
Great details. Interesting armory safety adaptation. Thanks for vid.
I wish they made the repros in the military configuration like this.
I enjoy your videos very much. The history that you present in your videos is absolutely great. Thank you for your efforts!🇺🇸
I hate to say it l, but, the quality of the 1871’s far exceeds A lot of what we have today…. I’d love to have one… or five! Lol. Thanks 🙏 for all you do!
A very interesting and entertaining video.
Thanks
Was not aware that the US military ever bought Remington rolling blocks. Lots of the foreign military rolling blocks were on the US market in the late 1950s, which could be had for around $15. Yes, these were mostly in .43 Spanish.
Congrats on making it on the Joe rogan! I was just listening to the audio of them talking about the Colt Patterson wondering where the trigger was lol, And I thought if they're watching that on UA-cam they're probably watching we watching duelist! I pulled up the video and it was you! NICE!
Somebody else just told me I was on Joe Rogan. I had no idea.
@@duelist1954 I religiously watch both of you every day and to see both of those 2 worlds collide was more than a treat!
Great hat today, Mike, and great content!
A few years ago I saw a .50-70 carbine at Hakes gun shop in Wrightsville for $700.00. The gun looked a little rough but the bore was decent. Now I wish I had the $700 to buy it. As always great video.
Thanks!
Met you at a cowboy action shooting match on the police range near Cooper City Florida. I told you then that Elmer Keith was a Personal friend of mine. and aside from Keith you are the best gun writer out there. And you still are.
Thank you!
Mike, really enjoy your videos and am always amazed at the arms you have or are able to get ahold of for reviews! Thank you!!
Thanks! I'm glad you like the videos.
Very nice. I would love to buy one with the heavy target barrel. Always appealed to me. Thanks for sharing
AWESOME Mike! I have a early 50-70 trapdoor and this one is a beauty
Those are neat too.
Would have never been able to figure out how to shoot my Pietta .36 Colt Navy without your videos Duelist. Great information on the history, good editing, thanks. By the way, I hit a 1 ft target, 65 yds away, 3 times consecutively!!
Can you do a video on replacing a worn hand on the Colt Navy?
Thanks again and keep up the good work!!
I had problems hitting ranges sometimes. I'm kinda in the middle of locations so when I can't shoot at one I just call it a day since it means driving 50 miles in the other direction. About 25 miles to one in one direction and 20 to the other way from home. I'd love to have got a bunch of those Springfield/Remingtons in the day surplus.
The 50-70 is a great and effective cartridge. I have used it for hunting deer, black bear and moose . I've also used it in long range shooting matches. Black powder loads , metallic sights at 700 metres ....score was 44/50 Not too shabby. The 45-70 is a better overall cartridge, but the 50-70 is no slouch; especially for hunting
Pretty neat Mike
Mike, Remington did adapt the US Gov't. safety system to some of the rolling block rifles they produced most notably the rifles made for the New York State Militia in .50-70. I have one of those actions on a .50-70 semi-custom rifle. I have another #1 action sitting here on my desk, that is getting ready to be polished , so that it can be re-case hardened. Then it will get a 32" barrel in .40-70, and be used as a silhouette rifle, I hope.
Thanks for the info. I appreciate it
Great video, but it led to further questions. To who, and where did the U.S. issue them? When were they taken out of service, and what became of them after that? Love your work, thanks.
Thanks Mike. Great job. If I ever get time to go deer hunting again, I would like to use a single shot big bore black powder rifle. I really like your videos.
UA-cam ate my comment earlier. You would be welcome at Jefferson I'm sure. (JSA) .. Thanks Mike. Great video!
Hi Mike, I hope you are well. A be great video or videos would be a tutorial in long range shooting with the sharps, the rem rolling block. With vernier long range tang sights. Also a video with a Gibbs & a whitworth muzzle loader. I think that would generate a lot of interest. Thanks again don
Maybe next spring or summer
Awesome video Mike, thanx ..!
Good to see you AGAIN! I hope You are Having FUN!
Let those Negative or Assuming Comments Roll Off like Water off a Duck's BUTT!
Sounds to me like an Opportunity to watch another Video!
I guess if you shoot long enough you will eventually be reloading 50 70. Check out Midway USA video series on reproducing Custer’s 50 70 rolling block, it is fascinating.
Now that is a Cool old rifle. And seems to be a Shooter. Mr. Mike thanks for showing this to all of us. Joe Security.
EVIL ROY is blessed to have so many lives
That’s the truth…LOL
I have an old Remington roller that was originally chambered in .43 Spanish then years ago re-chambered badly in 11mm Mannlicher. There's a step midway in the chamber part way around. I don't think it can be restored to .43 Spanish. I could have it re-lined to .45-70 or something else but it seems a shame since it has a shiny bore. Any ideas?
Good stuff, Mike. I'm curious. Where do you find brass for 50-70 nowadays?
Old days you used 50 Norwegian brass with a tape wrap or win 348 brass. Now just order on line if its in stock like even .357 is hard to get now.
Buffalo Arms for me.
I like the big bores. 45 70. The 50.
If I had to have a single shot rifle back in the 1870's I think I would preferred the rolling block over the trap door action.
Great Video!!!!
Great story/history of the Remington Company! May I ask, what or how much you have to give for an ecxellent New York 1871/72 rifle in 50-70, or what to expect?¨¨¨Greetings from Norway!
About $1,500
@@duelist1954 Thank you very much Mike! Here in Norway we have the Kongsberg rolling block M/1867 in 12X44R The production lasted from 1867 - 1883 at Kongsberg in Norway. Some of them are converted to center ignition and you can use 50-70 brass that is shortened down a little, and you may also have to take a little of the rim. I dont`t own any Kongsberg at the moment. Must say I liked your New York rolling block better, with the safty fiture on the cocking of the hammer and the automatical ejection of the case (like on the 7mmX57 - Mauser rolling block).
Sincerely Idar🙂
Adapt And Overcome!
You enjoyed shooting it and I enjoyed watching and learning! Even in the Late 1800's the U.S.government wAs worried about the common foot soldier!
Was holding the next couple rounds in the fingers a standard army tactic or, just an improvised field thing?
Loved the video. Having fun even beats out paper holes most of the time. Do you mind elaborating how the cartridge is lubed? Is the bullet hollow?
Flat based bullet, sized .513, lubed with lamb's tallow/beeswax
I always enjoy your videos. Have your ever filmed a hunting video? I would enjoy that.
I love your glasses! Where can I get period correct glasses? I'm going to use them for prospecting and fun.
These are actual 19th century antiques. I go to antique stores looking for things like this.
I really like that rifle. I think I shot a smaller caliber version of that rifle back in the late 1980s. Maybe .45 Calber
Really interesting gun. Thank you👌🤠👍
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Got one in 43 Spanish but can’t find any bullets or bullet molds for it even though I have some brass. Someday I’ll stumble across some molds but until then it’s a cool wall hanger
The 1870 was made for the Navy. 10,000 units were made that the Navy rejected because the rear sight was installed over the chamber. Springfield made 10,000 more with the rear sight mounted ahead of the chamber and sold the first batch to Remington who promptly sold them to France. In 1871 the Army came along and made a change so that when the breechblock was rolled forward the hammer moved to the half cock notch. This was to satisfy the Cavalry because the idea of loading the rifle and then lowering the hammer to half cock manually while on horseback was problematic. I have one of the 1870 Navy rolling blocks. I got this information on page 50 of the "Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World" book by George Layman.
Thanks Paul
@@duelist1954 Let me be clear. Nothing you said was wrong and I was not criticizing, I just thought the Navy story was interesting.
@@paulmazan4909 I appreciated the info.