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 These rifles remained in service until 1895 when they were superseded by the Winchester-Lee Model 1895 6mm US Navy rifle.

[Randy Bohannon]

Very cool rifle, thanks for the lesson.

[beemer]

I ran across one of those a gun shop good many years back, it was in really nice condition. I thought the price was a little high but after thinking about it a while I went back and it was gone. Had a sore backside for kicking my own butt.

Looks like I would have learned better but it has happened several times. You just can't find that stuff at any reasonable price now.

[Ithaca Gunner]

I genuinely wish you fun and luck with it. Wear a heavy leather glove on your left hand.

[TNsailorman]

Great find. I have read about them but this is the first picture I have ever seen of one. Never saw one in person either. Thank you very much for posting those pictures. james

[ulav8r]

Looks like it would be fun filling the magazine (NOT).

[varifleman]

I've applied to the Cody Firearms Museum to get the shipment information letter and should get answer in about a month. When i shoot the rifle I'll post range report. Does anybody know if a copy of an original instruction manual or reprint manual for this rifle is available?

[WILCO]

Bolt reminds me of the Mosin Nagant M91/30.

[varifleman]

Here's a Youtube video showing loading and firing of this type rifle; enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0pz6kpZ20s

[varifleman]

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

[varifleman]

Thanks to Richard2 on War Relics forum got the US Navy recipient for this 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.

[Bmi48219]

Very cool. Never seen one. Does the bolt serve as the only locking lug?

[waksupi]

Now you need a Remington-Keene to keep it company!

[varifleman]

Yes the 1879 Hotchkiss had a single rear locking lug integral with the bolt handle.