Recently picked up this pretty darn rare example of a Remington New Model Single-Action Belt Revolver (6.5" barrel) that is definitely of the scarce few factory .38RF conversions. Only 2500-3000 are known to have been made from 1863-1874, and this one was built on a double-action Remington-Rider frame indicative of a very early production gun (mentioned in Flayderman's pictured below). Apart from the missing front sight and a few peening marks from a likely game of cowboys and indians forever ago in some neighborhood lot or backyard...this one is sweet. It appears to be serial #131...a backwards C prefix as noted in a few books which could be a die-cracked 0, or speculated was stamped when factory converted to cartridge in 1873. The barrel legend also does not read "New Model" under the address, which is perplexing...but some of the early Rider DA guns didn't have it or had it so lightly it simply wore off, which either could have happened here...perhaps a low serial thing and it never had it. Locks up tight, and the bore is a solid 90%. Next step is to get some .38RF up and loaded to let this gal rip. I already cast the proper Eras Gone heel-based projectile and have plenty acorn blanks and powder...would just need some brass, which is coming from Canada not too far off! Firstly, this gal will make a trip to Lodgewood Mfg with David Stavlo for a once-over, a nice brass blade front sight resoldered on properly, and getting those peens sorted so brass will chamber properly in all 6 chambers. Big score here, and I couldn't be more stoked if I tried. One of the rarest Remington revolvers ever produced and here she is in the flesh.
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