Review by Larry S. Sterett Contributing Editor
The Military Remington Rolling Block Rifle
THE MILITARY REMINGTON ROLLING BLOCK RIFLE, 4th Edition, by George Layman. Published by Pioneer Press, Dept. TGM, Union City, TN 38261. Price: $24.95, plus shipping. Available through most bookstores, or direct: Phone: 800-238-6785; email: info@dixiegunworks.com
Originally published a score of years ago in Arizona, this revised 164-page softbound fourth edition by Pioneer Press features some new material. It contains 11 chapters, plus an appendix and a “references” page.
Each of the various models is discussed, from the No. 1 to the Model 1910, chambered for the smokeless 7.62mm Russian cartridge.
(The updated old M1866 Remington Rolling Block was still fighting in World War I, with the French using models chambered for the 8mm Label, and the Russians in 7.62x54R. While the Russian models have not yet turned up in the US on the surplus market to any extent, at least one such rifle used against the US, was captured in Vietnam.) Those rolling blocks manufactured in Belgium, Norway and Spain, which was still turning out a few as late as the 1970s, are also discussed.
Chapter 6 is devoted to coverage of original advertising literature, with Chapter 7 covering the various models on the surplus market during the second half of the 20th century, following World War II. Imagine, you could purchase some rolling block rifles for as little as 62 cents per pound, with a minimum order of nine pounds (one rifle). Some near-mint condition 11mm rolling blocks were selling for $ 18.95 in 1961, with five boxes (100 rounds) of original 11mm cartridges costing $7.50, plus shipping via express.
Chapters 8 and 9 deal with shooting and collecting the rolling blocks.
Those owners of non-rare rolling block models generally like to shoot them, if ammunition can be obtained, or produced from existing cases and handloaded. New brass cases are available for many of the calibers, and loaded ammunition is available for a few, such as the Model 1902 in 7mm Mauser.
Chapter 10 is devoted to miscellaneous information on the various models, while the appendix features a chart listing the documented shipments of the rolling block rifles and carbines from 1888 to 1921.
Many of those shipped after 1896 were chambered for the 7mm Mauser cartridge, while the 100,000 plus shipped from 1915-1916 were chambered for the 8mm Lebel cartridge.
Illustrations are black and white, and consist of views, including closeups, of many rolling blocks, advertisements of rolling blocks, and catalog clips. With over 2 million rolling block rifles and carbines produced by Remington, and a few foreign firms, it was no surprise to find them returning home following World War II. (Back in the late 1950s it was possible to purchase a surplus rolling block rifle for 20 bucks, or less, depending on the condition and caliber. In June 1957, Golden State Arms Corporation was advertising 11mm Remington Rider Rolling Blocks in “beautiful condition” for $12.95. Not so today.
Several Grants, or.more, are necessary.) This is an interesting volume, both for reference, and reading enjoyment.
“Time, oh time, turn back in thy flight…” For collectors, and arms museum curators, it’s a “must.”
