Remington Rolling Block Argentine Contract Model 1879 Rifle — 11mm Mannlicher!

A very nice, scarce, original Argentine Contract Remington Rolling Block Model 1879 Rifle rechambered to 11mm Mannlicher. This is a really nice-looking rifle with original 3-line Remington factory tang markings — partially illegible, with patent dates from 1864 to 1878. The Remington name and address on the tang of the receiver has become faint but most of it is fairly discernible. The model and date information is listed on the barrel top, and is clear:   MODELO ARGENTINO. 1879 E.N.  (The “E.N.” abbreviation is for the Ejercito Nacional, or National Army in Argentina.) Just above this is stamped “11 Mann”,  indicating that this rifle was originally chambered in .43 Spanish but  rechambered for the the more readily-available 11mm Mannlicher (Werndl) cartridge, in the 1950s,.Only 300 rifles were converted!  (The 11×58mmR M1877, 11mm Werndl or 11.15×58mmR is a black powder cartridge used in the M1867 Werndl–Holub rifle as well as the Mannlicher M1886 rifle.) This rifle was likely produced by Remington in the mid-1880s. It has a nice dark walnut stock and forend with just a few typical dings, but no cracks. It has a nice (85%) thinning Argentine arsenal blued finish – far above average for an Argentine Contract Remington Rolling Block. The receiver has traces of its original color casehardening. The original, correct ramrod is present, and is in nice condition. The rolling block action works perfectly. The original ladder infantry rear sight has three steps when the ladder is in the down position, and is incremented from 500 to 1,100 yards in the up position, and it locks properly in both the up and down positions. But the ladder slider is loose when set for more than 900 yards. The bore is quite nice, with distinct rifling. So, in addition to being a desirable collector’s piece, this should make a great shooter for anyone who handloads. (Special handloading notes: Factory 11mm Mannlicher ammo is fairly scarce, but reloading components are readily available. Start by contacting Buffalo Arms. You will need 385-grain .43 Spanish bullets. You’ll also need some .348 Winchester brass. This brass has a slightly lower shoulder but this is easily corrected by fire-forming the cartridge. The brass will stretch to fit and will not harm the brass nor the chamber. You can use standard Large Rifle primers. Use reloading dies will be for the 11mmx58R Werndl with a matching shell holder.   (CLSF-436)