I have had the Army Rolling Block Pistol for 15+ years. Cut down .50 cal brass and made some ammo for it. I can see why it never caught on. But the surplus actions were put to good use 40 years later by using them to make some unique rifles.  Only around 300 were made and I lucked into two of them. A .25/25 and a .22 LR. Both are a blast to shoot, and I was able to get brass for the .25 as well as dies.

I concur with what Val said.  Neat little guns.

Congratulations on finding a couple nice #7’s.  The 300 number seems to be arbitrary, I’ve seen numbers from 300 to 600, it would be nice if a number could be pinned down.
Bob

I have seen them for years at shows but only recently found these two for sale. The 300 number shows up in some sources with Landskron (Remington Rolling Block Pistols) states 350.  Still a small number for a very unique rifle and for the time an expensive one.

Do any of them state a source?  I always wonder if they are just repeating what has been seen elsewhere, from observed serial numbers or actual records.  I don’t have those books, so maybe someone can clarify this for me.
Bob

Vall, that’s good info. Since they had some access to the records, I would tend to believe their numbers then.
Bob

marlinguy wrote on Apr 24^th, 2024 at 5:02pm:


Some of the most beautiful rifles anybody was making back then--or now.

curdog wrote on Apr 27^th, 2024 at 8:04am:

We try! You are welcome.

curdog wrote on Apr 27^th, 2024 at 8:04am:


You have parts for an original #7?  Or castings?
Bob

I got curious and checked Grant's first three books for information but there ain't much, was surprised!

Parts needed for a "#7 clone"
#2 sporting rifle barrel with the Remington Arms Co inscription. You will have to turn the front portion to round.
original 1871 Army pistol. Bend the tangs and move the trigger pivot pin.  See Landskron's book for details
Make the mainspring.
Gunstock Set from George at Treebone. This pattern was from Dave Higgenbotham of Lone Star Rifle Co. for the three LSR #7s he manufactured.  Ask George to turn it a little thicker than the LSR pattern.
Beech front sight
Early Lyman tang sight.  There are a couple of rather short #1s that can be adapted.
#7 tang sight base (extremely rare) or copy one if you can find an original to borrow.  An option here is to mount a rear barrel sight and omit the tang peep.
Carve the pistol grip cap. Bakelite or ebony work here.
The butt plate is unique in size but very similar in pattern to other Remington Arms Co (RAC) fancy scroll bakelite plates of that period. 
A lot of work and have fun.

between the rb pistol and the #7 , they made a cadet rifle out of the pistol, trying to get rid of the pistols. very few were made. i have one and a # 7 , both are for sale.   tony<><

SchwartzStock wrote on May 2^nd, 2024 at 5:10am:


If you read his description it states it's a full octagon barrel.

I just looked back at this thread, and for those interested in building one of these guns, making the rear sight base and grip cap are covered.
Bob

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