[jsalcedo]

My local gunstore showed me a Remington rollingblock in .43 spanish.

It looked like it had been reblued (minor pitting covered up) and the stock refinished with a polyurethane.

The action was original, the bore was in good shape and everything was there.

They said they would take $300.

Is this a decent deal? It looks like it might be a fun shooter.

Is the collectors value on this gun obliterated?

[Andrew Wyatt]

i wouldn't take more than 250 for it.


it's not in a readily available caliber, and is the black powder frame.


if it were a 7mm mauser one, or one in .45-70, i'd so pay 300-400 for it.

[Gewehr98]

You can get brass, dies, and cast bullets to make blackpowder or XMP-5744 .43 Spanish loads. If that's too much work, Old Western Scrounger sells new .43 Spanish blackpowder ammo, but it ain't cheap. My own .43 Spanish Rolling Block was converted to a .45-70 Long-Range Creedmoor, with 30" heavy barrel, etc. But it isn't the strongest of actions, the metallurgy of the time means that gun should stay blackpowder equivalent in the pressure category. I run duplex WST/FFg loads in my Creedmoor conversion.

From what was done to the gun you listed, namely, rebluing and stock refinishing, a lot of the collector's value has been diminished. :(

[telewinz]

When its all said and done....if you like the big bores you would be much better off getting a modern 45/70 both in price and safety. Modern reproductions of the Remington rolling block can still be found if you admire the action. By the time you are done with the .43 you will have close to $400 into this deal with the cost of cases and dies. You can buy a good used modern big bore for that kind of money, and get your money back easily should you get bored of it.

[Mike Irwin]

First, you'd need to figure out exactly WHICH .43 Spanish it is. There were three, all different.

A couple of relatively easy fixes if the rifle is chambered for the 11.15x58R, which most of the Remingtons are.

1. Rechamber and rethroat for the .43/.348 black powder wildcat. .348 Winchester brass is still pretty commonly available.

The only reloading die you'd really need would be an neck sizer/bullet seater.

The cases could be fire formed with a light charge of a fast burning powder with cream of wheat filler, neck sized, loaded with black powder, and shot.

2. Use reformed .458 Win. Mag. cases, which have had the belt turned off. More of a pain in the butt.

Rebarrel it for .45-70.

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I found a really nice Danish model several years ago. Mike and Gewehr are right; it'll be a chore to tool up to load for the thing and you'd better keep the load light. At that kind of money, even though it's cool and all, spend less and get a H&R in 45-70. Sounds like most of any collector value has been Bubba'ed out of this one.
By the way, I passed on that Danish rifle, even though it was 95% with a bayonet and the kit.

Regards,
Rabbit.

[jsalcedo]

I bought the H&R 45-70 and I love it. recoil is a bit harsh though.

I was thinking that a rolling block in a weird caliber would be fun.

Reloading is a rewarding hobby but I don't want to waste the time unless the gun is worth messing with.

Thanks for all the info I'll see if they will come down to $250 .