Winchester Hotchkiss 45-70 Model 1879 US Navy Rifle

[Von der Goltz]

Here for your viewing pleasure is my Winchester Hotchkiss 45-70 Model 1879 U.S. Navy rifle serial number 2926., 32"" round barrel with Naval acceptance proofs visible (WWK Lt W.W.. Kimball on chamber, the initials ""R.T"" are carved onto the right side of the butt-stock. Left side has ""257 042"" stamped just below receiver address.. The Winchester Hotchkiss is a smooth-working arm holding five rounds in a tubular magazine within the butt plus one in the chamber. First models are identified by the giant rotating mag cutoff/safety on the right side under the bolt. These rifles remained in service until 1895 when they were superseded by the Winchester-Lee Model 1895 6mm US Navy rifle.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I always like the "soft" steel butt plate of those old rifles.

 

[Bazoo]

That's a nice one, nice condition. Thanks for sharing. Did you just purchase it or is it for sale on Guns International?

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Very cool!

 

[Von der Goltz]

Yes just bought it on Guns International (their photos are much better than any I can provide). I just applied for the Cody Firearms Museum Winchester Factory letter and should have the information in a month or so. Here's a Youtube video showing loading and shooting of this type rifle.

1879 Winchester-Hotchkiss POV firing

Original Model 1879 Winchester-Hotchkiss made by Winchester in 1879 for the US Navy, and chambered in .45-70 Gov't. This rifle had some previous repairs that...

youtu.be

 

[Von der Goltz]

Got the Cody Firearms Museum shipment letter; any way to trace the order number to see USN recipient?

 

[hawg]

Not that I'm aware of.

 

[Von der Goltz]

Thanks to Richard2 on War Relics forum got the US Navy recipient for this rifle. The recipient of the Winchester-Hotchkiss serial number 2926 was the New York Navy Yard, received on January 7, 1880. This is from the book Springfield Research Service Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms, Volume 3, page 188.