32-20 Rifle

[D5HDOZER]

I Have a 32-20 Rifle that was my great grandfather's and I was wondering just how old the gun is and what kind of ammo to use in it? If modern loads would work or not. It is a rolling block action, the patent dates that I can read Start with the year 1864, then June 11, Nov 12, Dec 24, Dec 31 1872 and Sept 9 1873. There are some days and months ahead of the year 1864 but I cannot read them. The patent dates are on the left hand side of the gun just above and ahead of the trigger. On top of the octagon barrel it reads Remington Arms Co. Ilion, N.Y. U.S.A. Then on the bottom of the barrel it has 32-20 and about a quater of an inch behind that there is a capital P. The Serial # is 43122 and is located on the metal behind the trigger guard. It has a 27" barrel and is 42" overall length. If you could give me any information on this gun I would appreciate it.

[remshots]

I Have a 32-20 Rifle that was my great grandfather's and I was wondering just how old the gun is and what kind of ammo to use in it? If modern loads would work or not. It is a rolling block action, the patent dates that I can read Start with the year 1864, then June 11, Nov 12, Dec 24, Dec 31 1872 and Sept 9 1873. There are some days and months ahead of the year 1864 but I cannot read them. The patent dates are on the left hand side of the gun just above and ahead of the trigger. On top of the octagon barrel it reads Remington Arms Co. Ilion, N.Y. U.S.A. Then on the bottom of the barrel it has 32-20 and about a quater of an inch behind that there is a capital P. The Serial # is 43122 and is located on the metal behind the trigger guard. It has a 27" barrel and is 42" overall length. If you could give me any information on this gun I would appreciate it.

I believe the rifle is a Remington Number 11/2 Sporting Rifle.

The Model 11/2 was produced by E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, New York from 1884
until 1888 (total production-4,200) and by Remington Arms Company from 1889
until 1898 (total production-1,958).

Since the rifle, Serial Number 43122, is marked "REMINGTON ARMS CO." we know
it was made either in 1888 or 1898.

The patent date you are unable to read is "May 3d, 1864". This was the date
U.S. Patent Number 40,887 was reissued to Joseph Rider. The reissue number
was 1663. You may want to obtain a copy of that patent and the others from the
U.S. Patent Office, Washington, D.C.

This model was offered in several calibers: .22, .25 Stevens, .25 Long, .32,
.38 Long and .38 Extra Long Rim Fire. It was also offered in .32-20, 38-40
and .44-40 Center Fire.

Octagon barrels in lengths from 24 inches to 28 inches were available.