1875 Questions
1875 Questions
I collect US Civil War/ Indian Wars firearms. This collection was stared in the 1950s by my grandfather. I have an 1875 which has caused me some question over the years. Unfortunately, gramps has long since passed and is unavailable for questions regarding the particulars of this firearm. I DO know that it is as he received it as he did not ever modify or shoot any of his collections pieces. The first curiosity is the "44 SPL" stamping upon the left side of the barrel. Could someone have had this rechambered sometime post 1907 after the introduction of the .44 Special? Does this appear to be an early model? The serial number is 2803 with a assembly number of 272 as verified under the left grip. A light, but visible "44" is centered on the left grip panel. There are no other caliber markings on the trigger guard or frame except for the "44 SPL" as noted above on the left side of the barrel. The front sight is different as well, it is not a typical Remington Pinched Blade or Shark Fin style dight it is more angular in a manner of a target style sight. Any clarification or knowledge about this would be very helpful and sincerely appreciated.
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Jim in Wisconsin
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:08 pm
Re: 1875 Questions
Maybe it's just my computer, but I don't see any pictures.
Re: 1875 Questions
Hi Mwari,
If the left grip is original to the pistol, the "44" on the left grip means it is in 44-40.
Checked the Lyman reloading manual and find that the 44-40 case rim is larger than the 44 Spec, and the case body is also larger than the 44 spec. The only dimension that is larger on the 44 spec is the overall length of the cartridge (1.30 vs 1.16). That means that a 44 spec case would be loose in a 44-40 chamber, and that the cylinder may not be long enough for a 44 spec.
I suggest taking the cylinder to a gun show or a gun shop and ask them to chamber a 44 special and a 44-40 in one of the chambers. That will tell you what the chambers are cut for, and if the cylinder is long enough for the 44 special. If it;s not in 44 spec, I'd have a gunsmith X out the "44 spec" marking.
Daniel
If the left grip is original to the pistol, the "44" on the left grip means it is in 44-40.
Checked the Lyman reloading manual and find that the 44-40 case rim is larger than the 44 Spec, and the case body is also larger than the 44 spec. The only dimension that is larger on the 44 spec is the overall length of the cartridge (1.30 vs 1.16). That means that a 44 spec case would be loose in a 44-40 chamber, and that the cylinder may not be long enough for a 44 spec.
I suggest taking the cylinder to a gun show or a gun shop and ask them to chamber a 44 special and a 44-40 in one of the chambers. That will tell you what the chambers are cut for, and if the cylinder is long enough for the 44 special. If it;s not in 44 spec, I'd have a gunsmith X out the "44 spec" marking.
Daniel