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LOT 3061
Exceptional and Rare Special Order Deluxe Long Range Remington
Hepburn No. 3 Creedmoor Target Rifle - Serial no. 3316, 44-100 cal., 34 1/2 inch
round bbl., nickel finish, walnut stock. This is an exceptional example of a rare special order deluxe Remington
Model No. 3 Hepburn long range target rifle. These rifles were designed by Lewis Hepburn, a master mechanic, gunsmith and
target shooter who worked for the Remington Arms factory circa 1874-85 as a shop foreman. In 1873-74 the Irish shooting team challenged
the U.S. to an international long range rifle match. The U.S. won that match, however, Lewis Hepburn noted the deficiencies in the Remington
rolling block rifles used during those matches and set out to redesign a completely new action for target shooting. Remington Arms
developed and produced the Hepburn rifle starting in 1879. All Hepburn rifles were manufactured in limited numbers with the deluxe long
range target rifles such as this one being manufactured in extremely limited numbers as they were intended strictly for the long range
military matches. This rifle is probably chambered for the 44-100 Remington Hepburn Creedmoor cartridge and the barrel is equipped with
a spirit level, front globe target sight with a military style tangent rear sight. The rear sight is graduated from 1-4 (100-400 yards) on the side
of the base with the face of the ladder graduated from 1-12 (100-1200 yards). In addition it is also fitted with a long range Vernier peep sight
mounted on the upper tang (with a screw absent). The staff is graduated from 0-5 on the side of the staff with a locking eye-cup aperture. The lower
left side of the receiver is marked “HEPBURNS PAT./OCT. 7TH 1879” and the serial number is stamped on the lower rear part of the tang. The entire rifle
has a special order nickel finish with blue sights. It is fitted with straight grain walnut stock and forearm that has been beautifully checkered in a fine line pattern
on the side of the pistol grip and in five different panels on the sides of the forend. The forend is held on by two nickel-plated “U” marked barrel bands with a sling
swivel on the forward barrel band and front of the trigger guard. It also has a standard steel cleaning rod and iron shotgun buttplate, both also being nickel-plated.
CONDITION: Excellent with 97% plus original nickel finish remaining, showing some slight wear on the right side of the receiver and overall having frosted a
bit. The spirit level is cracked with the fluid absent. The wood is also excellent with a few scattered minor dents and sharp checkering. The markings are clear.
Mechanically fine. An attractive and extremely rare special order Remington Hepburn No. 3 long range fancy grade military pattern Creedmoor rifle.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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