Remington #4 Rolling Block ID help

[Pancho Peacemaker]

I know this is a buffalo rifle forum, but I need some help with ID on a Remington #4.  I don't have the rifle in hand, but I have pictures and description.

It is a 22+" tapered octagon barrel (with Remington address on barrel).  It is a small frame Rolling block receiver.  It is solid frame without the take-down lever or nut.  

It does not have "No. 4" stamped on the reciever.  The only caliber marking is a "22" stamped on the barrel near the serial number.  

Lots of patina to the finish, but it looks like the reciever was case hardened and the barrel blue.  Based on serial number, I suspect this is a very early 1890's production rifle.

Two questions:

1) Is this a real Remington.  All the #4's I've seen have "No. 4" stamped on the left side of the receiver.
2)  What 22 rimfire caliber will this feed?   All the #4's I've seen are marked .22 S, L, or LR on the barrel.  This one is simply stamped "22".

[wildman1]

 PP, don't know if this will help or not but I don't believe 22 LR had come out at that time. WM

[Pancho Peacemaker]

PP, don't know if this will help or not but I don't believe 22 LR had come out at that time. WM

.22 LR was developed in 1887 by Stevens Arms.

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[Montana Slim]

Not much help here...but of course I have a story, my Pa has a genuine #4 RB, a takedown model. Originally chambered for .22 short. Bore was lousy, so I had it lined by Vaughn Trueman. While doing so, I had it chambered to 22 LR. It was a bit small for me to operate easily, but even with my eyes and worse sights on the little rifle & $0.99 HV ammo, it shot a single ragged hole with 10 shots at 25 yds.

These are dandy "boys" rifle...but, a #6 is a bit handier for a full-growed "boy".

Slim

[Kent Shootwell]

The #4 Remingtons were both marked and unmarked. Some had #4 on the barrel or as yours on the frame but many didn't say #4 any were. The Remington name is generally on the barrel and some times on the tang. Calibre could be found on top or on the bottem of the barrel, then others aren't marked at all!

22, 25 and 32 rimfire was offered, the 22 was cambered long rifle ( according to Frank de Haas book) and smooth bore in 22 and 32 rimfire.

As you figured the receiver was case color hardened and barrel blued.

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Kent,
Very helpful post. I don't have any Remington refernces in my library and your info filled in the gaps I needed on this piece.

Much obliged,

Pancho

[minerotago]

I think your rifle will predate 1901 but it could be .22 LR because the .22 LR was developed by J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company in I think 1887 - this is of course the J.Stevens of Stevens Favorite fame and producer of those wonderful Tip Up single shots.

However I would strongly suggest that although the .22LR was well and truly existent during the period the Number 4 solid frames were being made it probably will NOT be in LR - if it is merely marked .22 then I might suggest it is for the short only as I note that a take down I have here is Marked for .22 short and long

A close examination of the chamber could well give a 95% probability if all else fails.

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Got info back from Remington:  It is an 1890 production rifle.  Chamber is 22LR.   I put a few 22 LR's through it and it runs like a charm.