Crossfire Trail Carbine

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Hello the fire!
I'm interested in the carbine Tom Selleck carried in the movie "Crossfire Trail."  According to the film, it's an 1876 carbine in .45-60.  It appears to be almost identical to the NWMP carbine Chaparral offers in .45-75, with the exception of the rear sight.  The NWMP uses something they call a "metric" sight (were the Canadians using the the metric system back in'76?).  I've used my DVD player to freeze frame on Tom's carbine; it appears to have a common ladder type sight, but I'm not sure.  Can anyone help me identify the proper sight?  Also, I have a question regarding the stock.  Why was the carbine fitted with a full-length stock?  It looks alot like the musket stock, albiet much shorter.  Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Fritz

[Llano County]

Kenny Howell of R&D Cylinders made the guns for the movie and several other Tom Selleck movies. I got to examine the Remington Keene rifle that is used in the movie by the bad guy (I forget his name) at an NCOWS convention that Kenny was at. I think the 1876 rifle from the movie is on display at the Western Heritage and Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum in Oklahoma City. Kenny could probably answer all of your questions. His web site is www.randdgunshop.com. I have one of his .45 Colt cartridge conversion cylinders on my 1858 Remington cap and ball pistols. He is a nice guy and stands behind his products. Hope this helps.

Llano

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Llano,
Yep...I knew about Kenny.  He has one of my Navies for cartridge conversion.  I was figuring one of the experts here on the board would be able to identiy the sights for me.
Thanks,
Fritz

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[Grizzly Adams]

Well, really can't catch a good look in the VHS copy that I have, so can't say for sure.

According to Arthur Pirkle,  the NWMP carbines where all equipped with the "Spanish Meter Sight"., or Spanish Carbine Sight" which was manufactured for the Spanish Government and also fitted to the Canadian carbines.  "Civilian" versions of the carbine where equipped with a number of sights, including the "ladder" style frequently seen of originals and on Chaparrals rifle.  The interesting thing is that, at least according to Pirkle, "there are no known instances or the semi-buckhorn sight (being) factory installed on carbines."  Kenny Howell is the kind of fella that does his homework - FWIW!

Winchester was always on the prowl for government contracts for arms, both foreign and domestic.  This fact may explain the "musket" style forearm on the carbines which, as noted, were being produced for Spain and Canada.  Winchester was always mindful of making good use of parts on hand!   

[Buck Stinson]

1st Sgt.,
Maybe this will help.  The gun on the left is my original Mountie carbine with the Spanish Meter sight that Grizzly mentions.  Chaparrals NWMP carbine sight is a fair copy of this one.  The gun on the right is one of my original "civilian" guns in .45-75WCF.  This rear sight is the standard carbine configuration and if you look closely,  you might be able to make out the 1876 marking above screw. 

Adios,
Buck