Remington No.1 Rolling Block 16ga (Antique)

Very scarce 16ga Remington rolling block no.1

Bore is in pristine condition and gun functions as it should. 

The Remington Rolling Block 16-gauge shotgun is a rare variant of the iconic Rolling Block single-shot firearm family, adapted from the rifle action for shotgun use. Unlike the more common military rifles produced in the millions, these shotguns were a niche civilian offering, primarily aimed at hunters and sporting shooters. They represent an early adaptation of the Rolling Block mechanism—known for its simple, reliable rolling breechblock—to smoothbore shotgun applications. Production was limited, and surviving examples, especially in higher grades, are highly collectible today.

Development and Historical Background

The Rolling Block action was patented in 1866 by Joseph Rider for E. Remington & Sons (later Remington Arms Company) in Ilion, New York. It evolved from Civil War-era split-breech designs and became one of the most successful breech-loading systems of the 19th century, powering rifles adopted by militaries worldwide, including the U.S., Sweden, and Egypt. Shotgun variants emerged as Remington expanded into civilian markets, capitalizing on the action's versatility for low-pressure loads like shotgun shells.

Remington's Rolling Block shotguns were introduced around 1870, with the earliest known advertisement appearing in the Army Navy Journal on November 16, 1872. This ad highlighted a model using "Draper's" patent brass shells and 16-gauge wads, priced affordably for the era. The shotguns were cataloged in 1877 reprints under E. Remington & Sons, before the company's bankruptcy and reorganization in 1888 shifted markings to "Remington Arms Company."

These firearms were produced during a transitional period in shotgun design, bridging muzzleloaders and the emerging double-barrel and pump-action models. They appealed to budget-conscious hunters in rural America and Europe, where surplus military Rolling Block rifles were sometimes converted to shotguns post-Civil War for foraging or small game. In Europe, licensees like Husqvarna in Sweden produced similar models in 16-gauge (and other gauges) under license, often for local hunting, including for game like capercaillie. Some Swedish examples trace back to military contracts from the 1860s, sporterized after obsolescence.

Models and Specifications

Remington designated two primary shotgun models, both built on the robust No. 1 sporting rifle frame (a smaller, civilian-oriented version of the military action). They featured 30- or 32-inch barrels (steel or Damascus twist for higher-end models), with a groove along the top rib for sighting the front bead. Stocks were typically walnut with a shotgun-style buttplate, and the action included a side-mounted hammer.

Model No. 1 (1877–c. 1893): The primary 16-gauge model, chambered for interchangeable 16-gauge brass shells (exterior dimensions similar to 20-gauge paper shells for compatibility) or standard 20-gauge paper shells. It had a dedicated shotgun buttplate and was marketed for versatility in shell types. Barrels were smoothbore, 30–32 inches long. This model is the most associated with true 16-gauge production.

Model No. 2 (c. 1893–mid-1890s): A more utilitarian 20-gauge variant, often repurposed from military rifle parts (e.g., buttplates and barrels). It retained compatibility with 16-gauge brass shells but was explicitly listed as 20-gauge by 1886 catalogs. Production ended around the mid-1890s as Remington shifted focus to repeating shotguns.

Overall production of Rolling Block shotguns was low—far fewer than the rifle variants—with estimates suggesting only a few thousand made across gauges. The 16-gauge in particular was uncommon, as 20-gauge became more standardized.

Ships Free to your Door!