M73 Gain Twist Rifle, SN144770*
M73 Gain Twist Rifle, SN144770*
This rifle was produced in 1880 and has a very unique barrel as well as a Springfield
tang sight and a Bull rear sight. The stamping on the barrel reads:
6G CIRCULA CUT .005 DEEP
GAIN TWIST FROM 0 TO ONE TURN
IN 19.6 INCHES.
.45-80
It is believed to be a prototype barrel for the Marksman's rifle or a prototype for all
Long Range Rifles produced in 1881. Two very similar gain twist barrels were produced, this one with
six lands and grooves and one with
seven lands and grooves. The latter one was never finished but is in a collection.
This rifle was assembled at Springfield by E.E.Rile who was a specialty barrel maker at
Springfield. The tang sight was made at Sprngfield (?) and installed using Springfield's
trigger plate screws. The Bull
rear sight was made from an early M79 Buckhorn sight and installed with a very small
slotted head screw in the rear to allow clearance and windage when the leaf is elevated.
The receiver is stamped with Rile's initals (E.E.R.) and the rest
of the gun is standard M73 starred rifle parts. The stock appears used, but the bore appears unfired and the rifling
is VERY highly polished. The rifle is cartouched SWP/1880 and it has a clear firing proof.
The mechanics are excellent.
It has been suggested the rifle was used in the Sandy Hook, NJ long range trials in 1880 since it has the Bull rear sight and a tang sight.
Note: All the experimental rifling stopped when Gen. Sherman made it clear that only standard issue arms could
be used in competition matches.
$5450+ S/H
Contact Al
Frasca at 937-399-5002 or email him at
afrasca@erinet.com
Note: The rifling finish is mirror quality and viewing it with a camera is VERY difficult. Even the sides of the canted
rifling are polished and, to see them clearly requires a magnifying glass held a short distance from the muzzle.
