Make: Newton Arms Co. (Buffalo, New York)
Model: 1916
Serial Number: 2340, serialized parts are not all matching (Trigger guard: 2766, Stock: 2766, Buttplate: 2766, Floorplate: 2766, Bolt: 3921)
Year of Manufacture: 1916-1917 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .256 Newton
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, hinged floorplate
Barrel Length: 24", segmented parabolic rifling
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade with a serrated face dovetailed into a base banded around the barrel. The front sight bead has been filed down and is a bit loose in the dovetail. The rear sight is a pair of adjustable folding u-notches dovetailed into a base banded around the barrel.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is one piece wood with a straight comb, checkered semi-pistol grip, checkered schnabel forend, and a smooth metal buttplate. The buttplate has scratches and extensive finish loss. The furniture has pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout. The LOP measures 14.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a crack running from the rear of the trigger guard and top of the buttplate. There is a chip on the left side of the stock where the barrel meets the receiver. The furniture rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is fairly sharp with stubborn fouling. There is light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. The finish shows edge wear, scattered scratches, and small spots of oxidation. The screw heads range from lightly to moderately tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are fairly clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Newton Arms Co. Model 1916 was manufactured between 1916 and 1917 in Buffalo, New York and qualifies as a Curio and Relic rifle. Produced by Newton Arms Co., the Model 1916 was the brainchild of renowned firearms designer and ballistic pioneer Charles Newton. Newton was well ahead of his time in advocating for high-velocity, flat-shooting sporting cartridges, and his rifles are recognized today as important milestones in the evolution of modern sporting arms. Buffalo-produced rifles are especially desirable due to their limited production and historical significance.
Chambered in .256 Newton with a 24 inch barrel, this rifle is built around one of Charles Newton's innovative proprietary cartridges. The .256 Newton was among the earliest commercially offered high-velocity sporting cartridges and established performance standards that would influence cartridge development for decades. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10, indicating solid internal condition with good rifling. The action functions correctly.
The furniture rates in Good condition with honest handling wear consistent with age and use. This rifle retains approximately 85% of its original finish, presenting a remarkably strong appearance for an early Newton rifle. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition and stands as a scarce and historically significant Buffalo, New York-produced Newton Model 1916 chambered in the classic .256 Newton cartridge. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
