Make: Remington

Model: Rolling Block Sporter

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Circa Late 19th Century / Antique

Caliber: .50-90 Sharps Black Powder

Action Type: Single Shot Rolling Block

Barrel Length: 33"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded globe sight with circular post, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch fixed to a base, dovetailed and screwset to the barrel. The upper tang is installed with an adjustable sporting graduated peep tang sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb with cheek piece, checkered steel buttplate, and aluminum capped forend. The wood shows scattered handling marks, finish wear, and minor impressions consistent with age. The bottom tang has been reshaped to the pistol grip, removing the serial number. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Patina, Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original to construction

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its finish. Metal surfaces show an even, aged patina with light scattered wear. There is light intermittent oxidation. There is minor surface rust on the front and rear sight. There is some case color present in the frame and somewhat vibrant through the patina. There is minor rust along the bottom of the barrel and cleaning rod rib. Barrel markings remain clear and legible. The screws are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The Remington rolling block action functions correctly. The hammer and breechblock rotate smoothly, and lockup is solid. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Our Assessment: This rifle represents the practical marriage of Remington’s legendary rolling block action with the regional craftsmanship of Denver’s frontier gun trade. Marked to Morgan Rood, a contemporary of Carlos Gove, this piece sits firmly within the late-19th-century Rocky Mountain sporting culture, where local gunsmiths supplied powerful rifles built to withstand hard use by hunters and settlers pushing westward. Gove and Rood became the largest gunsmiths in Denver during the civil war.

Chambered in .50-90, the rifle reflects the era’s preference for heavy black powder cartridges capable of taking bison, elk, and other large game at extended ranges. The long 33-inch barrel, substantial rolling block action, and straightforward sporting configuration underscore its purpose as a serious working rifle rather than a presentation piece.

Western-marked Remington rolling blocks in true big-bore chamberings are increasingly difficult to find, particularly with clear regional retailer or gunsmith attribution. This example carries both mechanical authority and historical presence, offering a tangible link to Denver’s formative years as a frontier arms center.