Make: Massachusetts Arms Co.

Model: 1882 #16 Improved Target Rifle

Serial Number: Number is obscured by the grip cap. We are not willing to disassemble this rifle.

Year of Manufacture: 1882 - Mid 1890s

Caliber: .44-60 CF

Action Type: Single Shot Lever Actuated Breech Loaded Single Shot Rifle.

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “EDWARD MAYNARD PATENTEE MAY.27 1851. DEC.6.1859 / 1873” The right side of the receiver is marked, “MANUFACTURED BY MASS. ARMS CO. CHICOPEE FALLS 1882”. The rear tang is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 29”. 1/3 Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front of the barrel has an adjustable Globe style sight with a ring post and a spirit level. The rear has an adjustable Vernier tang sight with a multiple position diopter. The center of the barrel has a filled dovetail slot.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered walnut set with a schnabel forend, capped semi-pistol grip, raised straight comb, and Swiss style Schuetzen buttplate. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no cracks, but there are a few spots where chips were repaired. The checking is sharp. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition. The stock set is refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore with stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10. The barrel has been cut back, sleeved, and recrowned.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and light thinning throughout. The receiver retains most of its case color. There are some mild impact marks throughout. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Maynard Model 1882 #16 Improved Target Rifle is a beautifully crafted and mechanically refined example of late 19th-century American single-shot design. Built by the Massachusetts Arms Company and bearing the patented improvements of Edward Maynard, this rifle was purpose-built for the competitive shooter of its day. The #16 was considered one of the higher-grade models in the Maynard line, often custom ordered with precision features suited for long-range and Schuetzen-style target shooting. Chambered in .44-60 centerfire, a cartridge known for its accuracy and manageable recoil, this rifle would have been a serious contender on the match fields of the 1880s and 1890s. This example has seen thoughtful restoration and careful preservation. It features a 29” barrel with a 1/3 octagon profile that has been cut back, sleeved, and recrowned—likely to restore accuracy and extend the rifle’s usable life. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only light erosion, an impressive feat for a black rifle, earning a 9/10 by antique standards. The receiver retains most of its vibrant case coloring, and the sharp checkering on the refinished walnut stock—along with the well-fitted Schuetzen buttplate and globe/diopter sight set—attests to both its precision-oriented heritage and target-shooting pedigree. The stock set, although refinished and with minor repairs, is beautifully maintained and visually striking.

For collectors of American target rifles, single-shot enthusiasts, or fans of 19th-century competitive shooting history, this Maynard #16 Improved Target Rifle is a compelling piece. It combines elegant craftsmanship with mechanical ingenuity and retains features that made it a favorite among serious marksmen of the period. With its precision sights, Schuetzen-style setup, and overall excellent condition, it is both a functional shooter and a showcase-worthy antique—offering insight into a golden era of American marksmanship.