Make: E. Remington & Sons

Model: 1879 No. 3 Special Military Creedmoor

Serial Number: 4314

Year of Manufacture: 1880 to 1888

Caliber: .44-90 Creedmoor Black Powder

Action Type: Single shot hammer fired falling block with extractor & side lever.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with an E. Remington & Sons rollmark. The bottom tang is marked with the serial number, “4314”.

Barrel Length: 32”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn post dovetailed into a raised base. The rear sight is a flip-up peep hole escalator sight marked out to 4.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece walnut set with a capped forend & cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are light handling marks throughout. There are small cracks forming at the contact surfaces. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition. The stock has been refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color.

Finish Originality: Original with spots refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion and some concentrated spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The barrel retains a decent amount of bluing along with light spots of patina thinning. The receiver retains a moderate amount of bright case color intermingled with spots of patina and fading. There are small spots of rust. There is no remaining case color on the receiver. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as an Antique.

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: This Remington-Hepburn No. 3 Special Military Creedmoor is an outstanding example of a highly respected and precision-oriented black powder single shot rifle from the late 19th century. Produced by E. Remington & Sons between 1880 and 1888, the No. 3 was purpose-built for long-range target shooting and military marksmanship—especially in the Creedmoor tradition, which emphasized extreme accuracy at extended distances. Chambered in .44-90 Creedmoor, this rifle was made to deliver consistent performance using black powder and heavy lead bullets, and it reflects the peak of Remington's engineering during the black powder target shooting era. Its inclusion of a military-style sling setup, long 32" barrel, and adjustable peep sight speaks to its intended role as a precision shooter. This example retains approximately 60% of its metal finish and presents in Excellent condition for an antique rifle of this vintage. The barrel retains a pleasing mix of blued finish with areas of light patina and minor thinning. The receiver still shows areas of bright case color blended with faded patches and honest wear from age and handling. The bore is particularly noteworthy—bright, with well-defined rifling and only light erosion and minor pitting—earning a strong 9/10 rating in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock has been refinished and remains in Excellent condition with only minor handling marks and small cracks forming at contact surfaces. The mechanical action is smooth and solid, and the original configuration with its peep escalator sight and full-length cleaning rod remains intact.

Rifles like this Special Military Creedmoor were at the forefront of late 19th-century competitive shooting and military testing, and few examples survive in such well-preserved condition. For collectors of Remington single shots, long-range black powder rifles, or 19th-century target arms, this rifle offers remarkable historic value and mechanical integrity. Its crisp bore, complete original configuration, and strong mechanicals make it not just a display piece but also a viable candidate for careful black powder shooting by an experienced marksman. A true relic of precision marksmanship from the golden age of American gunmaking, this No. 3 Creedmoor is a rare and worthy addition to any serious collection.