Make: E. Remington & Sons

Model: 1879 No. 3 Sporting

Serial Number: 305

Year of Manufacture: 1880 to 1888

Caliber: .45-70 Government

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, “305”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the Hepburn patent.

Barrel Length: 28”, 1/2 Octagon Profile

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a two position Beach sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an escalator style V-notch sight dovetailed to the barrel. There is a second "Rough & Ready" rear sight dovetailed and screwed to the barrel that is a small flip-up adjustable diopter.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a capped forend, checkered Prince of Wales wrist, straight comb, and crescent buttplate. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. 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

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion and some small concentrated spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. There is heavy patina and light spots of pitting throughout. There are small spots of 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 Very Good 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 Sporting rifle is a refined example of late 19th-century American single-shot craftsmanship, designed for the discerning marksman of its time. Produced between 1880 and 1888 by E. Remington & Sons, the Hepburn action was engineered for strength and precision, making it a favorite for sporting, target shooting, and long-range competitions. Chambered in .45-70 Government, this rifle features a 28" half-octagon barrel and two rear sights, including a vintage "Rough & Ready" adjustable diopter, suggesting it was purpose-built for accuracy-focused shooting. The inclusion of a two-position Beach front sight and Prince of Wales checkered wrist rounds out this rifle’s sporting pedigree. This example has weathered time well, retaining approximately 10% of its original metal finish with a mottled patina and light pitting present across exposed surfaces. There are some traces of case color remaining on the receiver, providing a glimpse of its original brilliance. The bore is light gray with pronounced rifling, showing only light erosion and minor pitting—still quite strong for a black powder rifle of this era, earning an 8.5/10 rating in this writer’s opinion. The refinished stock features a striking Prince of Wales wrist and checkering that remains crisp. It is structurally sound with no cracks or chips, showing only scattered pressure marks consistent with careful use and handling.

As a sporting rifle built during a period of innovation and competition in American firearms design, this Remington-Hepburn No. 3 stands as a testament to precision gunmaking. Its solid mechanics, intact sights, and strong bore make it a viable candidate for black powder cartridge shooting, while its classic lines and low serial number add significant collector appeal. Whether appreciated as a finely balanced target rifle or displayed as a piece of Remington history, this Hepburn is a compelling example from one of the most respected single-shot platforms of the 19th century.