Make: Remington

Model: 121SB “Routledge Bore”

Serial Number: 199815

Year of Manufacture: 1954

Caliber/Gauge: .22 LR Shot Cartridge (designed for .22 LR shot shells only, not standard .22 cartridges)

Action Type: Pump-Action (Slide-Action) Rifle, Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24.5"

Sights/Optics: The sight is a metal bead set on the barrel at the muzzle. The top of the trigger assembly has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes behind the receiver.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut, the buttstock is smooth and has a straight comb, pistol grip, and serrated aluminum Remington buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear. The forend has grooves with a smooth bottom. The furniture shows some dings and scuffs consistent with normal operation and storage. There are no chips or cracks present. This furniture rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright showing mild fouling in the counter-bored section. There is light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The two portions of the receiver are serial matching. There are areas of operational finish loss on the magazine tube. The bottom of the barrel shroud shows spots of oxidation. The screw heads are lightly tooled with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action and safety function 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: The Remington Model 121SB Routledge Bore is a fascinating and collectible variant of the Model 121 Fieldmaster pump-action rifle. Designed specifically to fire .22 LR shot cartridges, the Routledge Bore features a smoothbore barrel that is counterbored at the muzzle to approximately .390, greatly improving the shot pattern compared to firing shot shells through a rifled bore. These were popular for small game, pest control, and clay target-style shooting with .22 shotshells.

Routledge Bore rifles were always produced in relatively small numbers, making them scarce and desirable among Remington collectors today. For enthusiasts of unique rimfire designs or collectors of specialized pest-control and training arms, this Model 121SB is a rare opportunity to acquire an unusual and functional smoothbore rimfire.