Make: Remington
Model: Rider Magazine Pistol
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: 1871-1888
Caliber: .32 Rimfire Extra Short
Action Type: Tube Magazine Fed Repeating Pistol
Barrel Length: 3"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel's solid rib. The rear sight is an aperture in the operating tab portion of the breech-block. .
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. The grips have some light nicks and small scratches. There is some finish wear, most notable on the left pane. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Casehardened
Finish Originality: Most is Original. The breech-block assembly appears to have refinished when repaired.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is some scattered erosion and pitting in the bore, more notable toward the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5-6/10.
Overall Condition: This derringer retains about 20% of its metal finish. The breechblock assembly appears to have been repaired at interior corners, visible with the grips removed and the action open. The barrel and magazine have scattered wear with strongest finish on the top. The frame's case color has mostly muted, showing a little weak figuring in the flats. There is scattered minor surface erosion. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Remington Rider Magazine Pistol represents one of the more inventive approaches to pocket pistol design in the late 19th century, patented in 1871 by Joseph Rider and produced by Remington during a period of rapid innovation in metallic cartridge firearms. Unlike conventional single-shot or revolver designs of the era, the Rider utilizes a tubular magazine housed beneath the barrel, feeding .32 Rimfire Extra Short cartridges into a single-action mechanism. This compact repeating system reflects the ingenuity of the post-Civil War period, conceptually similar to the Volcanic, but with the feeding mechanism operated by a lever built into the breechblock and cycling inside rather than a lever on the bottom rotated away from the frame.
This example retains approximately 20% of its original blue and case hardened finish, a rare finish to find on these already scarce pistols. The breechblock assembly has repairs on interior corners, visible only with the grips removed and the action held open. Mechanically, the pistol functions correctly as repaired. It remains an interesting example of early repeating pocket pistol development from Remington's Ilion production. Its configuration, patent-marked barrel, and fascinating mechanism provide insight into a lesser-seen branch of American firearms evolution. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
