Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 1879 First Model Deluxe

Serial Number: 1961

Year of Manufacture: 1879

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle With Internal 5-Round Magazine Tube with Cutoff.

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the 1877 patent dates and the serial number, “1961”.

Barrel Length: 28” Octagon profile.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding two-position V-notch ladder sight marked out to 10 dovetailed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece grade four checkered walnut with a horn capped Schnabel forend, action screw, horn tipped semi-pistol grip, raised straight comb, and steel shotgun buttplate. There are light handling marks and a few chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 3/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates in about Fine + condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches and light thinning throughout with some small spots of patina. The action is lightly worn and the bolt has a faint patina. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are mostly sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. This rifle sports a dial magazine cutoff and safety.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This Winchester-Hotchkiss Model 1879 Deluxe Sporting Rifle is a rare and historically significant piece, representing one of the earliest American bolt-action repeaters. Built with a tubular magazine housed in the buttstock and chambered in .45-70 Government, the Hotchkiss combined innovative mechanical design with traditional Winchester aesthetics. While most were produced for military contracts, a limited number were manufactured in deluxe sporting configurations like this one—featuring premium checkered walnut furniture, a Schnabel forend with horn cap, semi-pistol grip with horn insert, and a steel shotgun-style buttplate. Serial number 1961 remains in remarkable condition, retaining about 90% of its original blued finish with only light wear, minor scratches, and patina. The 28” octagonal barrel is fitted with proper early sights, and the receiver is marked with 1877 patent dates. The bore is especially impressive—bright with sharp rifling and no erosion—rating a true 10/10, which is exceptionally rare for a black powder rifle of this vintage. The action functions correctly and includes the First Model’s signature magazine cutoff dial and safety, a sophisticated feature for its time.

Notably, this exact rifle—serial number 1961—is pictured in The Winchester Book by George Madis, shown on the bottom of page 484. Its inclusion in one of the most respected Winchester reference works adds substantial provenance and collector value. For enthusiasts of early American bolt-actions, antique Winchester sporting rifles, or historically documented arms, this Deluxe Model 1879 is a premier example. With outstanding original features, condition, and publication pedigree, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a rifle of both technical and collector excellence.