Model 1882 Short Rifle, SN198647
Model 1882 Short Rifle, SN198647
This rifle is one of 52 rifles produced in 1882 for the purpose of finding an arm that could be used by the
cavalty and infantry. 26 of these rifles were equipped with a standard cleaning rod (82R) and 26 were made
with a triangular rod bayonet (82RB). Both versions were used in the field to evaluate the guns and
their acceptance by the soldiers. The guns are quite different. The 82R rifles with the standard cleaning
rod are equipped with a friction block so it would reside at any position the trooper wanted. Also the
hammer safety is very close to the block. The sight slider has a means of locking it in place or
releasing the slider to adjust for windage at any elevation. The sight is marked 28"/B on the base and 28"
on the ladder and it goes to 1200 yards. The sling swivels are curved so they do not get caught in the
carbine boot The long wrist stocks were made from musket stocks and the pin hole is visible. The rifling is the
standard three lands and grooves with a 22" twist. These rifles do not have a circle P firing proof.
The triagular rod rifles (28RB) have the sight
marked 28"/B on the base and and 28" on the ladder. The ladder is graduated to 1300 yards and the base
is the standard 500 yards. The top of the sight has a recess which is absent from the 28R rifles.
The rifling is six lands and grooves with ah 18" twist. The sight also has the centering pin that can be
rotated to allow windage at any elevation. The sling swivels are curved. This gun,(28R) 198647, is pictured in
Book I and on pages 250 and 253 of Book II. In the Newsletters, the gun is photographed on pages 269-273.
The rifle's exterior was unfortunately wrapped in an oil soaked cloth for protection from corrosion.
However, the cloth was left on for a very long time and the impurities in the oil
attacked the metal and left blotchy stains in the wood. This is a perfect example of trying to protect
a valuable antique, but not using the proper method. A bayonet that fits the rifle comes with it, but I question
if there ever was a bayonet made for the this rifle.
$9750 + S/H
Contact Al
Frasca at 937-399-5002 or email him at
afrasca@erinet.com
