Questions on Hepburn Rifle
I'm new to the Forum, so hello to everyone...
A few weeks ago, I obtained a Hepburn rifle. I looked up info in Flayderman's and online about the weapon and only wound up a little confused based upon descriptions in the book. So, I'm hoping I can obtain some answers to a few questions I have about the rifle.
First, the serial number on the trigger assembly is 13. Do serial numbers go that low digit wise? The same number appears on the underside of the barrel.
It is a full octagon barrel but has a globe front sight that folds down to reveal a blade sight. If I read the Flayderman description correctly, this type of sight was not available on the early Hepburns? Perhaps some owner could have replaced the sight but it appears to be original to the rifle. The barrel is either 29" or 30" in length depending upon where it is measured. Not sure if the measurement is from the tip of the barrel to the open chamber or just to where the barrel meets the receiver? Either way, the measurement is not exactly the 29" or 30" as indicated in Flayderman's but, either 29 1/4" or 30 1/4" when measured to either points.
On the underside of the barrel the markings 40...2 1/2 appear. Assume the 40 is the caliber and the 2 1/2 indicates the twist?
There is also two white paint markings on the rifle. One is located on the upper inside area of the trigger guard and just forward of the trigger. The other is located on the underside of the barrel, about 6 1/2" from the front end of the barrel. Why the paint markings are there is a mystery to me? I'm just wondering if the paint marks were placed there in order to distinguish one Hepburn from another in the presence of other Hepburns. With the history of weapons, absurd little marks usually mean something to somebody...someone in the past thought it important enough to make the marks...they have aged and yellowed but were originally white in color.
Lastly, I received this weapon disassembled. I'm sure I can figure out how to reassemble it but having a schematic or copy of an assembly manual would be nice to have...you know, the old ounce of prevention adage. If anyone knows where I can obtain such a document, I would appreciate it.
So, if anyone out there can help me with further identification of this particular Hepburn, it will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards to all,
Gordon
A few weeks ago, I obtained a Hepburn rifle. I looked up info in Flayderman's and online about the weapon and only wound up a little confused based upon descriptions in the book. So, I'm hoping I can obtain some answers to a few questions I have about the rifle.
First, the serial number on the trigger assembly is 13. Do serial numbers go that low digit wise? The same number appears on the underside of the barrel.
It is a full octagon barrel but has a globe front sight that folds down to reveal a blade sight. If I read the Flayderman description correctly, this type of sight was not available on the early Hepburns? Perhaps some owner could have replaced the sight but it appears to be original to the rifle. The barrel is either 29" or 30" in length depending upon where it is measured. Not sure if the measurement is from the tip of the barrel to the open chamber or just to where the barrel meets the receiver? Either way, the measurement is not exactly the 29" or 30" as indicated in Flayderman's but, either 29 1/4" or 30 1/4" when measured to either points.
On the underside of the barrel the markings 40...2 1/2 appear. Assume the 40 is the caliber and the 2 1/2 indicates the twist?
There is also two white paint markings on the rifle. One is located on the upper inside area of the trigger guard and just forward of the trigger. The other is located on the underside of the barrel, about 6 1/2" from the front end of the barrel. Why the paint markings are there is a mystery to me? I'm just wondering if the paint marks were placed there in order to distinguish one Hepburn from another in the presence of other Hepburns. With the history of weapons, absurd little marks usually mean something to somebody...someone in the past thought it important enough to make the marks...they have aged and yellowed but were originally white in color.
Lastly, I received this weapon disassembled. I'm sure I can figure out how to reassemble it but having a schematic or copy of an assembly manual would be nice to have...you know, the old ounce of prevention adage. If anyone knows where I can obtain such a document, I would appreciate it.
So, if anyone out there can help me with further identification of this particular Hepburn, it will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards to all,
Gordon
0
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"40 2 1/2" is likely the cartridge it's chambered for, 40-70 Sharps.
Frank de Haas's book, "Single Shot Rifles and Actions", has a chapter on the Remington Hepburn, including schematics.0 -
Thank you for the reply...will purchase the book today.
Best regards,
Gordon
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quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
"40 2 1/2" is likely the cartridge it's chambered for, 40-70 Sharps.
Frank de Haas's book, "Single Shot Rifles and Actions", has a chapter on the Remington Hepburn, including schematics.0 -
Hello There is a guy building repro of the Hepburn I purchased a great rifle in very good condition that had everything including front and tang site[:)] but no barrel[:(] I had this guy intall a RUST BLUED barrel and he did a fantastic job, Google Hepburn and he is listed I will also try to find my past emails to him . He is very interested in original guns also. BTW the barrel is the very end to end in length in your case 30+ inches . if you go to my profile and send me your email address I will send some pictures I don't know how to post on the forum side of gunbroker just the auction side[:(] and I dont want to sell my rifle. 0 -
BuickGS.....the serial numbers do indeed go that low and one that low will add to the collector's value so take care of the rifle.
The Beach combination front sight was offered on many single shot rifles of that era and Remington was one that offered it as an option. It is shown in their catalogs, so very likely it is original.
The 40.2-1/2 is indeed a 40-70 Sharp Straight or Remington's equivalent. Those two companies had many cartridges that were essentially identical but had different names.
I am not a Hepburn collector, but I have one and if I had not gotten into collecting Marlin-Ballards, I would have been very happy collecting Remington Hepburns. Very well built and a very strong action, every bit as strong as a Hiwall. They have a rebounding hammer for safety.
For giggles, here is what your Hepburn will look like when you finish re-assembly....this one is in 45.2-7/8 Sharps (45-110).....it has what is known as a #4 weight barrel.
Good luck....
max0 -
Really appreciate the info.
I noticed your Hepburn has a rear sight. Since looking at all of the parts from my rifle, each part was in individual small jewelry type boxes with cotton...each screw was in its own box! and the boxes all labeled, I can only find a small metal type tang with a screw to attach it onto the barrel in the box labeled 'rear sight.' So, guess I do not have the rear sight. Is there anyone out there who sells original parts for the Hepburn that you may know of? I've found reproduction parts but prefer an original if I can find one.
Again, thank you for the info...
Gordon
quote:Originally posted by blackpowdermax
BuickGS.....the serial numbers do indeed go that low and one that low will add to the collector's value so take care of the rifle.
The Beach combination front sight was offered on many single shot rifles of that era and Remington was one that offered it as an option. It is shown in their catalogs, so very likely it is original.
The 40.2-1/2 is indeed a 40-70 Sharp Straight or Remington's equivalent. Those two companies had many cartridges that were essentially identical but had different names.
I am not a Hepburn collector, but I have one and if I had not gotten into collecting Marlin-Ballards, I would have been very happy collecting Remington Hepburns. Very well built and a very strong action, every bit as strong as a Hiwall. They have a rebounding hammer for safety.
For giggles, here is what your Hepburn will look like when you finish re-assembly....this one is in 45.2-7/8 Sharps (45-110).....it has what is known as a #4 weight barrel.
Good luck....
max0 -
Hello Buick because there we a small number of Hepburn you will have a hard time finding the correct site. if you send me an email address to karlwoerner@vatractor.com I will send you a picture of original sight Cheers perry shooter. 0
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