Remington–Keene rifle

Lore & Background

The Remington–Keene originated from prototypes manufactured by Remington based on Keene's patents, submitted for evaluation by the United States Army Ordnance Department Magazine Gun Board convened in 1878. The Army rejected the design in favor of the Winchester-Hotchkiss, but Remington proceeded with production and offered the rifle to the United States Navy Bureau of Ordnance. The Navy purchased 250 rifles for comparison with their 2,500 Hotchkiss rifles and 300 M1885 Remington-Lee rifles. These Remington–Keene rifles were delivered in 1880, marked with US and an anchor on the left side of the barrel and WWK and P (proof) on the right side by Lieutenant William W. Kimball. They remained in service for less than a decade aboard ships. In July 1880, the United States Department of the Interior purchased 600 Frontier Model carbines with 24-inch barrels to arm the Indian Police on reservations in the western United States. Rifles were also manufactured for civilian sales, chambered for .45-70, .40-60 Winchester, and .43 Spanish.

Reader's Guide

The Remington–Keene holds significance as an early bolt-action rifle with a tubular magazine, a design that competed with contemporaries like the Winchester-Hotchkiss and Remington-Lee. Its rejection by the U.S. Army but adoption in limited numbers by the U.S. Navy illustrates the transitional period of military rifle procurement in the late 19th century. The Navy's purchase of 250 rifles for comparison alongside larger orders of other models highlights the experimental nature of small arms evaluation at the time. The rifle's service life of less than a decade aboard ships suggests it was quickly superseded by more advanced designs. The Department of the Interior's acquisition of 600 Frontier Model carbines for the Indian Police reflects the weapon's role in law enforcement on western reservations. Civilian sales in multiple calibers indicate an attempt to reach the commercial market. The rifle's legacy is tied to its place in the early evolution of bolt-action repeating rifles, before the widespread adoption of box magazines and smokeless powder.

Did You Know?

• The Remington–Keene was rejected by the U.S. Army in favor of the Winchester-Hotchkiss.
• The U.S. Navy purchased 250 Remington–Keene rifles for comparison with 2,500 Hotchkiss rifles and 300 M1885 Remington-Lee rifles.
• In July 1880, the Department of the Interior bought 600 Frontier Model carbines to arm the Indian Police.