Remington Split Breech - Before It Was Famous

[@davidherbst]

Finally! A story involving a 19th century firearms patent conflict that does not involve the phrase, “died penniless”!

[@imbeauski8872]

I think I had a mini stroke when Ian said Norris paid for 9,000 guns with his own finances on the hope of selling them. All too often it seems these stories go south. Glad this one didn't.

[@offchance789]

Firearm manufactuerers and musicians had the same problems in the 19th century! Boom, then bust!

[@AnthonyTrudeau]

I bet they all had _at least_ one penny

[@chipsterb4946]

David that’s too funny! 😝

[@johnoneil9188]

Selling weapons to the French to fight the Prussians and then escaping in a hot air baloon. That is the most old timey thing ever.

[@thelonerider5644]

also pretty darn awesome... I concur it would make a great film...

[@mattdickson2]

John O ́neil the only thing missing is a snidely whiplash-esque villian to make it a hot air balloon CHASE

[@mpetersen6]

I wonder if the escape by balloon was the inspiration in part for Jules Verne's Fantastic Island

[@craigiefconcert6493]

They gave him an IOU...

[@SStupendous]

This was used in the Civil War...

[@mattisvov]

France: "We need a gazillion guns, stat!" "That's impossible! Who the heck got a gazillion guns just lying around..." Silence falls, everybody's eyes is drawn, in unison, to the other side of the pond. USA: "Why are you looking at me like that...?"

[@themissouriranger2829]

Bruh XD

[@isaiahcampbell488]

USA in this scenario: *says that while polishing one of his two pistols just after maintaining his shotgun and rifle*

[@asdasd-ty9se]

As one does, Mr. Campbell, as one does

[@alexm566]

​@@justforever96 US army was smaller than Greece in the beginning of WW1

[@ryanweintraub9448]

If I could ever save a comment, this. This is it

[@noomeron]

You can hear Ian splitting his breeches at 16:23

[@glimpyrimpy6258]

Rewind 10 seconds back he mentions hot air.

[@killerpeaches7]

I split my breeches once. Twas quite embarrassing.

[@BillRoyMcBill]

Happened to a guy in a bowling league I used to be in, he was coming in low and as he released we all heard the seam part like slow, loud zipper...he'd picked a bad day to go commando. Everyone called him "Three Balls" from then on out.

[@3ducs]

There are worse things to do in one's breeches... I just mention it because it happened to a friend...

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Bet it musta sounded like an MG42 burst.

[@Statusinator]

I thought I had everybody by my side, But I went and blew it all sky high, And now she wont even spare a passing glance All just because I... ...ripped my pants.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Kudos to you for that.

[@bennewong]

This video is the perfect evidence why the incoming KZbin policy is far too broad brush & catches way too many unintended channels in its net. Awesome educational & historical content for its audience, & possibly wider appeal too.

[@bigchooch4434]

@lahokc59 Funny how that statement applied a year ago, now, 3 years ago... They'll never stop.

[@grifter3680]

I like how Ian doesn't even mention April Fools Day in the video Gun Jesus cares not for your trivial mortal holidays

[@twirlipofthemists3201]

This is a Glock.

[@dawsongranger4940]

Grifter He probably filmed it before April fools and he didn't know what day exactly the video was going to go up.

[@verycreativ233]

You realise these are pre recorded

[@grifter3680]

verycreativ you realise this is a joke

[@JP-rf8rr]

Because this is the day he was raised. Priorities man.

[@Chevypotamus]

That was a great story. Can't wait for the movie.

[@stephenbutchko3833]

Why is a cat watching forgotten weapons?

[@stephenbutchko3833]

Ray Feltz it's not the fact that I'm bothered by a cat watching gun Jesus I'm just curious on how it types on the keyboard and why it likes forgotten weapons

[@stephenbutchko3833]

Ray Feltz well I must agree with you there

[@baconatordoom]

If Remington would just make these old firearms and ammo they wouldn’t be going bankrupt.

[@eberbacher007]

watch the video where they talk with the Hudson guys, You can´t remake these old guns, you would have to start from scratch. These guns were not made with machination in mind so each and every one of them is handfitted and countless hours was made getting it right. This comes from a time were manhours were cheap and the material was the expensive part.

[@pommel47]

Maybe they sold all their tooling to the Italians. Would love to buy a RRB in 50-70; Made in The USA for under $1,000.

[@baconatordoom]

Kevin Storms yeah that would be a great youth rifle. If Remington would of stayed out of this polymer crap that gets brittle after 20 years and stuck to rifles and shotguns that last over 100 years and their quality control. They’d be alright. I can see many applications for these rifles if they’d make them in original Caliber and modern ones. Especially big bore brush guns. Not just a niche.

[@avp5964]

Quality control one of their biggest issues and building old guns isn't fixing QA.

[@baconatordoom]

And if they made those smaller carbines in modern pistol caliber they’d sell pretty well. Remington’s mistake was dumping all that money in polymer firearms and cut quality control. The modern 870s are garbage.

[@TheMindRobber42]

I still hope he does a Nerf Gun for April Fool's Day at some point

[@EuropeYear1917]

Better yet... one of these years as an April Fools joke, he should do the Super Soaker 50, or Super Soaker 60 (two of the early Super Soaker water guns), as they date to the 1970's and 1980's, and are mostly forgotten (like many of the actual real firearms he shows here on a daily basis are old, and mostly forgotten... Ian, if you're reading this, you should consider this for next year's April Fools Day video... it'd be an epic prank).

[@Statusinator]

Mishaco did that this year Would definitely love to see Ian do it though

[@rufusconnolly8489]

This

[@glimpyrimpy6258]

Or a high point

[@jasonstewart3748]

Defiantly the cps 2000 super soaker

[@alexdemoya2119]

The Forgotten Weapon: A tale of an american businessman selling a gun forgotten in the US. This is too perfect. Does he happen to look like Ian?

[@mememem]

Nice meta April fools joke by releasing a serious video, you got me

[@andyrihn1]

It looked like this was going to be quite the successful carbine. And then...peace were declared

[@EuropeYear1917]

*cue weird "PEACE WERE DECLARED" slide similar to C&Rsenal's "WAR WERE DECLARED" slide*

[@mightress]

I like the way monthy python said it better: but than, peace broke out

[@kenhelmers2603]

Seeing and hearing about these guns is cool, but I really like hearing the history surrounding them! Thanks Ian :)

[@troy9477]

Another interesting story. I have long wanted a Rolling Block, preferably in 7x57, although 43 Spanish or something else would be doable once i get my reloading stuff going. The precursor rifles are obviously interesting. Sell high, buy back low, then resell to France. Sounds about right. That would make quite a movie, as you say. The stories behind martial firearms are at least as interesting as the guns themselves. Great video as always. Thank you

[@therugburnz]

I would love a modern version of that rifle in any 22 cal rimfire format. I find that split block interesting.

[@chipsterb4946]

I inherited a Model 1870 Remington rolling block rifle. Knowing nothing about it, I researched it. The action and, specifically breech locking mechanism, is nothing short of brilliant. Extremely simple and robust. The KISS principle in action (sorry for pun 😜). Perfect for military use. I loved seeing this immediate predecessor so many thanks Ian!

[@chipsterb4946]

@@justforever96 sorry - actually a double entendres with “in action”.

[@binbashbuddy]

About time...I'm used to watching the latest with breakfast and was starting to go into withdrawals. Don't mess with my schedule man!

[@CThyran]

The Great Escape, the Franco-Prussian War Edition, staring W.W Reynolds and his marvelous escape via Hot Air Balloon! Coming to theaters this Spring.

[@benbilbrey749]

Gun Jesus is reborn every time he makes a new video. Blessed be he! 🙏

[@charleslarson6961]

Ian, once again you have delighted me by featuring a firearm in my own collection! For several years I've owned a split breech Remington, which today, thanks to you, I have learned is a second model. (I had been unaware there was a first model.) I have often shot this wonderful little firearm using 56-50 brass from a modern producer, employing .22 crimped blanks set into the edge of the rim as detonators so that the rimfire function works. (I do the same with other early rimfire cartridges.) It is actually quite a sweet shooter using the original factory loads for 56-50 Spencer. Thank you for teaching me more about this fascinating predecessor of the rest of my rolling blocks!

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Somewhere, somehow, a Martini-Henry enthusiast just swallowed his gum.

[@kenibnanak5554]

Yeah. I would dispute the R Rolling Block was the best of the 19th century single shots. I have several designs of that era and IMO the Martini H was superior. Even the Sharps was better in several ways.

[@Olumin37]

@@kenibnanak5554 The rolling block was much simpler in design and more rugged. Simpler, cheaper and quicker to make. Also better form a training perspective for the troops. The henry was a bit quicker to reload and fire potentially but thats about it. For a single shot rifle reliability and simplicity is where its at, and the RB excels at that, nothing else comes even close. Its the same argument like which was the better bolt action, the mauser 98 or the enfield. The enfield might have been a better battle rifle, but the mauser was better at everything else.

[@joshuabutherus2489]

@@Olumin37 I'd argue that the eventual Remington rolling block would be faster to shoot because the action can be operated with the rifle in the shouldered position. Even a moderate soldier would almost certainly be able to fire and reload without looking at the action thus keeping his sights on the enemy not needing anywhere near as much time to aim.

[@ingloriousbuddah]

Really love all the extra info and stories makes your channel great

[@drpsionic]

It gets better. During the Franco-Prussian war General Sheridan was traveling with the Prussian King and his staff as an "observer" but actually more of an advisor. So if Mr. Agent Man had drifted over the Prussian lines, assuming he was not shot down or shot as a spy, he would probably have ended up dining with General Sheridan and telling the story of his escape to the King of Prussia.

[@Benjymon123]

Its always nice to see a patent dispute end nicely :)

[@babylonfallen7627]

Great vif as always I love the history behind these firearms

[@fatmanbravo6]

I think i speak for many when i say, 'I love you Ian!'

[@jmcr71795]

Interesting early development of what became the rolling block. I know a sort of local guy, who builds rolling blocks. The full length rifle types, in the big calibers, are bloody weird to hold, as they are so front heavy.

[@barrykent9877]

Beautiful engineering!

[@unclechappy9074]

Congratulations on being so good at your job. Hope everyone finds a way to make money being happy.

[@guitarron1963]

How did he get the gold out of Paris? In the balloon? Gold Is quite heavy.

[@markaplier1261]

James the Bedroom Guitarist yeah and he did it on a specific date...s9mewhere in april

[@rayford21]

Travelers' checks?

[@nationalmaverick]

Yeah but a hot air baloon can hold people, so one guy and 4 empty spots for average 80kg man is a lot of gold.

[@jasonz7788]

Great work Sir thank you

[@brandonbariel8279]

Happy easter my boys

[@Spitsz01]

Nice piece of history Ian, Thank you!

[@Leverguns50]

Love the whole history thing on this

[@oldbatwit5102]

'The balloon is sinking...... throw out some gold!'

[@valorwarrior7628]

Let me share some history too, the Remington rolling block series along with the Peabody "Sledgehammer" action were also seen in full combat during the Japanese Boshin Civil War of 1868 by the Satsuma, Choshuu, and the Tosa Imperialist vanguard who were all led by Viscount Saigo Takamori.

[@ekscalybur]

Be right back. Writing a movie.

[@EuropeYear1917]

YASS! When you start casting, let my page know... I am an actor, and would work on the cheap just to be in the hot air balloon scene.

[@SStupendous]

@@EuropeYear1917 It's a joke bud.

[@quickattackfilms7923]

If the hot air balloon story was an April fools joke, I'm going to be severely disappointed.

[@loafbread9638]

Happy Easter, Ian

[@SNOUPS4]

Someone very famous in France at the same time escaped Paris in a balloon too, and many boulevards are named after him in french cities nowadays... the film could include him: Mr Gambetta. See last paragraph of this Wikipedia chapter: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9on_Gambetta#Career

[@skwerldeath]

Super cool rifles, and a great story also! Another solid video. I love this channel🇺🇸

[@yoitired]

If you ever get sick of YT you could be a history teacher.

[@ahmedulalam9563]

Thank you for the interesting video Mr McCollum and can you please do a review on the flintlock revolver made by Hans Stopler as well as the revolver rifle made by Ralph Mershon and Jehu Hollingsworth.

[@beefgoat80]

I really had no interest in 19th century firearms until I recently started playing Red Dead 2. I'm a little late, I know. I hate paying full price for half-finished games. 🤣 Anyway, I can't get enough of these videos.

[@dwightehowell8179]

A long, long time ago Dixie Gun Works had split breach guns for sale that were surplus and had never been used as well as rolling blocks in 7 mm Mauser. I was to dumb to buy either.

[@dwightehowell8179]

@@browngreen933 It may have been the 1970s.

[@charleslarson6961]

We all regret what we could have done if only we'd had money back then... (sigh)

[@BlackPhillip666]

Worst April's fool prank ever.

[@brancaleone8895]

maybe its the worst April's fool prank but its reliable and reliable

[@SgtKOnyx]

Correct, this is a terrible prank

[@jordanwong7902]

it's bad prank, but a good way to enjoy Easter.

[@blueband8114]

Your film idea is a good one,and would make a refreshing change from the current crop of utter dross super hero films.

[@gestaposantaclaus]

Or the movies turned into TV shows! Training Day the tv show makes me throw up in my mouthy a little.

[@gestaposantaclaus]

"mouthy" -_-

[@mattdickson2]

Drew Dixon i couldn't agree with your assessment of modern superhero movies more if I tried.

[@dolunay9087]

Ian is actually a real Gun Jesus.

[@51WCDodge]

The Franco -Prussian war went badly for the French. Understatment of the year. You can easily argue the subsequent result was World War 1 and 2

[@rockwelldaniels5826]

Could you show the cartridge for comparison?

[@williamprince1114]

I wonder if the performance of the split breech guns in the Franco Prussian war benefitted Remington and made potential buyers more open minded when they considered large purchases of the Rolling Block that followed. Nothing succeeds quite like success.

[@dbmail545]

I see the rear sight is mounted almost as far back as the breech. That doesn't look like a correct sight for that gun, but is very similar to the T/C Contender carbines that I have set up with the OEM tangent sight moved back to the Weaver rail tapping.

[@hermanself7436]

You have the coolest job man

[@markrowland1366]

Tanks of compressed gas are needed for a hot air balloon of 1870. The balloons used were filled with coal gas, filled balloons. One came down in Belgium. It was a very expensive for.m of transport. Coal gas was used in the US civil war for a few observation Balloons.

[@butchmonster8031]

Interesting technology. Thanks!

[@reincarnatedgrandpa8716]

Wow, I've never caught a video this early before!

[@tomcleave308]

And so here we are in November 2022 and no one has made that movie? Damn.......

[@bdl5650]

I am slightly surprised that no one has mentioned the split breech carbine's connection with Nelson Story's Bozeman Trail cattle drive in 1866 and Red Cloud's attempt to thwart the drive.

[@fakefake1938]

I just noted that you haven't spoke about Remington Zouave, in case you do can someone kicke to that video.. cheers Ian greetings from Mexico

[@nekogudo1469]

They're reliable, and reliable.

[@nicholasbellamy3049]

I'd love to see the movie of that sale. Box office hit.

[@yomaze2009]

We still here boys and girls!

[@jacobhobbs6918]

I wonder if this action could be strong enough for modern straight wall pistol cartridges.... I'm thinking .357 maximum chamber..... Would make Nice little deer getter

[@salvadorsempere1701]

The rolling block action was strong enought to withstand 7mm Mauser or 8mm Lebel.

[@rayford21]

A single shot rifle that weighs a ton and fires a handgun cartridge...good idea.

[@randymagnum143]

@@rayford21 these are light little handy rifles, and straight walled cartridges are legal for deer in many states.

[@heathergomes3552]

Is there any way to get more info on W.W. Reynolds and his story? Can't seem to find anything on Google. Do you have a reference for his story, or a book or something?

[@therugburnz]

I again realized ; that is the perfect size rifle for me. The cartridge IDK, but that size even as a simple break barrel in any modern rim-fire would be fun for plinking. PEW-plink, PEW PEW- tink plink. The Plinkmaster Historical. Heh, heh. Ill see myself out.

[@Khanclansith]

What would the strongest modern round this type of action could handle? .380? I could see this being great for a .22plinker.

[@lkandel1696]

the Rolling Block is currently available from several replica companies in calibers ranging from .22lr thru 45-70, you can still find original Rolling Blocks in 7mm & 8mm Mauser as well as 8mm Lebel. You can expect with proper modern steel & manufacture tolerances you could easily run a 308 or 30-06 the action design is that strong.

[@Khanclansith]

L Kandel yeah those are the latter, improved Rolling Blocks I am wondering specifically about the Split Breach here.

[@thelegate8636]

Khanclansith Could probably do it in larger caliber pistol rounds like .45 Colt or even .44 Magnum. Modern metallurgy has come a long way.

[@Khanclansith]

Carolus Rex I am wondering about making them in 9*19mm as a stepping stone into Center Fired for new shooter instructions. I can see making this a self contained firearm and still be able to comply with Draconian storage regulations.

[@lkandel1696]

likely you could do so with a crapped out original, rebarrel with stronger steel and a better locking spring could do it. If yer thinkin on a full blown modern replica then yes the Split Breach at a minimum could handle any non-magnum modern pistol cartridge & many milder rifle cartridges.

[@curtismundie4931]

I have a 1867 rolling block in 45/70 government covered in Danish crown markings turn out to be a artilerymens rifle during ww1 I think it was rechambered for 45/70 as they used 11mm

[@JR81920]

Imagine being able to buy something like this for $15. I was definitely born in the wrong century

[@Michaelfatman-xo7gv]

Not really. Fifteen dollar was still a good chunk of money in the fifties,not four gallons of gas or five gallons of milk.

[@baneofbanes]

$15 was a lot of money back then. An average days wages was often around a $1.

[@andrewince8824]

I'm sure that if the shooter points the muzzle up a little and opens the breech with sufficient gusto, the old case should come flying out making it just that bit faster and more reliable.

[@phillipbampton911]

Hi, Ian. I am sure that you even seeing this is a long shot...just in case though, which .44RF cartridge was used in the First Model?

[@joshuaschoonyan3263]

If ever there was a Drunk History episode...

[@TheZAXUZ]

Is there a video in detail of the actual Remington Rolling Block in this channel? There is this history video of Rolling Block from USS Niagara, but that doesn't go into the details of the gun and its mechanisms.

[@longshotkdb]

they're beautiful ...

[@burstingolem8023]

I too would watch that movie

[@Goatcha_M]

Especially with all that gold ballast.

[@michael931]

how much did they sell for?

[@nicknumber1512]

7:48 When peace...were declared?

[@Talex-jb8bp]

That would be an awesome movie

[@johngibson7307]

Tbh if I owned one of these I would try and do a center fire caliber conversion for a pistol cartridge maybe 45 auto or something unusual like that

[@dwightehowell8179]

Dixie gun works had a bunch of these for sale in the early 70's. I know I handled some. They were in 56-50. I didn't purchase one though.

[@spek2554]

Have you ever explained the purpose of the sliding ring on the breach? Anyone? Was it for tying to the saddle? If so why would it be able to slide?

[@baneofbanes]

It’s the attachment point for the sling. Cavalrymen used single point slings very similar to what you see soldiers use today.

[@johncall4525]

"It didn't go so well for the French..." Big surprise right there.

[@JustinBobby-di9zt]

They Should do repro's of these

[@denniscote4040]

Did Remington ever produce that action I’m miniature for the 22 rimfires?

[@katrinageorge6433]

You should tell the story of Norris and the Mauser brothers.

[@massimothetrog7111]

We need to make rimfire great again!

[@mobilechief]

Now that was interesting

[@Hookset2490]

What was the OAL of the cartridges? Must have been fairly short.

[@EuropeYear1917]

It was .44 Henry Rimfire originally, followed by .56-50 Spencer Rimfire in the later production guns .44 Henry Rimfire = 1.345 in (34.2 mm) overall length .56-50 Spencer Rimfire= 1.545 in (39.2 mm) overall length (measurement numbers from Wikipedia, for what it's worth, although I'm sure that can be verified elsewhere, I'm just too lazy to do it, and will admit it).

[@Hookset2490]

Thanks HM. I figured it couldn't be too large a case due to the space between the breach block and hammer even when it was cocked.

[@EuropeYear1917]

Yeah, they were definitely short cartridges compared to what would come only a few years later in the Reconstruction Era with the .45-70-405 Springfield (a.k.a. .45-70 U.S. Government) which has an overall length of 2.550 in (64.8 mm) or the even later WWI & WWII cartridge, .30-06 Springfield, it has an overall length of 3.34 in (85 mm). It really shows how rapidly cartridges developed, and became bigger/more powerful.

[@johnweems4586]

Is it reliable?

[@brucelee3388]

So, does Ian have a fear of hot air balloons? He could star as the lead in his own movie/mini series.

[@edrick.g7993]

Vraiment cool

[@greydonstautzenberger3901]

Keep it up

[@urbanesoul8400]

I wouldn't put the Remington Rolling Block above the Martini Henry as a military rifle. As a hunting rifle perhaps. The Martini Henry ejects the spent casing with a quick pull on the lever, whereas every rolling block I've seen required more time due to removing spent case by hand.

[@PrebleStreetRecords]

Later rolling blocks, like the #5, also eject the case.

[@billmanagerbunson3123]

@14:22 i like the lil toot,was this how you fooled the april

[@alexjpenn]

I was really hoping there would be a disassembly procedure in this video. It would be a great idea for a future video... hint hint ;)

[@mobilechief]

I miss the one I owned.

[@charleslarson6961]

Maybe I have it. Second model, small piece of wood missing from the lower left side of forestock? It's in good hands.

[@walterdavis4808]

Clears up where the name Remington rider came from that old books call rolling blocks

[@benec5816]

Thank you for another very interesting report what I would like to ask if possible please as I am new to these vintage weapons is what is the ring on the side of the weapon. Thank you

[@con6lex]

Bene C That is called a saddle ring. I believe that a Calvary soldier had a length of rope or a leather strap that went from the ring to his belt or harness, so that he would not loose his rifle if he needed both hands for the horse and/or sabre, and did not have time to reholster.

[@EuropeYear1917]

Its for a sling. Cavalry weapons had rings on the side to attach the sling to for carrying it over your back while riding on horseback (in comparison to infantry weapons which have standard sling swivels mounted inline with the underside of the forestock, and just aft of the trigger guard on the buttstock).

[@benec5816]

HM The Tsar of Russia thanks your highness ha ha

[@benec5816]

con6lex Thank you

[@michaelfuller2153]

The early Navy Rolling Blocks had that same extractor stud...not too common.