U.S. Navy 2nd Model Winchester-Hotchkiss Rifle (AW234)

The second model Navy Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle was produced circa 1880 by Springfield Armory using a mix of Winchester and Springfield parts. 999 were manufactured. The second model is distinguished by the safety and magazine cut off levers on top of the receiver sides. The 28.75" round 45 Government centerfire caliber (45-70) barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. It is marked with the V over P over eagle at the breech with W.W.K. (William Kimball, the Navy inspector) in small letters at the top center over a small horizontal R over US over an anchor. The bolt and receiver have the correct HN sub-inspection stamps. The left side of the receiver has the standard Winchester markings over two lines of Patent markings. All the metal is bright. The magazine follower is present. The swivels and cleaning rod are present. The stock is very fine with no cracks or chips and a small 12 rack number (also on the butt plate tang) on the top right butt. This is one of only a few Hotchkiss stocks that this writer has seen that is not chipped or cracked at the rear of the receiver. The action functions correctly. This is a very nice example of the scarce second model U.S. Navy Hotchkiss rifle.