History:
Model 1870 rifles were produced at two different periods of time. The first production run of 1,000 rifles was from October 1870 to March 1871. These arms featured the Model 1870 short receiver with the rear sight nearly against the receiver. These arms had the 1868 ramrods and improved rear sights.
The second group of arms, (approx.10,000) wereproduced between October 1871 and June 1872. They had their rear sights 1/2" from the receiver and featured a double shouldered ramrod. All Model 1870 arms from the second production run had breech blocks which were designated "Model 1870" and had a long and high arch on the underside.
Rifles from the first production run had breech blocks which were thick at the hinge, missing the word "Model" in the stamping and had a shorter arch like the Model 1868.
All Model 1870 rifles had a thumb piece which was rounded on the back corner.
