Numrich Arms Swivel-Breech Over/Under .45 Black Powder Rifle – Limited 1960s Production
This Numrich Arms swivel-breech rifle from the 1960s combines a rare over/under, two-barrel design with dependable American craftsmanship. Built in limited numbers at the West Hurley, New York factory, it offers a pair of 28-inch octagonal barrels that rotate 180°, giving the shooter two ready-to-fire .45 caliber black powder charges. Brass furniture, double-set triggers, and a walnut half-stock underscore its appeal to collectors and traditional shooters alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal surfaces display scattered scratches, light rust, and small areas of pitting. The bores remain bright and shiny, and the walnut stock retains solid integrity with only minor handling marks.
What’s Included
- Numrich Arms Swivel-Breech Over/Under .45 Black Powder Rifle
The standout feature is its rotating breech system: flip the barrels 180° to access a fresh charge, effectively giving you two single-shot rifles in one platform without reloading between shots. This mechanism operates smoothly and locks securely, preserving the rifle’s quick follow-up capability.
Numrich Arms produced these rifles only in small batches during the 1960s, making surviving examples uncommon. The proof mark “Numrich Arms West Hurley NY” confirms its origin and aligns with the company’s brief period of traditional muzzleloader manufacturing.
The 28-inch carbon-steel octagonal barrels are blued/browned, complementing the brass patch box, butt plate, nose cap, and thimbles for a classic 19th-century aesthetic. Iron sights consist of a dovetailed blade front and semi-buckhorn rear, offering a clear, period-correct sight picture.
Handling is enhanced by the 14.25-inch length of pull and straight-wrist walnut half-stock. Double-set triggers allow a light, crisp release when desired, while the external hammers maintain reliable percussion ignition.