Hamilton Rifle Co. No. 15 .22 Rimfire Single-Shot Under-Lever Rifle, Early 1900s, Brass-Lined 8 in. Barrel
This Hamilton No. 15 stands out for its compact brass-lined barrel sleeve with unusual 12-flat rifling and its distinctive under-lever, manually cocked action. Produced in Plymouth, Michigan in the early 1900s, it carries receiver markings with 1900 patent dates and was built with walnut furniture and simple open sights. Technically it classifies as an NFA Short Barreled Rifle but is on the NFA Exception list.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Fouling: Severe Fouling - Extensive corrosion, pitting, or erosion.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: This example shows wear and handling marks consistent with age and prior use. The bore is in rough condition; refer to the photos for a close look at surface and interior details.
What’s Included
- Hamilton Rifle Co. No. 15 .22 Rimfire single-shot rifle
The No. 15 uses a single-shot, under-lever action with a lever-form trigger guard and a bottom-hinged loading port. Firing is controlled by a rear knurled cocking knob, and sighting is handled by a simple open setup: an integral front sight at the muzzle band and a notch rear sight near the breech.
Its barrel construction is a key detail: a steel outer tube with an internal brass-lined, rifled sleeve measuring about 8 inches. The sleeve features distinctive dodecagonal (12-flat) rifling, an unusual pattern that sets this model apart among early .22 rimfire designs.
Furniture consists of a straight-grip walnut buttstock; there is no separate fore-end on this example (typical for this model). The length of pull is 12.5 inches. The metal shows a blued/brown finish, and the receiver is steel in a matching blued/brown tone. Capacity is single-shot (1 round).
The receiver is marked "THE HAMILTON RIFLE No. 15 .22 CAL" with patent dates Oct. 30 and Nov. 20, 1900. Typical overall length for this model is approximately 27.5–28.25 inches.
Manufacture took place in Plymouth, Michigan, USA during the early 1900s.
Of note for compliance and collecting, this model’s configuration technically meets the definition of a short-barreled rifle under the NFA but is on the NFA Exception list. This status, along with its early 1900s production and distinctive rifled sleeve, contributes to its collectible appeal.