Remington 45-70 Government Rifles: An Australian Guide

Remington’s .45-70 Government rifles are classic centrefire hunting firearms valued by collectors, traditionalists and Australian shooters who prefer a deliberate rhythm at the range. The name covers several rifle actions and configurations, so the cartridge alone does not identify a particular example. Barrel length, weight, sights and condition matter as much as the model name.

For an Australian buyer, legality comes before collecting. Firearm categories, action or magazine restrictions, ammunition rules and dealer-transfer procedures vary by state or territory, while individual clubs may exclude particular calibres. Choose a rifle that your licence covers, your local dealer can lawfully transfer and your range permits, with safe handling built into every plan.

What the 45-70 Government name means

The .45-70 Government, often written .45-70 Gov’t, is a historic cartridge family associated with American frontier, military and sporting rifles. Remington built several versions of these patterns, including octagonal-barrel rifles with exposed hammers and actions reflecting the transition from single-shot designs to repeaters. Here, Government describes a historic pattern family, not a current Australian service designation.

A rifle described as a Remington Government model can chamber .45-70, .44-40, .40-65 or another related round, depending on its production year and model. Check the barrel markings, receiver, manual and documentation rather than assuming from a listing photograph. Cartridges with similar names are not interchangeable, so a dealer or gunsmith should verify the chamber before ammunition is bought.

Comparing the main Remington actions

The Model 1873 is the best-known falling-block, single-shot example: its hammer is cocked manually, then the trigger releases one cartridge at a time. It offers a clear link to nineteenth-century military and sporting designs and can feel substantial in the hand. The Model 1885 and related single-shot patterns share that deliberate rhythm, while barrel profiles, stock shapes and sights differ between versions.

The Model 1877 and Model 1892 represent lever-action alternatives, with a tubular magazine and a repeating cycle. They suit shooters wanting a quicker follow-up shot without moving to a modern bolt-action rifle, although the operating lever and rifle proportions need practice. Availability of new examples changes, so inspect the specific listing for action type, calibre, condition and included parts.

Barrels, sights and rifle weight

Traditional examples often use octagonal barrels, walnut furniture, a steel fore-end and simple iron sights. A shorter barrel can be easier to carry around a property, but it does not remove the .45-70’s substantial blast and recoil. Longer barrels may offer a steadier sight picture and a more settled shot, yet weigh more on a long walk.

Check the front sight, rear notch, bead or adjustable rear sight, then inspect the stock for cracks, loose fittings and repairs. A heavy barrel may absorb felt recoil, while a lighter one can be more comfortable for a seated shooter. Specifications from an American retailer may still be given in inches and pounds, so Australian buyers should convert them to metres and kilograms when carrying or storing a rifle.

Recoil, ammunition and range safety

The .45-70 Government cartridge is associated with a heavy bullet and a loud report, particularly with black-powder loads; modern factory loads may use smokeless powder. This ammunition should not be approached casually. Use only loads approved by the maker or a qualified gunsmith, wear appropriate eye and hearing protection, and keep the muzzle directed toward a safe backstop even when the action is open.

Before taking a classic rifle to an Australian club, ask the range officer about calibre rules, safe distances and action restrictions. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth clubs often have established policies, while remote ranges may have different facilities and access. A lawful rifle can still be unsuitable for a particular range, so confirm the rules before loading or travelling.

Owning and transferring a rifle in Australia

Australian firearm law is administered by the relevant state or territory rather than one national retail category, so requirements in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia cannot be treated as interchangeable. Depending on the jurisdiction and rifle configuration, you may need a particular licence, permit or approval for storage. The American Federal Firearms Licence (FFL) does not replace local requirements. A state-licensed firearms dealer should verify your authority, destination rules and transfer conditions before accepting an order.

Purchases commonly move through a licensed dealer rather than an ordinary courier, and an interstate or overseas transfer can add approvals, freight and paperwork. Do not assume a catalogue’s US fulfilment wording applies in Australia. Australian shooters may call a classic centrefire a “govvie” or “oldtimer”, but those informal names do not determine its legal category or transfer requirements.

Ammunition supply and maintenance

Plan ammunition before buying the rifle. A .45-70 supply may be less regular than mainstream rifle calibres, and availability can change with imports, local stock and club demand. Factory ammunition, compatible brass and reloading components should come through a lawful supplier familiar with the relevant state rules. A gunsmith can inspect an older action and identify any parts that need attention.

Maintenance is modest but important: keep the action clean, protect bare steel from moisture, inspect the stock and screws, and have the bore, chamber and trigger checked when a rifle is bought used or stored for years. Do not rely on a web photo to judge condition. Existing customers can manage their account to review order information and tracking, while the store also provides customer support.

Making a sound purchase decision

Compare the receiver and barrel markings, serial number, calibre, action, barrel length, stock condition, sight set and supplied accessories. A low price can reflect a repair, missing part, nonstandard chamber or a rifle with no lawful transfer path. Ask the retailer for photographs, a written description and its cancellation or refund terms before committing funds.

For a current view of available models, browse the Remington rifle options. The store describes shipping to a customer’s chosen FFL dealer, customer accounts, order tracking, 24/7 support and possible cryptocurrency or military discounts where eligible. That FFL wording is US-oriented and does not replace Australian dealer approval or guarantee delivery to Australia. Confirm that the particular rifle, destination and payment method can be accepted, and read the shipping, cancellation and refund policies before treating the listing as a local purchase. Direct shipping of eligible ammunition and magazines also requires destination-specific eligibility. Australian retail prices are normally expressed in Australian dollars and generally include GST, whereas an overseas transaction may add freight, exchange-rate and compliance costs.

Use the catalogue to build a shortlist based on action, weight, sights and ammunition, then ask a state-licensed firearms dealer to confirm the chambering, licence category and transfer route. Check the club’s calibre rules and arrange a safety lesson if you are new to a classic centrefire. These checks protect the shooter, bystanders and the historic rifle.

Choose the model that fits your licence, range and ammunition plan, record the serial number, retain the purchase documents and complete a professional inspection before the first outing. A well-chosen Remington .45-70 Government can be a rewarding part of Australian firearm history when matched to lawful ownership, careful maintenance and responsible range practice.