Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Buffalo Newton

Pardon my ignorance but since I have never laid my hands on a Newton Rifle even though have always wanted one I have a question about mounting a scope. I am looking at a first model in .256 Newton. I have been unable to locate a detailed picture that shows the mounts. Does it have to be D&T or is the flat dovetailed for rings?

They have to be drilled and tapped if they are in original condition.
That doesn't help collector value!

You do know that the Buffalo Newton isn't the same as the First Model Newton?

Buffalo Newton was a newer style with the dog-leg bolt handle and the set trigger is reversed in the front of the trigger guard so that you push it forward to set it.

No Newton rifles were factory d&t for scope mounts, so scope mounting would require holes to be d&t.

It is marked Buffalo NY on barrel, it has the straight bolt handle made in 1916. Owner says it is a First Model. Maybe my terminology is wrong? I do not care for the dog leg versions

The stock appears to have been cut and a pad added

If it has typical front-facing triggers and a straight bolt handle, it is probably a First Model Newton. The serial number can be fount on the bolt handle, where the bolt handle intersects the bolt body.

I have 3-digit serial number First Model Newtons in 256 and 30 USG. Nice rifles that were dead a birth due to being introduced during WW1.

serial number is in 1100's. They have always intrigued me with their unique action

How much of a pain is it to form brass?

Not difficult, but time consuming. I prefer to neck up than neck down, so I have made my 256 Newton brass from 25-06 brass. Several people have pointed out over the years that it might be safer to use 270 brass, since firing a 256 Newton cartridge in a 270 chamber wouldn't cause the over-pressure issues that firing the same cartridge in a 25-06 would, but I'm careful and keep my ammo well segregated.

So the Buffalo Newton will say "Buffalo Newton Rifle Company" on the barrel with the dog leg and different triggers?

Below 'quik pix' of my couple of Newton rifles. First two, First Model Newton. Second several, the Buffalo Newton. Aside, that if you acquire a collectible edition you're probably paying a notable premium. As uncommon as these First rifles are and Buffalo models even moreso; the majority of them have been modified over their century of existence. Perhaps locate as significantly modified on which suits your needs.
Also the fact that the Newton firm went into Bankruptcy. A receiver was appointed which, during such period assembled the majority of the Frist model to be found. "Headspace" was simply a nicety and many are out of specs. Something to check re acquisition. My First model, below is in "30 Government" & easy to check. .258 Newton, a great classic chambering but headspace gauges??? As acquiring either of these rifles, my personal hope that you preserve rather than modify/further modify it!
I have several more pix of each if helpful! Best of Luck!!!
Best & Stay Safe!
John

Thanks. It is a good looking gun but not sure it is in the collector grade category

I don't have any Buffalo Newton rifles at this time, so I can't tell you how the barrels are marked.

I sold my Buffalo Newtons to the late Bruce Jennings back in the 1990's.

Buffalo Newtons are easy to spot due to the dog-leg bolt handle and the reversed set trigger that is at the front of the trigger guard.

There are probably many pictures of Buffalo Newtons on the 'net, along with a lot of misinformation.

Amen to the misinformation part. I get a lot better info on here. You learn who to listen to about certain things. Way too many “I heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend wh read it in the internet” so it must be true.

OK GUYS...
Below nomenclature pix of Buffalo Newton Rifle. Note also it reflecting "Patent Pending" atop barrel breach! Hope you're now happy!

Thanks