This is an early thumb print model. It is estimated that only 12% of the production of all Model 1876's were in the carbine version and a large portion of those were stamped and issued to the Canadian Mounted Police.  This gun was made in 1879, the 4th year of production and is a regular issue non Candadian marked gun.  It was wildely popular with the Texas Rangers due to its large caliber and short barrel.  Teddy Roosevelt also had one of these guns in his battery.  This example is all original and works like new.  The bore is very good with nice strong rifling. Metal finish is mostly patina but clean and sharp and no pitting or corrosion.  The loading gate still sports most of its original blue finish.  Wood has a couple of bumps but is crack free and wood to metal fit is like a glove.  This is a fine all original example of one of Winchesters rarest saddle ring carbines with a long and glorious Western history.  A fine rifle for any collecton.