The Evans Repeating Rifle Company, Mechanic Falls, ME, manufactured approx. 3,000 New Model Sporting Rifles between 1877 and 1879, only a few which had the ""EVANS SPORTING RIFLE"" barrel marking like this one. They featured a 28-shot capacity magazine in the butt for the 44 Evans 1.5"" centerfire cartridge. The overall length of this Evans sporting rifle is approx. 45,25"". The 27"" octagon barrel has an excellent bore with bright strong rifling. The top of the barrel is marked EVANS SPORTING RIFLE. The barrel has a BLADE front sight and military style ladder rear sight. The barrel retains approx. 95% blue. The frame has a smooth blue finish that is starting to turn plum. The lever has strong case colors. This sporting rifle has the late lever with the curled under tip and no lever latch. The stocks are fine with no cracks or chips, lots of original varnish, and very little wear. The forend is checkered and has a schnabel tip. The action functions correctly. This is a very fine late Evans New Model sporting rifle with the scarce EVANS SPORTING RIFLE barrel marking.