This 44 Evans (1"" shell) transition model Evans sporting rifleis circa 1876 or 1877. With its 34-shot magazine, it was the ""assault rifle"" of the 1870s! The overall length is approx. 47.25"". The 30"" octagon barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The top flat is marked 2240 (the serial number) followed by EVANS REPEATING RIFLE MECHANIC FALLS. ME followed by PAT. DEC. 8. 1868 & SEP.16. 1871. The barrel has a smooth brown patina. The front sight blade is made from a coin and the rear ladder sight is missing the sliding cross piece. All the other metal parts have a gray-brown patina. The lever and trigger have traces nickel finish. The butt stock is very good with a stable age crack on the lower left front It has much of its original finish. The forend is good with the left at the barrel having about a 2"" crack in the center and a 5.5"" missing chip that is about 3/16"" wide at its widest. The action functions properly. These western style Evans sporting rifles are seldom seen today.