Manufactured between 1867 and 1881 with estimated production of the Sporting Rifle at less than 2,000. The breechblock is hinged on the right side of the receiver and lifts upward to load. The top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight is marked " PHOENIX. CAL. 44.". The serial number is marked on the tang under the stock and the upper tang is marked "PATENT MAY. 26. 74.". The Whitney name did not appear on these rifles. The barrel is equipped with a blade front sight and a two leaf folding rear sight. The barrel was finished blue and the receiver, trigger guard and buttplate were casehardened. Mounted with a smooth varnished walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Very good as converted (consignor notes state this rifle was converted from rimfire to centerfire). The barrel has a smooth brown patina with strong original blue in the protected area of the breech end. The receiver retains 60% original case colors with a smooth mottled silver gray patina on the balance. The buttplate has a smooth mottled silver gray patina. The wood has been freshened with a coat of varnish and remains good with a 3 1/2 inch minor crack on both sides of the stock toe, some chipping along the upper edge of the forearm and overall scattered minor dents and dings. Clear markings. The action is fine.