Remington only manufactured an estimated 5,000 Keene magazine rifles (in all configurations) between 1880 and 1883. Production was limited due to competition with the Winchester-Hotchkiss rifles. This model was the first magazine fed rifle produced in quantity by Remington, and the rifles saw considerable use on the western frontier. That, combined with their extremely low production rate, makes good solid examples in high end condition very desirable. The U.S. Army tested the rifle but did not adopt it; opting instead to purchase the Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle. The configuration of this military rifle matches those delivered to the U.S. Army for use in the 1881 trials. Like this example, the Army test rifles had 32 1/2 inch barrels, full stocks, two barrel bands, forend caps, and sling swivels on the upper barrel bands and underside of buttstocks. According to Flayderman, "The U.S. Army evidently only used a few examples." Both barrel bands are marked "U." The top of the bolt is stamped with the three-line Remington address/patent dates marking, and "117" is marked on the underside of the bolt. The rifle is equipped with a stud front sight and a folding leaf rear sight graduated to 400 yards on the base and 1,100 yards on the leaf. The action differs from those featured on standard production Keenes. First, it lacks a magazine cutoff. Second, there are two gas relief holes instead of a single hole.

Very fine, retaining 90% plus original blue finish with thinning on the balance. Patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer, buttplate and barrel bands. The professionally restored lengthened stock is fine with refinished forend cap, minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. An extremely scarce, high condition U.S. trial small arm often missing from even the most advanced U.S. military collections. A must have for any serious U.S. arms collector!