The variations of Benjamin B. Hotchkiss's bolt action design were Winchester's first attempts at producing and marketing bolt action rifles and also their first repeating rifles chambered for the popular .45-70 Government cartridge. They are an interesting mix of old and new repeating rifle design elements. These third models can be easily distinguished from the earlier models by the two-piece stock and exposed action with side mounted safety and magazine cut-off switches. The Army received an unknown number of these Model 1883 rifles. This rifle was manufactured in 1884 and has a pinned blade front sight, the two-line address marking on top, a notch and ladder rear sight graduated from 1 to 4 on the base and 5 to 12 on the ladder, "U.S./VP/D.F.C." on the left at the breech, a long "musket" forend with steel cap and secured by two "U" marked barrel bands, "D.F.C." marked bolt, "{MODEL OF 1883}" on the upper tang, "28519" in script on the bottom of the action, sling swivels on the trigger guard and upper barrel band, the three-line patent marking on the lower tang ahead of a script "P" on the stock, a boxed cartouche on both sides of the wrist, and a "U.S." marked buttplate.

Fine overall with 80% original blue finish, 30% original case colors mixed with light gray and brown patina, smooth refreshed dark oil finish on the wood, wear from mounting and dismounting a bayonet, light spotting, mostly crisp markings aside from the cartouches, and general minor marks and scratches on the metal and wood. Mechanically excellent.