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15566  - Buy A Refurbished Broomhandle?
2/28/2017
Bill Snyder

Maker: Mauser, Model: 1896, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I've recently become interested in getting a Broomhandle pistol, but I don't know enough about them to feel comfortable about buying one. I want something I can hang on the wall, but also shoots well. I'm not a collector and I'm more concerned about how well it shoots. Are replica's as good or better than originals? I prefer a gun that uses clips, and I'm also interested in the stocks-holsters that go with the guns.

 Answer:
Bill, if you are not a collector, and you just want a 96 Mauser to shoot, a refurbished pistol would probably be a good choice for you. Due to the use of corrosive ammunition, it is very hard to find an original 96 Mauser with a good bore. An original 96 Mauser with a good bore and an original shoulder stock could easily sell for $2500.00 to $3000.00 dollars. Most refurbished 96 Mausers have new relined barrels, or have been re-bored to 9mm. I like the refurbished Broomhandles that have been re-bored to 9mm best because they do not show any solder joint lines, and also because 9mm is cheaper and easier to find than 7.63 Mauser ammo is. Before you purchase a refurbished 96 Mauser make sure to have a competent gunsmith check it out for you. There are adds advertising Chinese reproduction 96 Mauser holster/shoulder stocks in the Shotgun News form time to time. Marc



15496  - Mauser 1871/84 Converted To In-line Muzzle Loader
2/28/2017
Dudley

Maker: Mauser, Model: 1871/84, Caliber: 43, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
I have an 1871/84 matching s/n that has been converted from cartridge to in-line black powder (cap and ball). Why? By Whom? When? Any ideas?

 Answer:
Dudley- That is certainly odd, but I am sure it is something a former owner did because they could. A really dumb decision in my opinion, but it was not my gun. John Spangler.



15492  - British No. 4 Mark I Enfield
2/25/2017
Scott, /Oklahoma City,OK

Maker: Enfield 303, Model: N 4MK1 M47 1943 AH2442 Matches Stock, Caliber: .303, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: AH2442

Markings:
B -SC- on the barrel- BSA Controlled Company in Shrley,lancashire.Ithink one of the first runs...no way sure.

Question:
Can you find the history of this rifle, and any way to Certify it`s path through history. I just recently found it.. in great condition, hit a metal at 1450 m. Someone through the years have taken great care of it, would just like to know something. I do not see any refurbish marks, and glad to see the stock matches the stamp..

 Answer:
Scott- Sorry, we cannot tell you much about this one. The M47 code with the two letter prefix and a four digit number after that should indicate manufacture by BSA Shirley. Any military history past that point is probably lost forever. John Spangler



15565  - Montana Centennial For Buffalo Hunt
2/25/2017
Gary House, Nampa, Id

Maker: Browing, Model: 1886, Caliber: 45-70 Govt, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 0924

Markings:
Montana Centennial ingraving

Question:
I have this piece, New In The Box. Would the value be lessened if it was fired once to shoot a buffalo during the Yellowstone migration hunt?

 Answer:
Gary, the short answer is yes, value will be reduced by 30 to 50 percent or more if you fire even one round through it. Most people find it prudent to sight in a rifle before taking it on a hunt. If you only intend to fire the rifle once, that leaves no room for important things like sighting in. I think that you would be far better off to use a rifle that you can become fimiliar and comfortable with before the hunt. We would be happy to set you up with a nice classic Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Winchester in 375 or 300 H&H. Marc



15562  - Rohm Value
2/21/2017
Diana

Maker: Rohm Gmrh Sontheim/brenz, Model: Rg24, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: Short, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 8430

Question:
I need to know the value of a revolver gun that was made by Rohm GmBh in Germany it`s a cal 22 lr it has RG24 on the side. The serial number on the barrel is 8430 I need to know how much the handgun would be worthwhile?

 Answer:
Diana, Rohm GmbH of Sontheim/Benz manufactured a large range of cheap revolvers for import to the US prior to the gun control act of 1968 when restrictions on handgun dimensions severely curtailed importation. There is no collectors interest in Rohm firearms and their values are very modest, one price guide suggests $35 to $75 which varies depending on condition. Frankly, I consider them only marginally safe to shoot, and would never own one under any circumstances, let alone try to shoot it. Marc



15491  - Remington Model 740 Rifle Date
2/21/2017
Seth, Gulfport, MS.

Maker: Remington Woodmaster, Model: 740, Caliber: .308, Barrel Length: 22'', Finish: Blue, SN: 232327

Markings:
It has 33 on the left side of the barrel at the very back side. It also looks like a & Y K just before that. Also on the left side of the barrel right by the site after the makers stamp it looks like C_ with a spade or diamond around it.

Question:
It looked for the two or three letter stamp on the barrel but I couldn`t find it. I was wondering the exact year and more information on this rifle. It was passed down from my great grandfather.

 Answer:
Seth- The date is fairly easy to pin down as the .308 caliber was added to the Model 740 in May 1956, and production ended in December 1959 when the 740 was replaced by the Model 742. A total of 252,275 Model 740s were made so I would guess that yours was probably made in early 1959. The Remington Society of America has a great article on the 740 and its relatives at http://www.remingtonsociety.org/remington-model-740-model-742-and-model-7400-autoloading-rifles/ Hope that helps. John Spangler



15546  - Sig Sohn .357
2/18/2017
Jon

Maker: Made In West Germany ( Sig Sohn), Model: B, Caliber: 357 Mag, Barrel Length: 6, Finish: Blue, SN: B 001

Markings:
None, very plain

Question:
History on the Gun, and its possible worth?

 Answer:
Jon, I am not a Sig expert and I was unable to find much information on your handgun in my reference books, or on the internet. There are some Sig. semi automatic pistols in .357 but I think that they have shorter barrels. Because of the 6 inch barrel that you mention, I am guessing that you have a revolver.

I have a vague memory of having a Sig revolver in .357 when I first started collecting guns over 40 years ago. I don't remember much about it except that I got it as part of a package deal and I was not happy about owning it because it was a Colt single action clone with a funky (slightly off) look in my opinion. It seemed to take an exceptionally long time for me to find a buyer, and I was greatly relieved once it was gone. Sorry that I can not be of more assistance. Marc



15490  - Italian Carcano Carbine M1891/28 T.S.
2/18/2017
brian, Antioch, il

Maker: Carcano, Model: Carcano M.1891/28 TS Carbine, Caliber: 6.5x52 Mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: AV5358

Markings:
Brescia and 1917 shown on barrel along with serial number. Butt shows RE Terni 1931 along with matching serial number from barrel. ( I believe 1931 is a refurbishing date )

Question:
Seems obvious the rifle was built in 1917. Appears to be all original...screw in cleaning rod, side and under stock sling loops, front barrel band, bayonet lug (forward facing) and adjustable rear sight (600 - 500) - only thing missing is an en-bloc clip. Wondering about manufacture date and whether or not any information exists about this rifle being used in WWI and/or WWII. Thanks in advance for your attention to my request for information. Brian

 Answer:
Brian- Based on your excellent and detailed description, I agree with your assessment that this is indeed one of the Model 1891 T.S. carbines (which used the goofy sideways bayonet lug) to the 91/28 configuration. That would account for the 1917 Brescia original manufacture markings and the Terni 1931 markings added when updated to the new configuration. It very likely was used in both WW1 and WW2, but where and by whom will probably never be known. The only book I have on Carcano rifles is on by Richard Hobbs “The Carcano: Italy’s Military Rifle.” However, last weekend I noticed that a book dealer had two new large hardbound books on Italian military arms, and they may have more detailed or updated information. The availability of detailed information often translates into greater collector interest in a specialty. (But, honestly, Italian arms do not interest me at all!)

Speaking of Italian arms, the December 2016 Man At Arms magazine had a good article on Italian military handguns with a very artistic front cover photo. But, if you look closely, the pale yellow background is actually spaghetti! The publisher, Stuart Mowbray, has a great sense of offbeat humor! John Spangler



15486  - Sharps Serial Numbers
2/14/2017
Bob Holland

Maker: Sharps, Model: ?, Caliber: Not Sure, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 79899

Question:
I have two Sharps that were left to me by my father. One has a serial number of 79899 The other has a serial number of C 8086 with a small 0 after the letter C Can you tell me anything about them ?

 Answer:
Bob- Guns with serial numbers close to 79899 were carbines being issued to various cavalry units as early as mid-1863. On the other gun, the impression by the C is actually a small comma. Sharps used serial number up to 99,999 and then for 100,000 and above used the letter C and started over again from 1 (C, 1) to indicate 100,001 and went on up. There is no history on that one either, but nearby numbers were associated with cavalry units from late 1864 onwards. Many of the percussion carbines were later altered to use .50-70 metallic cartridges and served well into the Indian War era. John Spangler



15533  - Modern Production 1895?
2/14/2017
Jeff Rector Durand, MI

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1895, Caliber: 45 70, Barrel Length: 22 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: 8008389

Markings:
There is a small white circle with a black dot in the center of it on the bottom of the rear stock approximately one quarter of an inch in diameter.

Question:
Please help me find the year my rifle was manufactured and your opinion of approximate worth. It is in immaculate condition. Thank you for your help.

 Answer:
Jeff, the Model 1895 Winchester was Browning's first design to incorporate a box magazine . Winchester produced over 425,00 model 1895's between 1896 and 1931. Serial numbers for these early production rifles fall between 1 and about 400,000. The serial number that you provided for your Model 95 falls well outside of the range for early rifles. My guess is that you have a modern production Model 95, that was produced in the last 25 or so years. If your rifle is modern production, A quick and dirty price range would be $500 to around $1000 ($1750 for the Model 1895 Limited Edition High Grade). To get a more accurate estimate, you should have an expert examine the rifle in person, try taking it to a gunshow and ask 3 or 4 different dealers who have similar merchandise for sale on their tables to see what they think. Marc



15480  - Springfield M1A Rifle With A Below Serial Number
2/14/2017
Tom, Louisville, KY

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
I have a Springfield m1a. I am looking for the date and what the a means bellow the serial number. The serial number is 065682a.

 Answer:
Tom- Sorry, no idea at all on that. John Spangler



15529  - Model 94 XTR Value
2/11/2017
Michael Rantoul, Il

Maker: Winchester, Model: Model 94 XTR, Caliber: 30/30, Barrel Length: 20'', Finish: Blue, SN: 4980379

Question:
What would the value of this rifle be in good condition?

 Answer:
Michael, The model 1894 Winchester is one of the most popular firearms ever to be manufactured. To date over 6 million 1894's have been manufactured and they are still going strong. Model 1894 Winchester's manufactured before 1964, bring a premium and condition plays a big part in determining their values. There is a big difference between NRA Excellent and NRA Good condition (see our NRA Condition Grading Definitions For Antique Firearms section). According to the Blue Book, Model 94 XTR rifles were manufactured between 1985 and 1988. Values for your Model 1894 XTR could range from $150.00 to around $650 depending on condition and finding the right buyer. Marc



15478  - Remington 1858 Navy Revolver Loading Lever.
2/11/2017
Keith El Paso, TX USA

Maker: Remington, Model: 1858 Navy, Caliber: 36, Barrel Length: 7 3/8'', Finish: Blue, SN: 547

Markings:
None that I can see

Question:
I would like to find an original loading lever assembly. Can anyone help me find one or since my pistol is so pitted is it worth putting money into it? Also was this pistol made in 1860 (serial number 547) thank you

 Answer:
Keith- Frankly, I doubt ft it would be worth the money to use an original. Your second option would be to use a repro and age it a bit. If you want to pursue original parts, try S&S Firearms or Lodgewood Manufacturing. For repro parts, you might check them or keep an eye on GunBroker or maybe even eBay for a loading lever assembly or even a trashed repro revolver.

I do not have manufacturing date information on these. John Spangler



15560  - Marlin Model ??
2/7/2017
Francis Cameron Wis

Maker: Marlin, Model: ??, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: 25 1/2, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 405128

Markings:
peep sight, octagon barrel, compass in stock, lever action

Question:
date of manufacture, aprox $ value

 Answer:
Francis - I have no information on this serial number and you did not send model information so I can not help with price, I recommend that you check wit the Marlin Firearms Collectors Association at http://www.marlin-collectors.com/. Marc



15473  - .22 Jet Ammunition
2/7/2017
Gary Roe, Odessa,Tex

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: R22Jet, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
I have a box of ammo marked 22 Rem ''Jet'' and I need some info on this caliber. The bullet is 22 cal size but the cartridge is quite larger.

 Answer:
Gary- Your ammunition is rather scarce, as are guns to shoot it. This is basically a .357 magnum case necked down to .22 caliber. The cartridge was a joint project with Remington designing the cartridge and Smith & Wesson coming up with their Model 53 revolver chambered for this round. First “leaked” in 1959 the guns and ammo did not hit the market until 1961, and production of the guns ended in 1971. The revolvers could also shoot .22 long rifle cartridges using special adapters or inserts. The only other guns I know of that were chambered for this round are some Marlin Model 62 lever action rifles, some H&R Topper single shot rifles, and Thompson-Center Contender pistols. Anyone who fires one of the guns can always use ammo, and collectors usually want a box of ammo to display with their gun. John Spangler



15465  - Stevens .22 Falling Block Rifle
2/4/2017
David

Maker: J C Sevens A & T Co., Model: Falling Block, Caliber: 22 Cal, Barrel Length: 22 In. Breech To Muzzle, Finish: Blue, SN: 06720

Markings:
6 inches of octagonal barrel 14 1/2 round barrel 1 1/2 block ( 22 inch barrel) Pat. date- Apr. 17,94

Question:
When was this rifle made and approximate value overall condition 60%

 Answer:
David- Stevens made a lot of falling block (also called rolling block) rifles and we would need a lot more details to figure out the exact model However, the use of the “J.Stevens A&T Co.” does narrow down the date to 1886-1916 when the company was known as the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company. Exact model will greatly influence the value, but a rough guess assuming that it is one of the common models would be in the $125-350 range. John Spangler



15559  - Old Shotguns
2/4/2017
CANADA

Maker: Sureshot, Model: ?, Caliber: 12 Gauge, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 3583

Question:
want approx. year that it was made

 Answer:
I do not have any information on this firearm, it is probably one of a huge number made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and sold through various retail outlets. This type of firearm falls into the category of "old guns" that no one seems to be interested in as shooters, but collectors do not want them either. Generally these were basic inexpensive simple guns which sold at modest prices and still have little interest or value on market today. On the retail market they usually sell in the $25-125 range depending on condition and general appearance for use as a "wall hanger" over a fireplace. Where there is any family history, we encourage people to keep these old guns for sentimental value. Please be warned that most of these are not considered safe to shoot. Marc