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15995  - Novelist Needs Expert Advice
3/30/2019
Ira

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

Question:
Imagine a poor farmboy in East Texas, circa 1920s. He's short, with correspondingly short arms. He cuts his shotgun down to size so that it will be easier to handle, but he's got to weight the stock so that the gun will maintain its proper balance. He's got access to common tools, but not to molten lead. How would he do it? Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 Answer:
Ira, I am not an expert on illegally shortening shotguns but I do have some ideas. You did not indicate what type of shotgun we are talking about but if you want to stay true to your premise, a poor farm boy would probably have a cheap break action type of shotgun rather than a pump or a semi automatic, both of which would be more expensive.

The weight of the cut off part of the barrel would probably be in the 6 to 8 ounces range so I do not think that changing the weight of the stock for better balance would be a concern. The farm boy would probably just cut the barrel shorter with a hacksaw and be done with it. If he wants to make the stock lighter to match the barrel, he would probably cut it down with the hacksaw and try to form some type of home-made pistol grip. If he is a talented wood carver, he could form his own wooden pistol grip from scrap wood.

BTW - I would bet that most farm boys of that time would have had access to molten lead. Back then, many things were made from lead including toys, figurines fishing sinkers, solder, car batteries and even Christmas tree tinsel and icicles. It would not be hard to melt down any of these items over an open fire.

Hope this helps, Marc



15998  - 1861 Enfield With Mother Of Pearl And Wire Inlays
3/30/2019
Georgia

Maker: Enfield, Model: 1861, Caliber: 58, Barrel Length: 52 In ( Overall ), Finish: Rusty, SN: ?

Markings:
Heavily inlaid with mother of pearl with what appears to be brass/copper twisted wire for stems on the flower pattern

Question:
What time period would this have been done and who was the artist of this pattern?? Ive seen this on other arms and what was the significance

 Answer:
Georgia- The types of decoration you describe are often found on guns in Arab or Muslim countries, ranging from India and Afghanistan west through Turkey, Syria, Egypt and across North Africa to Morocco. The quality of the work varies from beautiful artistry and workmanship to very crude and clumsy. “Why” is more difficult, and while some may have been to appeal to the artistic taste of wealthy buyers, most was probably motivated by greed and the hope of finding some sucker willing to pay a lot more for a fancy gun “made for a tribal chief” or something. Gullible buyers will often fall for a good story and shiny trinkets. John Spangler



15991  - Remington 12- C With No Date Code
3/26/2019
Gary, Tulalip, WA

Maker: Remington, Model: 12-C, Caliber: .22, Barrel Length: 23 1/2'', Finish: Blue, SN: 555890

Markings:
`H` is the only letter visible on the barrel in front of the receiver.

Question:
Octagon barrel with crowned muzzle. Curved steel butt plate. Blade front sight. What is the year of manufacture?

 Answer:
Gary, Remington introduced their Model 12 .22 caliber slide action rifle in 1909 and over 840,000 were manufactured before the model was discontinued in 1936. The Model 12 was chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges and came with a 22 inch round or octagon barrel, open sights, tubular magazine and a plain straight grip stock. The Model 12-B (introduced in 1910) was the gallery model, it was chambered in .22 Short only and came with 24 inch octagon barrel and a pistol grip stock. The Model 12-C (also introduced in 1910) was much like the 12-B except that it was chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges. It came with 24 inch octagon barrel and pistol grip stock.

Starting in 1921 Remington rifles have a code located on the left side of the barrel near the frame that identifies the year and month of manufacture. It does not sound like your rifle has the date code so it must have been manufactured between 1910, when the model was introduced, and 1921 when Remington started adding the date code to their rifles. I have seen Model 12-C rifles with serial numbers in the 600,000 range that have codes dating them to 1923 manufacture. Your serial number is much lower so I would guess that it was made several years earlier. Hope this helps, Marc



15997  - Swedish Mauser Rifle
3/26/2019
Dave, Covington, Ga

Maker: Swedish Mauser, Model: I Think 98, Caliber: 6.5n55mm, Barrel Length: 29, Finish: Blue, SN: 460378

Markings:
HK in small caps precedes the Serial Number

Question:
Estimated value of this sweetheart. (ALL number match) How do I send you photos ?

 Answer:
Dave- Based on your description it is probably the Model 1896 Mauser rifle. These were extremely well made of quality materials and the 6.5x55mm round is an excellent cartridge. The rifles were not used much (Sweden was neutral during WW2) so they are generally in excellent to new condition. But, they made and later sold on the surplus market, hundreds of thousands of them so there is a large supply, and not a lot of Swedish rifle collectors, so values tend to be modest. When they first cam in about 30 years ago they were selling for about $69.95 and stayed at that level for many years. However, they seem to be running about $400-500 now. Hope that helps. John Spangler



15996  - Rossi (M1906 Wincheter Copy)Parts
3/23/2019
Rod, Auckland, New Zealand, rodnrob@ihug.co.nz

Maker: Rossi, Model: Unknown, Caliber: .22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 626XXX

Question:
I have a Brazilian replica of an '06 Winchester pump action made by Rossi. It's a nice little plinker but will not feed properly if there is more than one cartridge in the magazine. It seems that some time in the past (before I got it) it was repaired and the hammer was replaced with one off a genuine '06 Winchester. Can you tell me where I can get genuine Rossi parts for this rifle? Contact E-mail or fax numbers and/or postal addresses would be appreciated. Thanks.

 Answer:
Rod- I checked my Gun Parts Corporation catalog (West Hurley, NY 12491 phone (914)679-2417 FAX (914)679-5849) but they don't list any Rossi rifle stuff. You might contact them anyway. I don't have any other ideas. Maybe someone else will know. HELP! ... John



15990  - Mystery S&W .22
3/23/2019
Gil Mobile, Alabama US

Maker: Smith & Wesson, Model: ?, Caliber: .22, Barrel Length: 6'' ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 279764

Question:
When was it made and is it worth anything

 Answer:
Gil, it is hard to say what you have without more information. Your serial number does fall in the range for the .22/.32 Hand Ejector model which was a .22 LR caliber, 6 shot revolver with fluted cylinder, 6 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered walnut grips that had ``S&W`` medallions. References indicate that there were several hundred thousand of this model manufactured between 1911 and 1941.

You did not provide any information about condition and without knowing for sure what model you have or condition, any values that I might provide would just be a wild guess. Marc



15993  - Winchester Collectors Association Link
3/19/2019
James

Maker: Winchester, Model: 30 W. C. F., Caliber: 30 - 30, Barrel Length: 19 1-2 Inches, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 846332

Markings:
lever action

Question:
how old is this

 Answer:
James, the Winchester Collectors Association has put together a web page that will give you the information that you are looking for. Go the following link: https://winchestercollector.org/dates/. Once you have arrived, and the page has finished loading, select "1894 55 & 64" in the Model box. Then enter "846332" in the serial number box and click the button that is labeled "Get Manufacturing Date". The answer to your question will automagically appear! Good luck, Marc



15970  - Winchester Model 52 Barrel Markings
3/19/2019


Maker: Winchester, Model: 52, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
Is there a marking on a 1937 Winchester Model 52 that indicates the barrel type other than measuring it ... thanks.

 Answer:
Sir- Not that I know of. I think the measurements for the different weights are those listed in WIkipedia:

Barrel:

Standard Target: 28``, 1`` at the receiver tapering to .75``

Heavy Target (optional 1927-1961): 28``, 1`` at the receiver tapering to .875``

Bull Barrel (optional 1939-1960): 28``, 1.125`` at the receiver tapering to .875``. Model 52 Bull-guns came exclusively with the Marksman stock.

Sporting (1934-1959): 24``, .830`` at the receiver tapering to .555``

Model D Heavy Target (optional from 1961): 28``, 1.0625`` at the receiver tapering to .875``

International Match (from 1969, with International Match/3P/Prone stocks): Heavy Target pattern, precision-rifled and lead-lapped, with a rebated muzzle (omitted in late examples). The chamber was hand-cut to such tolerances that a cartridge could not be fully seated by finger pressure.

Stainless steel and nickel steel barrels were offered briefly in 1930-31

Hope that helps. John Spangler



15989  - Traper 9422?
3/16/2019
Australia

Maker: WINCHESTER, Model: 9422, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: 15 INCH, Finish: Blue, SN: F705995

Markings:
nil

Question:
Is this rifle a true ''Trapper''? Not marked as such on barrel, however overall length is 33 inches. It has been threaded to accept a suppressor. Looking for conclusive evidence that is in fact a Trapper version of The Winchester 9422?

 Answer:
Unfortunately it looks like that evidence doesn't exist. Trapper 9422's were made with a 16 1/4 inch barrel. I am not currently aware of any markings for the 9422 to denote a trapper model. Josh



15969  - M1 CARBINE GRENADE LAUNCHING CARTRIDGE M6
3/16/2019
Dave

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

Question:
Hello. I have a waxed paper foil packet of 5 cartridges for grenade launching for the .30 carbine. It is sealed but a bit wrinkled. I can`t seem to find one like it on the interweb, and was wondering if you guys knew anything about it.

 Answer:
Dave- I have seen a lot of the 5 round packets of the M6 Grenade cartridges for the M1 Carbine. These were packed in the cute little mini-spam cans in various combinations with the M3 grenade cartridge for the M1 Garand/M1903/M1917, and/or the M7 Auxiliary Cartridge (``vitamin pill``).

Some seem to be thin cardboard packets which were dipped in heavy wax, usually with a small slip of paper with lot number, etc stuck on one end and less thick wax there. Others were sealed in a kraft/foil type paper without the wax. There are also the thin cardboard packets with lot information printed directly on them, but I am not sure if they were ones removed from a heavy wax coating or just left that way.

While I have not seen any packs that match your description, I would not be surprised that there are other variations out there. In my opinion value for all the 5 round packs should be about the same, but a collector who has to have one of everything may pay quite a bit more for the one missing item to complete his collection.

Hope that helps. John Spangler



15968  - REMINGTON 514 .22 RIFLE
3/12/2019
Joen South Africa

Maker: Remington, Model: 514, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have a .22 Remington Single Shot rifle with the following markings: Number 13362 Remington Arms Co INC ILTOR NY (letters fading) MADE IN U.S.A. - PATENTS PENDING MODEL 514. Any info on the weapon maybe?

 Answer:
I have a .22 Remington Single Shot rifle with the following markings: Number 13362 Remington Arms Co INC ILTOR NY (letters fading) MADE IN U.S.A. - PATENTS PENDING MODEL 514. Any info on the weapon maybe?

The Remington 514 was an economy version of the Remington single shot Model 510 rifle, intended to compete with inexpensive rifles being sold by Savage or Stevens or under various retailer ``house brand`` names. The Model 510 sold for about $19.95 and the 514 was only about $14.00 when introduced in 1948, a significant difference in those days. The 514 was dropped around 1970. Because it was cheaper, Remington naturally cut corners, but at that time with Remington making their own barrels, it had a very good barrel, so it was a pretty accurate rifle. It was made in a youth and full size version.

Problems were a bad trigger, single extractor and the rotating safety was not very durable

For information, the Model 510 was part of Remington`s ``500 series`` of rifles introduced just before WW2. According to Roy Marcot`s excellent research, the entire 500 series of rifles shared a cost-saving receiver, ``...made from seamless drawn steel tubing, not more expensive forged steel.`` In addition they shared as many parts as possible to cut costs while offering a side range of .22 caliber rifles. These models were``

510--bolt action single shot

511-bolt action with a removable box magazine.

512-bolt action with tubular magazine

513T- Bolt action heavy barreled target model w/same magazine configuration as the 511.

513S--Bolt action sporter version.

521-T--this is a junior-sized version of the 513-T

So, while the 514 was not part of the ``500 series`` despite the model number, it was certainly closely related.

The 514 is not as popular with collectors or shooters due to the single shot design and durability problems. Here they are often seen priced in the range of $75-125 depending on condition. Hope that helps. John Spangler



15988  - Firearm With `JM` In A Circle Marking
3/12/2019
Dan Helena MT

Maker: Jm ?, Model: 107158, Caliber: .22 Long, Barrel Length: 10 In, Finish: Other, SN: 72168178

Markings:
On the barrel is stamped the letters J M in a circle. Also on the barrel is stamped Cal.22 LR ONLY. But right before the Cal, just slightly out of line with the rest is the letters CO ?

Question:
I am curious as to what year it is. Also if there may be some history to this, since I believe it to be a unique item.

 Answer:
Dan, I was unable to find any information about firearms marked with `JM` in a circle. The closest match that I could find is that Marlin Firearms Co., formerly of North Haven, Connecticut used `JM` in an oval and `JMM` in a circle as a trade mark and proof. Marc



15987  - Cone Hammer C-96 Mauser
3/9/2019
Dave, Raleigh, NC, USA

Maker: Mauser Broomhandle, Model: C-96 Conehammer, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 7487

Markings:
WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF?YN? 2 proof markings under barrel, 1 proof mark on back of Conehammer, 34groovegrips, 50 - 000range, stock

Question:
Best I can tell this appears to be an 1897 made early Conehammer. Is there a list of Broomhandle experts around the country that I could take this to, to have it inspected and would know more about it`s condition and value in today`s market? This was brought back from overseas by my fathers older brother in early to mid 1900`s, and held by my father and myself since then. Dave

 Answer:
Dave, it sounds like you have a nice pistol. I have read about the early Cone Hammer C96 variants but I have never owned one. I think that the best place to begin your research is at the Jan C Still forums, here is a link: http://luger.gunboards.com/forum.php. There are some very knowledgeable people who frequent this site and you will be able to get some good information there. Marc



15967  - WOODEN MOLD PATTERNS REMINGTON UMC
3/9/2019
Aleta

Maker: ?, Model: Wooden Molds, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have come across some wooden molds (I am assuming) that are marked umc and also rem arms co. Would you have any idea what these molds were used for?

 Answer:
Aleta- Thanks for the photos, they help a lot.

You have several wooden ``patterns`` which were used in the manufacture of parts. A box was filled with special sand which would pack tightly and half the pattern would be placed into the sand. Then a thin layer of powder was sprinkled over the sand and the pattern and another box and more sand firmly packed on top. When the sand was dried, the two boxes were carefully separated and the wooden pattern removed. The result was a sand ``mold`` and after a few minor operations to make an opening to pour metal into the hollow area where the pattern was it is ready to be filled with molten metal, which might be brass, aluminum, iron or steel.

The foundaries which cast metal parts kept the wooden patterns on hand in case the items were needed again, and marked with the customer name and some sort of number reflecting the order, part or drawing number. Thhese patterns might be for anything, from structural elements of a building, tooling or other products to be sold to customers, or parts for machinery for use in their own manufacturing operations.

Remington-UMC (Union Metallic Cartridge Company- owned by Remington) made both firearms (rifles, pistols, etc) and ammunition ranging from .22 caliber rimfire cartridges up to large brass cases for Navy 6 inch cannons.

The patterns you have do not have any recognizable connection with a specific item or product. My guess would be they are individual parts for different machines associated with metal presses, conveyor systems, heat treatment furnaces, or something like that.

While certainly interesting historical artifacts which may appeal to those who collect Remington related items, or those interested in manufacturing, or even people who like them for their visual appeal as decorative objects, I don`t think these have a lot of cash value. I see similar patterns (but not Remington UMC connected) in antique shops in ``the rust belt`` prices modestly in the $25-75 range, and see them there time after time. My guess is that these would each sell for $100 or less in an auctions setting such as eBay. If they were definitely associated with a specific gun or cartridge, then they might bring more.

Hope that helps.

John Spangler



15985  - Winchester 9422 Date
3/5/2019
Robert, Reston,VA.

Maker: Winchester, Model: 9422 M, Caliber: .22 WMR, Barrel Length: 22 1/2 '', Finish: Blue, SN: F9833

Markings:
Standard model, no checkering, hooded front site.

Question:
I`m having difficulty dating this rifle. Everything I`ve seen is a 5 number serial so mine doesn`t fit in. Does the F indicate something special? Thank you! Love old guns

 Answer:
Robert, The production date for this rifle is 1972. Winchester began to insert letter codes into their serial numbers in 1968 in an attempt to comply with new firearms legislation enacted that year. I am not aware of any significance that the "F" in your serial number has other than an internal measure Winchester used to denote various model types. Josh



15966  - H&R ``the American`` Revolver
3/5/2019
Torch

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

Question:
I have a pre-1936 pistol with the name The American double action. I can`t seem to find the manufacturer. It has the number 853 under the hand grip and it is 32 caliber.

 Answer:
Sir- ``The American`` was a model name used by Harrington and Richardson on their large, solid frame, double action revolvers made circa 1889-1940. About 845,000 were made in .32 caliber (rimfire or centerfire) with six shot cylinders; .38 (rimfire or centerfire) and .44 caliber with five shot cylinders. (There may have been .41 caliber as well.) These were not ``serial numbered`` as they were not required prior to 1968. The numbers are batch or assembly numbers used to allow matching up of the hand-fitted parts during final assembly after all heat treatment and metal finishing steps were completed. These were made for black powder ammunition and should not be fired with modern smokeless cartridges. There is little collector interest in these unless in pristine condition, but they could be an inexpensive collecting specialty with lots of variation at modest prices. Hope that helps. John Spangler



15986  - S&W Information Source
3/2/2019
Albrechtjoshuaj

Maker: Smith & Wesson, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I bought a Smith & Wesson this weekend and I was trying to Dixie out when it was made I was wondering how I do that?

 Answer:

I recommend that you purchase a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas, here is a link to Amazon where you can get one.

The book is full of useful information about the history, production and values for most models of S&W firearms. It also has information on other S&W products like knives, air guns ammunition and more.The appendices in the back will be useful to help you find when your S&W was manufactures, they include the following:

  • S&W Historic Milestones
  • Serial Number Range By Years
  • Listing By Caliber And Year Of Introduction: Early Models, 1857-1955
  • Numbered Model Year Of Introduction
  • Modern Numbered Revolvers By Caliber, 1957 - 1994
  • Identification Characteristics
  • Illustrated Glossary

Good luck, Marc





15965  - F 31 UNIT MARKING
3/2/2019
Shawn, Manhattan, KS

Maker: Smith Corona, Model: M1903-A3, Caliber: .30, Barrel Length: 24, Finish: Parkerized, SN: 3640440

Question:
''F 31'' is stamped/burned into the left side of my stock near the butt plate. Any idea what this marking means?

 Answer:
Shawn- The ``F 31`` is some sort of unit mark. Perhaps added while in a military unit, or maybe later by a ROTC unit or veterans group using rifles for funeral honors, or something like that. Such numbers made it easier to account for guns than trying to mess with a 7 digit serial number. If not an actual unit designation it may be a ``rack number`` where storage racks were numbered and the guns marked with the same number.

Regulations prohibited ``unit`` markings, but they were often applied anyway. In the late 19th and early 20th century the format was Regiment over Company (or troop or battery depending on branch) and a ``soldier number`` such as 71 B 97 for 71st Infantry, Company B, soldier 97. In smaller units not in a formal regiment, just a company and soldier number might be enough for their purposes. However, many U.S military arms were given to foreign countries as foreign military assistance, and got marked with whatever numbers they wanted to use. This was almost universal on the large number of ``greasy Greek`` rifles imported by the CMP program and sold of about 15-20 years ago. Hope that helps. John Spangler