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14985 - Remington 513T With No Date Code
8/30/2014
Carl, Kingston WA

Maker: Remington, Model: 513T, Caliber: .22LR, Barrel Length: 27, Finish: Blue, SN: 116986

Question:
My 513T does not have a date code that I can find and cannot find a reference to date the rifle by serial number. Any suggestions how I can date this gun? I bought this rifle as a teenager in the early 1960`s in Baltimore, MD.

Answer:
Carl, Remington first introduced the Model 513T Matchmaster bolt-action target rifle in 1939 at a cost $29.95. The "T" suffix is intended to indicate that this rifle is a target model, it was a moderately priced alternative to the more expensive Remington Model 37 Rangemaster. Production of the 513T ended in 1968 after about 166,000 rifles had been manufactured. The U.S. government purchased 59,964 Model 513T target rifles for marksmanship training during World War II and another 1,300 during the Korean Conflict.

Without a date code, you are going to have a difficult time finding a date of manufacture for your rifle, try looking for the code again, it should be on the left side of the barrel near the frame.

If the rifle does not have a date code, you can narrow the time frame of it's manufacture slightly if it still has it's original magazine. Count how many cartridges the magazine will hold, pre-war Matchmaster magazines held seven rounds and post-war magazines held six. Marc

14941 - Shrink Wrap For Ammo Boxes
8/30/2014
John

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

Question:
Hello, can you tell me what shrink wrap machine is best to protect bullet boxes and preserve boxed ammo, and where do I purchase it. Thanks.

Answer:
John- For plastic wrapping you have two options:

a. Use heavy clear plastic wrap and fold and tape like Christmas packages. Works well on shotshells but a nuisance trying to do it for smaller boxes. Office supply places have rolls of clear cellophane wrap that is used by florists and the like for wrapping up stuff. For about $10 you can get a roll which will last forever. Nice and clear and thick and durable. Add scissors and some scotch tape and you are all set.

b. Shrink wrap- better finished product, but more work and tools needed.

You need the shrink wrap which is sold on rolls either a continuous tube/sleeve type or a folded over version. One roll will cost $40-70 but will last forever- I have been using the same one for about 8 years.

Some office supply places carry this, or you can find it on line from lots of places- Google shrink wrap supplies for all stuff you need.

You cut a piece of the tubing or folded wrap oversize, then take the box, put it inside the wrap and use an "impulse sealer" to seal the edges reasonably close to the box. The sealer looks a bit like a paper cutter, but the edges have heat strips in them covered with Teflon strips so that when you close the "blade" it makes electrical contact, heating the strips and melting the plastic and the excess is ready to pull off. With the tube, you can do one end prior to inserting the box, so you only heat one seam after the box is in. With the folded wrap you have to do three sides, and my impulse sealer is a bit short to do it all in one pass, so I have to do it from both ends, which is a pain. If you can find a used impulse sealer that "wont work" it is probably just the Teflon burnt through, and replacement strip and Teflon tape sets are about $20. New sealers run $150 up but you can save a lot with a used one. They come in various sizes. I have an 8 inch job, but for shotshells a 12 inch would be better, and of course can work on smaller boxes as well.

After you have the box sealed inside the sloppy fitted plastic wrap cocoon, you take a heat gun (paint strip kind will work on low, or the wife's OLD hair dryer will work. Just blow hot air on the cocoon and it will magically shrink to fit snugly. To avoid problems with trapped air inside, I usually snip a tiny piece off a corner for air to escape. If you get the hot air too close, or too hot, it will melt the shrink wrap, and have to start over- I lose about one out of 6 wrap jobs. John Spangler

14940 - 1942 Rifle Cartridge
8/26/2014

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

Question:
I was woundering if you could tell me if 1942 riffle bullet is worth anything, the markings on the bottom of it is mark 1942 z v11 D1 I think my husband step father brough it back from Germany your respond would be appreciated Thank you ps only have one

Answer:
Sir- This probably has some sentimental value, but to a collector it really has almost no cash value. I would expect to see similar items at a gun show or cartridge collector show selling for 25 cents to maybe $1 at the most.

It is a .303 British caliber rifle cartridge made in 1942. VII z indicates it is a "ball" cartridge loaded with nitrocellulose powder and the maker was DI, Defense Industries, Ltd. in Canada. These were pretty much the standard British infantry cartridge used during all of WW2. John Spangler

14983 - What Year Was My Shotgun Manufactured?
8/26/2014
Chris ,Bakersfield ,CA

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1200, Caliber: 12 GA, Barrel Length: 28, Finish: Blue, SN: 228297

Question:
What year was my shotgun mfg.

Answer:
Chris, in 1964, the Model 1200 replaced one of the most popular shotguns ever produced, the Winchester Model 12. Model 1200 production started with serial number 100,000, however, records are no longer available for Model 1200 shotguns that were manufactured before the end of 1972 (serial number L739617). Due to the lack of serial number information, the most that I can tell you is that your shotgun was manufactured sometime between 1964 and 1973. Marc

14981 - Sporrerized `03
8/23/2014
Jon, Monterey CA

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1903, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: 23'', Finish: Blue, SN: 1411305

Markings:
US stamped on receiver, opposite side of serial Number. No other markings I can determine. Front and rear sites removed, scope mounts installed. Given to me, told it was a ''modified'' sport version

Question:
Is this serial Number correct for a Springfield? If so what is the time frame in which it was originally made.

Answer:
Jon, Springfield M1903 serial numbers topped out at 1536285 on June 30, 1939, so your number is correct for a Springfield. According to my references, your rifle was manufactured in 1932. Too bad that it was sporterized, that really hurts collector interest and value. Marc

14939 - Cowboy .45 Colt Reloads 1858 Remington Conversion
8/23/2014
Bill

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

Question:
Sirs at Old Guns, I hope you can help me? I am trying to figure out which powder to use on reloading my 45 colt long bullet. This is going into my 1858 New Army Conversion Cylinder. My question is can I use regular black powder in the brass casing & how much if I can. Or should I use smokeless powder & if so what is the correct amount of each for loading. Thank you in advance if you can help.

Answer:
Bill- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. We know nothing about reloading, and any advice we might give could be dangerous, so it would be best to consult a good reloading manual, or ask on one of the forums devoted to Cowboy Action Shooting. John Spangler

14876 - M. Ringle Gun
8/19/2014
Steve, Smyrna, Delaware

Maker: M. Ringle, Model: ?, Caliber: Don't Know, Barrel Length: 6.5'', Finish: Other, SN: NO SERIAL NUMBER

Markings:
M. Ringle on the top of the barrel. As far as caliber, the hole in the barrel is about 9 millimeters wide not including the depth of the rifling.

Question:
There's not much information on Ringle to be had and I was hoping you'd be able to point me in the right direction or give me some information on Ringle, his guns, value and where I might find a home for this piece. I can send some photos if you'd like. Thanks very much for your time.

Answer:
Steve- I cannot do much based on the information provided without a photo. In looking for information on Ringle, I found some photos that I think you posted, showing a single shot percussion underhammer pistol. Others may want to check them out here http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=134320 I agree with the comments that this is a single shot underhammer pistol. Not necessarily a “boot pistol” when it was made, but probably forced into that niche by modern collectors. Value is pretty much whatever a willing buyer and seller can agree on, but there is not a lot of demand for these, and the broken stock hurts a bit. But it is a bit of an oddity, and has “character” so it may appeal to some folks more than I think. I would probably price it at under $500. Pennsylvania long rifles always bring lots more than boot pistols, so it is hard to make a price comparison between the two. I think you are doing a great job researching on your own. John Spangler.

14980 - M1917 Parts Numbering
8/19/2014
Scott

Maker: Winchester, Model: M1917, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Should my Winchester M1917 have matching serial numbers on the parts?

Answer:
Scott, the parts of M1917 rifles were not serial numbered when the rifles came from the factory. I have seen some rifles that have their bolts numbered with an electric pencil, but this type of thing was usually done in arsenals outside the US and it is a sign that the rifle may be an import. Marc

14873 - Winchester 94 Marked “N” Near The Trigger
8/16/2014
Tom T Southlake, TX

Maker: Winchester, Model: 94, Caliber: 30/30, Barrel Length: 16, Finish: Blue, SN: 2465XXX

Markings:
N stamped under trigger

Question:
Is there any significance to the N stamped under the trigger on this rifle. All other markings appear standard.

Answer:
Tom- I do not know of any significance of that marking. If the 16 inch barrel is a special order feature that makes it a very desirable gun. If it is post-factory work, then it cuts the value by a whole lot. If the length from the face of the closed bolt to the muzzle is actually anything short of 16 inches, then it is illegal to own. John Spangler

14978 - Spanish M16 308
8/16/2014
Naya, Brooklyn, NY

Maker: ?, Model: Guardia Civil, Caliber: 762, Barrel Length: I Don't Know, Finish: Stainless Steel, SN: 3Z3211

Markings:
GC Crest

Question:
Hi, I don't know much about guns, I received this rifle from a friends grandfather . It also says CAI ST A VT M16 308W SPAIN along with other numbers in various places. What year do you think it was made and what could be the value?

Answer:
Naya, the Spanish M16 308 was a conversion of the earlier Spanish Model 1916 rifle re-chambered for the standard 7.62 NATO cartridge in the 1960s. Although their dimensions are the same, modern .308 civilian ammunition is quite a bit hotter than 7.62 NATO. I have been told by respected colleges in the gun business that the M16 308 rifles are unsafe to shoot. There is no collector interest in these rifles and those who are foolish or uninformed enough to fire them, are usually not willing to pay much more than around $100. Marc

14868 - Arabian Long Rifle (“ Camel Gun ”) Values
8/12/2014
Holly, Louisville, TN

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

Question:
I own several arabian long rifles, also known as ''camel guns''. Do you know what they are worth? Thank you

Answer:
Holly- These are fairly common on the collector market, or at least the number offered for sale seem to exceed the number of people eagerly awaiting the opportunity to own one (or more). As far as value, I see some very patient and greedy souls with incredibly high prices marked on their guns. I see others at very modest prices, but neither seem to sell very well. I recall a recent firearms auction where two failed to meet a reserve price of something like $150 or $200 each, and they were fairly decent examples of the breed. A lot are coming here with troops returning from Afghanistan, and most of those are recently made and artificially aged items made for “the tourist trade” with no real collector value, although fitting souvenirs of the dangers of making very real sacrifices of blood and treasure for a tribal nation where everyone looks out for themselves and the religion approves of lying to infidels. John Spangler

14977 - Dreyse 1907 Parts
8/12/2014
Ed Adairsville GA

Maker: Dreyse, Model: 1907, Caliber: 32, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 158726

Question:
Where can I find a BOLT HEAD for my Dreyse 1907? Seems they are easy to break. I do have miscellaneous parts for the handgun also just not the bolt head. Thanks for you information and response.

Answer:
Sorry, no we do not have the parts that you need. Recommend you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL: http://www.gunpartscorp.com/ Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page at the following URL: http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm

14867 - British No3 MkII .303 Bolt Action Rifle
8/9/2014
Steve, Lighthouse Point, Fl

Maker: Remington, Model: Pattern 1914, Caliber: .303 British, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 11,494

Markings:
Buttstock: No. 3 MKII

Question:
First, thank you for this invaluable service! I do not exaggerate one bit when I tell you that I peruse your website EVERY NIGHT since I discovered it about a year ago! LOVE IT! My recent acquisition of my first P14 rifle turned out to be a real special one (I think), due to the No. 3 MKII cartouche on the buttstock. According to Stratton`s book, it's supposed to be one of he rarer variants. I guess, first I'd like to know how to tell if the stock is original to the rifle. Also, I've never seen another stock with this cartouche (even Google turns up nothing). Would just like to confirm that it is what I want to believe it is and not a Bubba stamp. I can send a pic if you like. Next, the serial number is very low and there are no dates on barrel or receiver. Why doesn't it have the RE inside an oval on the receiver, as I have seen every other P14. Finally, what year was it manufactured and is there any way to tell when it underwent. WRS? Many, many thanks for your time & your expertise in advance.

Answer:
Steve- You have a pretty interesting gun there! Please use one of the “click here to contact us by email” links on the main page and I will get back to you on how to send some photos of this one and maybe I can help some more. I cannot explain the absence of the RE in an oval on the receiver to denote Remington as the maker, but am curious as to why you decided it was by Remington without that mark.

Unlike the U.S. Model 1917 rifles, none of the British Pattern 1914 rifles were marked on the exposed portion of the barrel to ID the maker or date so that is normal. All the Pattern 1914 rifles were made in 1916 or 1917, but there is not much value in narrowing down the date any more than that, although production of 1.3 million rifles in that time by the three makers (Remington, Eddystone and Winchester) was a remarkable accomplishment. As was the subsequent manufacture of 2.4 million Model 1917 rifles between July 1917 and January 1919 was even more impressive.

The Pattern 1914 rifles were a conversion of the Pattern 1913 rifle design from rimless .276 caliber to use the standard British .303 rimed cartridge in order to avoid creating chaos in ammunition supply during a major war., when the .303 caliber Lee-Enfield remained the standard weapon.

The Pattern 1914 rifles were highoy regarded for their accuracy, and a number (mainly from Winchester) were modified with fine adjustment rear sights or telescopes for use as sniper rifles. The late Skip Stratton’s excellent page http://www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/stratton/Enhistory.htm has a great explanation of the history of Enfield rifles.

In 1926 the British changed their nomenclature systems (about the same time the U.S. got away from the chronological “Model of 1917” style and began designating types of equipment M1, M2, M3, etc). In 1926 the Brits ordered that “the Pattern 1914 rifles were redesignated as the Rifle No. 3 Mk I, the Rifle No. 3 Mk I*, with both the (F) and (T) models carrying the Rifle No. 3 designation as well.” The *indicating a slightly long bolt locking lug found on most of the rifles, the (F) indicating the fine adjustment sniper and the (T) the telescope equipped sniper rifle. You can have hours of fun and drive your gun collecting friends crazy by using the new designations instead of “Pattern 1914.” All was well until the outbreak of WW2 and Stratton explains:

“In 1939, the British government began removing P-14 rifles from stores and returning them to service status, as specified in the Weedon Repair Standard (WRS). Work was done at RSAF - Enfield and at a number of private firms, including B.S.A., Purdy, Greener, Holland & Holland, and Paker Hale. Rifles were de-greased and inspected, and the long range volley sights were removed. A number of new stocks were manufactured as well, the new stocks not having inletting for the volley sight dial. Rifles equipped with these stocks are designated the Rifle No. 3 Mk II, although all rifles converted to WRS [Weedon Repair Standards] specifications are sometimes referred to as Mk II rifles.” Thus your rifle’s stock is not “original” to the rifle, but is one installed circa 1939. These replacement stocks made without volley sight or marking disc inletting often (always?) have a neatly stamped “No. 3 MKII” on the right side of the butt. I do not know how many were modified this way, but the number is probably only a few thousand, based on their infrequent appearance on the collector market. Hope that helps. John Spangler

14970 - WW1 Revolver Serial Number Location
8/9/2014
Kevin

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

Question:
I have a WW1 revolver and was wondering where I could go to read a serial number. I know it's a foreign gun because of the writing it has on it.

Answer:
Kevin - if you are unable to find one, your revolver may not have a serial number. In the USA, prior to 1968 there was no requirement to put serial numbers on guns, and most .22 rifles were not serial numbered. It is not uncommon to see old WWI vintage revolvers that were not numbered, they usually tend to be inexpensive types. Marc

15880 - Unique Model D-2
8/5/2014
John, Centreville, Maryland

Maker: Manufacture D`Armes Des Pyrenees Francaises Henday, Model: Unique Mod/D2, Caliber: .22 Long Rifle, Barrel Length: 4.5 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 494108

Markings:
''Made in France'' stamped on barrel. The magazine has ''Unique'' stamped on the bottom.

Question:
What date was the pistol manufactured? Was it manufactured for the military or commercial market? Where can I purchase another magazine?

Answer:
John, The Unique Model D was a .22LR target model. Military organizations may have purchased some of these pistols for target competition but in my opinion the primary market that these were manufactured for must have been civilian.

Unique offered the Model D in sub-variants D-1 to D-6, references indicate that the D-2 had a 4.5 inch fixed-barrel and open-topped slide, it could be ordered with a large selection of different barrel lengths and target balance weights. Muzzle compensators were normally fitted on the longer barrels. All Model D pistols had a ten round magazines, but the grips and sights varied.

Values in the blue book for Unique Model D pistols are in the $125 to $325 range depending on condition. I do not know of a source for extra magazines, they may be hard to find. I recommend you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at http://www.gunpartscorp.com/. Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting on our free "Wanted" wanted page at: http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm. Marc

14976 - Unique Model D-2
8/5/2014
John, Centreville, Maryland

Maker: Manufacture D`Armes Des Pyrenees Francaises Henday, Model: Unique Mod/D2, Caliber: .22 Long Rifle, Barrel Length: 4.5 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 494108

Markings:
''Made in France'' stamped on barrel. The magazine has ''Unique'' stamped on the bottom.

Question:
What date was the pistol manufactured? Was it manufactured for the military or commercial market? Where can I purchase another magazine?

Answer:
John, The Unique Model D was a .22LR target model. Military organizations may have purchased some of these pistols for target competition but in my opinion the primary market that these were manufactured for must have been civilian.

Unique offered the Model D in sub-variants D-1 to D-6, references indicate that the D-2 had a 4.5 inch fixed-barrel and open-topped slide, it could be ordered with a large selection of different barrel lengths and target balance weights. Muzzle compensators were normally fitted on the longer barrels. All Model D pistols had a ten round magazines, but the grips and sights varied.

Values in the blue book for Unique Model D pistols are in the $125 to $325 range depending on condition. I do not know of a source for extra magazines, they may be hard to find. I recommend you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at http://www.gunpartscorp.com/. Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting on our free "Wanted" wanted page at: http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm. Marc

14865 - Starr 1858 Double Action Army Revolver Markings
8/5/2014
Billy, Morehead City, NC

Maker: Starr, Model: Army Revolver, Caliber: 44, Barrel Length: 6'', Finish: Blue, SN: 11254

Markings:
J over G below extractor, 11572 on cylinder, R inside C near trigger guard, B inside C on base & butt of grips, C near hammer, undistinguishable cartouche on grips.

Question:
The Starr logo & patent date is nowhere on the gun. As you know it is normally below the cylinder but this one apparently has never had one. What does this denote?

Answer:
Billy- Good question. I do not know of any logical reason why the Starr logo and patent dates would be missing, other than Bubba removing them , but those are usually fairly clear and deep markings. If Bubba removed them, there should be a small depression where they were which would be easy to detect. Whatever the reason, I think it detracts from the value. John Spangler

14975 - Regina 7.65
8/2/2014
Spain

Maker: Regina, Model: ?, Caliber: 7.65, Barrel Length: 4'', Finish: Blue, SN: 7510

Markings:
An ''S'' on Left side below barrel lock

Question:
First off, I inherited this gun. Also I read a previous post of something very closed to the same gun. However, I have a few questions not answered in that post. It came to me with .32 rounds in it, is that safe? I haven't fired it and it doesn't look drilled. What might the value be on a Fair Condition? Is it considered an antique? And is the serial number any indication of the exact year?

Answer:
I do not know allot about Regina pistols, but I hope that I can help with answers to your questions.

The following is a quote which I copied from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms website. An antique firearm is as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(16) the term “antique firearm” means:

any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; or

any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica —

is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or

uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade; or

any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term ‘antique firearm’ shall not include any weapon which incorporates a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon, which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.

References indicate that Regina pistols were manufactured by Gregorio Bolumburu of Eibar Spain who was in business until 1936. Bolumburu's first pistol was a copy of Browning's 1906 design so your pistol must have been manufactured between 1906 and 1936, it does not meet the 1896 deadline which would qualify it as antique.

As for the safety of the firearm, inexpensive Spanish firearms such as this, have a reputation in general for making use of low quality, steel which may not be strong enough to handle modern day high-pressure loads. I would NOT take the risk of firing it if it were mine.

As for value, collector interest in this type of firearm is very low to nonexistent. If I came across one at a gunshow, I would expect to see it being offered in the $100 or less range. Marc

14861 - 1837 Springfield Flintlock Musket
8/2/2014
Al

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1837 Flintlock Musket, Caliber: 50, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
What is this musket worth

Answer:
Al- Your description really makes this pretty much a wild guessing game instead of a thoughtful analysis. First, I have to note that the caliber should be .69, not .50 as you state. I am going to guess maybe $150, assuming that it is not full length with a 42 inch barrel any more, and that the stock has been cut down as well, and that it has actually been converted to percussion and is in somewhat tired condition. If I was sure it was actually still a flintlock, the barrel and stock still full length, and in pristine condition with some of the bright finish mixed with very light patina and sharp markings, then it might be closer to $2,500. John Spangler

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