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15137 - .30 Remington Ammunition
7/28/2015

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

Question:
Good day I am trying to locate 30 cal ammo for my Remington gamemaster 141, would you know where to find these shells? Thank you. Lynn

Answer:
Lynn- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. The .30 Remington cartridge is basically an obsolete caliber now, and very seldom made. A few custom loaders will make small runs from time to time, such as Buffalo Arms: http://www.buffaloarms.com/30_Remington_Ammo_it-157989.aspx?CAT=4445 Good luck. John Spangler

15195 - Historically Significant Mod 94 Winchester.
7/28/2015
USA

Maker: WINCHESTER, Model: 94 30 WCF, Caliber: 30 30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 468502

Question:
How old is this gun? Or when was it made? How much is it worth? We were told that it was originally sold to the Roosevelt`s? It is in EXCELLENT condition.

Answer:
Your Winchester was manufactured in 1910. Winchester collecting is a very specialized field, values in the blue book for standard model 1894 rifles range from $475 to over $4000 depending on condition. Values for models with special features can go as high as $12000 or even more depending on what the special features are so it would pay to have the rifle examined by an expert.

Any link to the Roosevelt family will increase value but word of mouth is not enough. Some sort of documented evidence will be required. Marc.

15136 - Pistolet Automatique De 7 Millimètre 65 "Ruby"
7/25/2015

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

Question:
Hi I am trying to find out more information about a pistol my great grandfather brought back with him from WWII. The serial number is: 67443

Answer:
Sir- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. 7.65mm is the European designation for what we call the .32 automatic cartridge. I think I heard that the French used some Ruby pistols for police or military use in WW1 or WW2, but do not know the specifics.

Google "Ruby 7.65mm history" and that should get you to a place with more info. John Spangler

15196 - Savage 325
7/25/2015
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada

Maker: Savage, Model: 325, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: 26 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 2161733

Markings:
Stevens, Savage Arms Corporation, Chicopee Falls, Mass. U.S.A.Proof tested. Marble's Gladstone Miss. U.S.A.

Question:
How old is this gun?

Answer:
The 325 was an attempt by Savage to market an affordable rifle which made use of many stamped steel parts and less expensive materials to reduce production costs. It is rumored that initially surplus machine gun barrels, left over from Savage wartime production, were used and that this is the reason for the large and slightly out of place looking barrel nut because barrel nuts of this type were used on some military machine gun models.

Savage marketed many of their economical guns under the Stevens and/or Springfield name. Stocks for this rifle were made of a less expensive hardwood instead of walnut and most were stained to appear the color of walnut. The stocks had no checkering or sling mounts. The trigger guard/floor plate was made of stamped sheet metal with a small rounded area in the center for finger notches on both sides that allowed grasping the magazine for removal. Magazines had shallow horizontal grooves to facilitate grasping. The bolt handle was distinctive in that it was designed to look like a European Mannlicher style butter-knife handle. The 325 was introduced in 1947 and discontinued in 1950. Marc

15204 - 1934 Beretta
7/21/2015
Holly

Maker: P.Beretta, Model: 1934 Brevettato, Caliber: Cal.9 Corto, Barrel Length: 5.25, Finish: Blue, SN: 630098

Markings:
R.E.(crown) top of grip & at bottom of handle crown w/ stamp letters drg?

Question:
Handed down to me. Wondered about its history and what the stamps meant. And of course it's value for insurance. Thanks Holly

Answer:
Holly, the pistol you describe was the standard sidearm of the Italian Army before and during World War II, and is usually referred to as the Beretta Model 1934. The R.E marking was the property mark of the Italian army and the R is the Italian for royal and the E for army. Despite Mr. Mussolini ruling the country the Italian King was still head of state. There will also be a set of Roman numerals on the left side of the slide. Added to 1922 (the year Mussolini seized power) they tell you they year the pistol was made. For example XX (20) would indicate the pistol was made in 1942. Many of these pistols came back as souvenirs from our soldiers who fought in North Africa and Italy. To replace your pistol today would probably cost you between $500 and $600. Marc

15135 - Starting A Gun Shop
7/21/2015

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

Question:
Me and a friend want to start a shop after we are done with college and I need to know how to get guns to sell. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Sir- Starting a gun shop is not as easy as you might think.

First, you need a location to do business where gun shops are allowed by zoning. You need business and sales tax licenses. THEN, you need a federal firearms license which takes about 2-6 months to get, and the BATFE will want to inspect your location and other licenses. You also need business and liability insurance which can be expensive and hard to get. There may be additional licenses and restrictions at the local or state level as well. Make sure your premises are secure from burglary or robbery- bars, cameras, lighting, alarms, etc. You also need to get set up with bank accounts and a credit card processing service, and most will NOT work with anyone selling guns.

As far as getting guns to sell, if you are selling new guns (and competing with every other dealer out there) you get them from wholesalers at a significant discount from list price, but often not much less than some cut rate sellers might be charging, or what Wal-Mart might ask for them. Some dealers (especially starting out) do not maintain inventory, but order items as needed for a small markup. But, you still need the FFL and other licenses.

You may find that the profit margins are better on ammo and accessories than guns themselves, and may bring back customers for small stuff and have them make an impulse buy on a new gun they see when they stopped for a box of ammo. You need to keep up the traffic to the store.

If buying used guns, you can get them from trade-ins, or from individuals, estates or even other dealers or pawn shops who are not interested in certain items. You can also work with lawyers who handle divorces and estates and let them know you buy guns. You can buy guns from individuals at gun shows.

To stay in business, you need to provide some service or feature that will bring customers in and bring them back. This can be any combination of price, service, attitude, honesty, patience (listening to endless stories that are often impossible or absurd), providing gunsmithing services (special skills and more licenses needed) and your location. A growing number of gun sales are to women, so a female friendly location, atmosphere and staff are plus. Surly attitude, lousy service, dishonesty, not knowing your products, unpredictable hours, or a poor location can kill a business.

Remember, your profits need to cover cost of goods, rent, insurance, licenses, advertising, utilities, mark downs for damaged or slow selling items, government taxes and fees, and last, but most importantly, enough money to pay you a decent wage.

These days, some people would recommend setting up an on-line operation instead of a storefront, and that has many advantages, but you need to be good at websites, and have a market niche to draw and keep customers, not compete with the gun store mile from a customer's house. Licensing requirements are the same.

Probably the best thing to do would be to get a part time job in an existing gun store to get a feel for the business. You will find that it is 90% "business" and 10% "guns," so if you do not like doing the business stuff, it may not be as much fun as you think.

Good luck! John Spangler

15134 - Remington 511 Scoremaster Rifle
7/18/2015

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

Question:
Number on left side of barrel LH 5, I think its a Feb 1939. It was my grandfathers. Is this a common gun It shoots, in good shape , is the value much. Thanks for your time. been in closet for 40 years.

Answer:
Sir- I agree that the LH 5 translates to February 1939 date of manufacture, the first year of production. However, it is possible it was made in February 1961 when the LH code would again work. These are shown in the Remington Society of American page http://www.remingtonsociety.com/rsa/questions/barrelcodes

The 511 was one of the 500 series of rifles which shared many parts for economy of production costs and ease of manufacture. They are all good, rugged and reliable guns, but were made in huge numbers, with about 381,267 of the model 511 alone, and hundreds of thousands more of the other 500 series models.

As far as value, these are generally regarded as "shooters" more than collectors unless in really great condition and totally unaltered. I would expect to find shooters at a gun show priced around $100-150 and collector grade guns priced more like $250-350, maybe even a bit higher for a really superb one. If yours has been shot a bunch already, why not take it out and teach a youngster about gun safety and marksmanship, just like it was intended to be used when it was made 75 years ago. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15203 - Herter 44
7/18/2015
James, Deming NM

Maker: Herter, Model: ?, Caliber: .44, Barrel Length: 6 1/2'', Finish: Blue, SN: Z4653

Markings:
Herters insignia on grips, single action, 6 shot.

Question:
What can you tell me about this gun?

Answer:
James, everything I have ever seen about Herters places them in Waseca, Minnesota, from their sudden appearance in the late 1950s (but claiming "since 1893" status as "makers of world's best" just about everything). The company seemed to disappear in the late 1970s. My guess (strictly a guess) is that someone from Mitchell bought the name and may have used it briefly. Herters' made an amazing variety of stuff. Canoes, decoys, reloading supplies, bore cleaner, gunpowder, guns, stock blanks, and who knows what all else. In their day they were sort of like a Cabelas' or Gander Mountain, but nearly everything that they sold was all under the Herter brand name. All of this merchandise was advised as "world's best, award winning, secret European family recipe", etc, etc. I have long thought that collecting Herters stuff would be great fun, if you have a large enough storage area to enjoy it all, and a very tolerant spouse.

Herters revolvers were all made in Europe, and are generally considered to be pretty good quality items. Many were made in a proprietary .401 Powermag caliber that it is difficult to find ammo for anymore. Value and interest in those firearms is pretty low. Firearms chambered in "normal" calibers have a lot more interest and value. I have not seen many for sale, but would guess that a Herters revolver would probably bring a bit less than a similar revolver that was manufactured by Ruger. Unless, of course, yours is in like new condition and you find a Herter collector who wants to pay big bucks for reasons that the rest of us would not understand. Marc

15202 - Gecado Pistol Info.
7/14/2015
Barry, Charlotte, N.C.

Maker: GECADO, Model: ?, Caliber: 38 Special, Barrel Length: 4'', Finish: Nickel, SN: 18953

Question:
Dad died recently and left it to me. Never heard of GECADO and was just trying to find out something about it.

Answer:
Barry, Gecado pistols were marketed by the Dornheim company (Dornheim G. C. Dornheim AG, Suhl. Germany). Pre-war Gecado pistols were low quality 6.35mm and 7.65mm 'Eibar' type automatics, manufactured by SEAM (q. v.). They bore the word 'Gecado' in a diamond.

Post-war Gecado models were manufactured in West Germany and they included various .22 caliber revolvers and a blowback operated model much like the pre-war models except for a difference in the location of the safety catch. Your pistol is a post-war model probably imported some time in the 1960s.

Collector interest in this type of pistol is typically low, they often sell in the $50 or less range. Marc

15133 - Antique Muzzle Loading Double Barrel Rifle
7/14/2015
Marji

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

Question:
I'm looking for information on an over and under muzzle loading rifle. The name on it, and the only info on it is "Frank Deland, Memphis, Michigan". He had a patent in 1875 for a reamer, US161214, which he shared with Abner Harrington. The Census of 1880 says he is a gunsmith. He was born in 1841 in Michigan and died there in July of 1912. The death record says he was a machinist/gunsmith. I've checked everything I can find on the Internet and there is no information, other than two more patents for lawnmower attachments. Can you tell me anything about it? Are replacement parts available? Appreciate anything you can tell me.

Answer:
Marji- I applaud your diligent research efforts so far. Unfortunately, I think you have probably discovered about all that is likely to be found. The only think I can add is from Frank Sellers' "American Gunsmiths" which only notes the name and location and a note that he was listed in directories circa 1895-1899.

I am sure that parts are NOT available. I have no information on Abner Harington, except that he was apparently NOT associated with the gunmakers Harrington & Richardson.

As far as values, I doubt if there would be significant collector interest, although to a family member it might be very desirable. As a very late muzzle loader by an unknown gunsmith, I would expect the collector value to be very modest, a few hundred dollars at most. John Spangler

15132 - Advice On Buying Japanese Arisaka Rifle
7/11/2015
Sam

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

Question:
I've been looking to add on a WWII Japanese rifle and saw one listed on your site. I don't know much about these so what can you tell me about this one and the significance of a series 3(?). Do you know what year it may have been manufactured? I have a C&R for purchasing.

Answer:
Sam- Thanks for contacting Antique and Collectable Firearms and Militaria Headquarters.

The most commonly used Japanese rifle used in WW2 was the 7.7mm Type 99. These were made by several different makers, some scarcer than others. They were also made in very high quality standards early in the war, but getting progressively cruder as they cut costs and speeded production (much like our M1903A3 rifles were less well made with some shortcuts compared to pre-war M1903 rifles). The "last ditch" Type 99 rifles were very crude with fixed sights, wooden buttplates, and a hole in the stock for a knotted rope instead of sling swivels.

Each of the makers was assigned a block of serial numbers, and these usually ran 1 through 99999 and then started over at 1 again, with each of these blocks called a "series" and assigned a Kanji character to identify it, but usually referred to as a number. The Germans had a somewhat similar system but only going up 1 through 9999 and then adding an alphabet letter at the end of the number going to the next letter at the start of each new serial number block. And, they started all over again every calendar year. American practice was pretty boring, starting at 1 and just going up until whatever number was finally reached. However, where there were several makers, (as with the M1 Carbine), each was assigned a specific group of numbers that were not supposed to overlap. However, sometimes they erroneously applied numbers outside their range, creating duplicates which were fixed by adding a letter before or after the number of one of the makers so that each gun has a unique serial number.

With Japanese rifles, some collectors (at least at first) are content with one, and don't care much about which maker or series, or if it is early, mid or late war. Others want one of each style, or each maker, or even each series.

Besides the Type 99 rifles, there were a large number of 6.5mm Type 38 rifles used, and also carbines (Type 38 and Type 44) and special rifles (early Type 99 which were long like the Type 38 but in 7.7mm), paratroop rifles with quick takedown barrels, and several sniper rifles.

Each collector decides what they want to do, and can limit their immediate shopping to that type. However, as collectors often end up wanting to grow their collections with other variations, we encourage you to read all the descriptions and learn as much as you can about all of them. You may find something that is incredibly interesting that will start you off in an entirely new field, or discover that Colt Single Action Revolvers hold no interest for you but Iver Johnson top breaks are really cool.

Meanwhile, if looking for a typical representative "WW2 Jap rifle" I would recommend that it be a Type 99 in 7.7mm. Rifles with intact mums markings on the receiver hold their value and have higher demand (and prices) than ones with the ground or defaced mum. If you ever decide to sell, one with a good mum will sell more easily, so that may be something to hold out for. Some of the makers are scarcer than others, but I think for a typical gun, condition would be more important. Hold out for one with a lot of original finish and a stock that has not been messed with. As far as vintage, I think a fairly early war example would be most representative. To me, that would mean one with the Anti-Aircraft wings on the rear sight, or perhaps one of the transition models where the sight still had provisions for them, but they were not installed.

There were hundreds of thousands of Jap rifles brought back by GIs returning from the Pacific theater, and there are always a lot of them on the market, so don't panic into buying the first one you see, unless you like it. There will be plenty more to choose from so wait until you see one that you like, and are comfortable with the price. Prices vary widely, but the best examples will always sell for more than junky ones. No one has ever regretted buying a nice gun, but many lament the fact that they saved a few bucks but now want to get a better example.

Hope that helps. With your C&R it will be easy to purchase from us. If you see something you like, send an email with the item number and we will see if it is still available, and send detailed ordering instructions and hold it for you. John Spangler

15200 - ?? Winchester 1873 Single Shot ??
7/11/2015
Brenda Oxford, MS

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1873, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 24 1/4 in., Finish: ?, SN: 3045845

Question:
This is a single shot lever action rifle with a octagon barrel. It is marked with 32WCF. We were wondering what year it was manufactured, and what caliber it is.

Answer:
Brenda, The data that you have provided leads me to believe that you have made a mistake. The Model 1873 was not a single shot, it was a lever action repeater that Winchester manufactured from 1873 to about 1924. Model 1873 serial numbers start at 1 and go to about 702349, the number that you sent us (3045845) falls well outside this range. Winchester's popular single shot rifle, was the Model 1885, but Model 1885 serial numbers start at 1 and only go up to about 151170. Please double check your serial number, manufacturer and model. With the correct information we can possibly be of some assistance. You may also want to check our Winchester Manufacture Dates section, there is a link towards the bottom of the menu on the left hand side of the site. Marc

15192 - Universal M1
7/7/2015
Matt Milwaukee

Maker: Mini 30, Model: Carbine, Caliber: 30 Cal, Barrel Length: 16'', Finish: Blue, SN: 10851

Markings:
Universal H.ALEAH FLA on top of gun. The serial number had another mark on it, it could be another ''1'' or an ''L'' in front of it.

Question:
This gun looks to be never fired, what age is this gun? Is this a military weapon? Do you have a value?

Answer:
Matt, as a whole, your carbine was never a military weapon, although some of the individual parts may have been. Universal Firearms Corporation of Hialeah, Florida is best known for their copies of the .30 M1 Carbine, and M1 Carbine variations with different stocks and sights. Universal started out in the late 1950s putting together M-1 carbines using surplus GI parts with their own receivers. They operated from the late 1950s until 1983 when they were taken over by Iver Johnson. The Universal Firearms facilities were moved to Arkansas in the summer of 1984. The blue book lists values for most models of Universal carbines between about $100 and about $350. Marc

15130 - Winchester Model 94 Legendary Lawmen
7/7/2015
Mike

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

Question:
I have a model 94 legendary lawman, S/N LL 04071 and cannot find anywhere of the age of my rifle. It is unfired and in mint condition. Any idea of the year manufactured and the value of the gun?

Answer:
Mike- We do not mess with the commemorative guns, but over at http://www.doublegun.com/roth.htm they indicate that this was made in 1977, and they made 19,999 of them. John Spangler

15191 - 1917 DWM Luger
7/4/2015
Curt

Maker: DWM, Model: Luger, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 4 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Our family has inherited a German Luger we were always told was extremely rare but few family members had ever seen it. It is now in a safety deposit box of the widow of the owner who brought it from Germany during world war II. It has all matching parts #01, has the original makers initials, the markings of the royal family, the 1917 date, and has 4 boxes (3 unopened) of the rare black/grey metal jacket bullets created by Nazi Germany when copper was no longer available.

Answer:
Curt, your Luger is a typical WWI military issue model made by DWM (Deutsche Waffen u. Munitionswerke) of Berlin-Borsigwalde, Germany in 1917. 1912-1918 dated DWM Lugers are the most frequently encountered WWI military Lugers, around 60,000 were manufactured in 1917. The Germans limited WWI Military Luger serial numbers to 4 digits. The serial numbers started out at the beginning of each year with serial number 1, when serial number 9999 was reached a letter suffix was added starting with "a". The markings on the right hand side of the receiver are WWI vintage military proof marks and "Gesichert" (you can find it underneath the safety) is the German word for safe. Lugers are designed so that the word Gesichert is visible when the safety is in the on position. This is meant to signal that the pistol is safe. Your magazine is the correct type for a WWI Luger with a wooden base. Later magazine basses for WWII vintage Lugers are made of aluminum. The small 01 stamps are match numbers, they are the last 2 digits of your serial number. Match numbers are used to match the various parts that they are marked on to the pistol. All of the numbers on the small parts should be 01, if they are not, value will be decreased. Marc

15131 - Model 1888 Mauser Commission Rifle Markings
7/4/2015
Lloyd

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

Question:
Hi, I purchased an 1890 Gew 88 at Bagram AB Afghanistan. I believe it to be authentic. Somehow it survived Turkish modification. I have actually fired 35 rounds through it.(Remington Core-Lokt 8mm 170GR) The first five with a string on trigger like a cannon.(not a complete idiot). The rifle is in excellent mechanical condition. I am really trying to figure out what German military unit first used this. I found websites explaining what the barrel band markings mean but cannot decipher the numbers. I have some decent quality images if you like. Bands have following markings. Lower band 11.R.2.50. Band closest to muzzle 1.J.2.? last # maybe 61. Would appreciate any help with this. Thanks in advance.

Answer:
Lloyd- Thanks for contacting Antique and Collectable Firearms and Militaria Headquarters and thank you for your service to our country.

The unit markings translate as follows: 11.R.2.50. 11th [???] Regiment, 2nd Company, weapon number 50. If it is a normal R it would indicate Regiment (usually Infantry) or Recruit depot. If it is a "script" or italic looking R then it would be a Reserve Regiment, usually infantry. 1.J.2.? last # maybe 61- 1st Jaeger [Rifle] Regiment, Company 2, weapon number (61?)

Normally an old unit marking is crossed out. If two different marks are present on various parts NOT crossed out, then likely one of the parts with the unit marks is from another rifle. Most of the parts can be matched by serial number, so that might help pick out the oddball part.

Jeff Noll's excellent book "The Imperial German Regimental Marking goes into great detail on these, and lists specific types of weapons noted with certain types of marks. John Spangler

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