Questions And Answers Page

If you have a question about firearms and you want it posted on this page click here.

Return to Collectors Headquarters.

Click here to go to the question and answer monthly index.

Click here to go to the question and answer subject index.


15394  - Marowello Shotgun
5/31/2016
Charles-Olympia-WA

Maker: Marowello, Model: 1914 ( Pump Shotgun), Caliber: 20 Gauage, Barrel Length: 30, Finish: Blue, SN: 2514

Markings:
Bright barrel 80% original

Question:
Where it was manufactured, Value, Any thing of interest.

 Answer:
Charles, our main focus at FineOldGuns.com (OldGuns.net) is military firearms. We sometimes list sporting shotguns for sale in our catalogs but we do not have a lot of interest in collecting them and are by no means experts in this field.

I was unable to find 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.

Sorry for our lack of information, there are several dealers listed on our links page that specialize in shotguns who would be able to give you a better answer to your question.



15416  - Anti- Free Speech Complaint
5/31/2016


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

Question:
With regards to the following item # 14861 French Model 1886/1893/1916 Lebel Bayonet, and the tasteless discriminatory comment " [...] (Extra long blade handy for prominent display of surrender flags, or spit for a snail BBQ ", I would advise you to hit the books and explore both US and France's history...

Do not expect my business anytime soon. What a disgrace...Is this what my ancestors, so many American and French soldiers died for???

Sincerely, D.

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

American soldiers also fought for the right of free speech. While French contributions to our winning independence are greatly appreciated, their role in world affairs since at least Napoleon's time have been less praiseworthy, and since the start of the 20th century they have been recipients of American blood and treasure far more than they deserved.

Therefore, I will use my right of free speech in an attempt to humorously point out their recent history, and have some fun.

You, however, are free to not have fun, and be outraged by my remarks, and take your business elsewhere. As Mork repeatedly observed "Is this a great country, or what!" John Spangler



15393  - L.A.R. Grizzly T Serial Number
5/28/2016
Robert Houston Texas USA

Maker: Grizzly, Model: Mark 1, Caliber: 45, Barrel Length: 10, Finish: Stainless Steel, SN: T000069

Question:
Why is there a T serial number on my gun?

 Answer:
Robert, the Grizzly Win Mag pistols were conceived, invented, designed, engineered and developed in the 1980s by, Perry Arnett (the "A" in L.A.R). The L.A.R. Grizzly was the most powerful semi-automatic pistol ever commercially produced. The L.A.R. factory was located a few miles from my home in West Jordan, Utah. At one time I was interested in collecting magnum semi-automatic pistols and I have owned several Grizzlies over the years including two that I purchased from an L.A.R employee, serial numbers PPP0011 and SA000888. I was told that the "PPP" in PPP00011 stood for pre production prototype and the "S" part of SA000888 indicated that this pistol was a second which was sold to the employee at a discounted price.

I have never heard of a stainless steel Grizzly and I doubt that any were made. I think that rather than stainless steel, your pistol has a hard chrome finish. I have owned several hard chrome pistols, but I always liked the regular black finish better.

I was unable to find any information about "T" Grizzly serial numbers, you might try asking the people at http://grizzlypistol.blogspot.com. Marc



15415  - .22 Ammunition Box Collector Question
5/28/2016


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

Question:
I have an original box of US in top left side with circle around it,it reads 50 CAL.22.LONG RIFLE TARGET CARTRIDGES Manufactured BY "UNITED STATES CARTRIDGE CO, Lowell, Mass. U.S.A also says RIM FIRE. On the bottom of the box it is stamped May 16, 1911.

If someone could help me get a full understanding about this box I would appreciate it very much, from my searching the internet I did run across a collector some time back his page mentioned that he in his lifetime had seen a box that held the bullets but had never seen not even one of the bullets that went inside and I sent that gentleman an email but never received a reply you I am sure know that there are some truly odd items and claims of various people that say they have certain things but in fact do not as some type of a scam but I am not one of those people I truly do have the original box with the 50 bullets inside and stamped on the bottom of the box is MAY 16 1911 SO IF YOU COULD HELP ME WITH SOME INFO IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

 Answer:
Alex- We cannot help much with that one. The field of .22 box collecting is highly specialized, and frankly is not an area that interests me, so I really don't know a lot.

U.S. Cartridge Company was a major producer until about 1920 when they were bought out by one of the other big makers. The .22 Long Rifle had been introduced about 1887, so it had been on the market for a long time before your box was made. The date is probably the equivalent of what we would call a "lot number" now, or it may just be a date stamped on the box by a dealer or buyer at the time so they could keep track of their ammo and use the older stuff up first.

Being "target" cartridges may add to the value, but I really don't have much feel for value. My guess would be maybe $15-30 range.

Two places to seek better info would be on the International Ammunition Association forum http://iaaforum.org/forum3/viewforum.php?f=8 or checking with advanced collector Guy Hildebrand at http://www.oldammo.com/orders.htm

Remember, shipping of ammunition has to be done by UPS ground, NOT by Post Office, and that will run about $16-18 depending on addresses involved. Hope that helps. John Spangler



15392  - Winchester 22 Pump
5/24/2016
Cathy

Maker: Winchester, Model: 22 Pump, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 10881

Question:
Would like to get some history and possible value (might like to sell) of this gun. I had a friend check my gun out and he said it was in excellent condition. I'm told it's an old carnival rifle made in either 1898 or 1894. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 Answer:
In order to provide more accurate information about your rifle we would need to know the model designation. If we assume the production date is 1898 your rifle could only be a Model 1890. These rifles were often, but not exclusively, used in shooting galleries at carnivals and other similar attractions. Typically the carnival rifles will be in .22 short caliber and will show signs of heavy use. The value of the Model 1890 can vary significantly depending on what features it has. Desirable features include octagonal barrels, factory peep sights, and factory pistol grip stocks. The average Model 1890 will command any where between 200 and 600 dollars, depending on the condition and the caliber designation. We are always interested in purchasing old rifles. If you decide to sell yours, please send us color pictures so we can provide you with an offer. -JW



15414  - Replacing Carcano Rifle Barrel
5/24/2016


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

Question:
Hi im just dropping a email to see if i can redo my carcano infantry rifle i had a dumb a$$ room mate stolen the barrel. And left the other peaces Behind but i wish to find some one can mill out a barrel that i have high grade naval brass rod and blocks blanks to remake the receaver and barrel and drill. And lathand rifle out the bore i need a gun smith or a matching 1891 infantry Italian rifle. But one thing confuses me on the barrel it had a serial markings 514. Roma in it

 Answer:
Harry- Sorry, we cannot help with that. The cost of doing that work will exceed the value of the rifle by several times. Just buy another rifle and sell the leftover parts to reduce the cost. Good luck with your English classes. John Spangler



15389  - Nazi High Power
5/21/2016
Al

Maker: Browning (FN), Model: Hi Power, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 4.5'', Finish: Blue, SN: 37180A

Markings:
Marking: FABRIQUE NATIONALE D´ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE stamped.

Serial: 37180a / Matches everywhere that is visible. (From what i found online, it could be early to mid 1943)

9mm. 13 round magazine. Seems to be a FN P35 (Hi Power)

WaA 140 with the German Eagle, stamped on both, Pistol and Magazine.

Question:
The pistol has a little wear on the slide from the slide lock. Aside from that, it is in "good" or "nice" condition. Not pristine but not worn out or rusty.

I don't know anything else about the pistol. It was given to me by a family member whose dad passed it down to him.

I found your information on a message board which said if you want to know about a WWII weapon, you are the guy to go to. If oyu have time and interest, i would appreciate anything you can offer.

 Answer:

Al, the High Power pistol was designed by John Moses Browning and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Herstal, Belgium. The Belgians were first armed forces to adopt the High Power as an official sidearm, they did this in 1935. Between 1935 and the German capture of the FN factory on May 29, 1940 contracts were filled for the armed forces of several countries including Belgium, China, Peru, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and France.

From the plant's seizure by the Germans in May of 1940 to its liberation in September of 1944, over 319,000 High Powers pistols were manufactured for the German Wehrmacht. The first several thousand pistols were made up from captured parts and had a high polish finish, a shoulder stock slot cut into the rear grip strap and tangent rear sight. To speed production, the Germans eliminated the shoulder stock slot and then the tangent sight at about serial number 145000. As production continued, the quality of finish was reduced to dull blue over a progressively less polished metal. The Germans used three Waffenenamt stamps on High Power pistols:

  1. Eagle over WaA613
  2. Eagle over WaA103
  3. Eagle over WaA140.

Your pistol is the third variation, these were stamped with eagle over WaA140, had fixed 50-meter sights, wood or brown plastic grips and dull military-blue finish over rough machine marks. The approximate serial range for this variation is 145000 to 210000, then 01a to 100000a and finally 01b to 63000b.

Yearly production of High Power pistols under German occupation was as follows:

1940..................... 8,500
1941..................... 65,700
1942..................... 80,600
1943..................... 101,200
1944..................... 63,000

Values for 3rd variation Nazi Proofed High Power pistols are in the $500 to $1200 range depending on condition. Marc



15413  - Springfield Arms Co. 12-gauge Side-by-side
5/21/2016


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

Question:
I am looking for any information that you might be able to help me with. Recently, my dad gave me his old 12-gauge side-by-side. I haven't been able to find any info on it so far. The gun is stamped on the left side, Springfield Arms Company, Chicopee Falls, Mass. U.S.A. Pat. Apr 20-1915. When you break the action, there is a serial number stamped T96222 W. (big space between the last 2 and the W.) Both the steel and wood pieces of the forearm and the barrel are stamped with the same serial number without the W. On the bottom of the barrel is a rectangular block with a large pin, with a stamping in the block G.A.P.T. I have not disassembled the trigger mechanism from the stock so I don't know if there are any markings in there. The barrel length is 30", no checkering on any part of the gun. It also is hammerless. I appreciate any information you might be able to help me with. Thank you for your time.

P.S. I contacted the Springfield Armory Museum as they are the ones that referred me to you.

 Answer:
Scott- Springfield Arms Company was a brand name used by Stevens/Savage Arms on their least expensive line of guns. This is probably a variation of the Stevens Model 311 or 315 shotgun, but with cheaper wood, less polished finish, etc. Value will be modest, but they are generally well made and reliable guns, and nice to have if there is any sentimental value. Hope that helps. John Spangler



15388  - Game Getter Serial Number Location
5/17/2016
Mike Olympia wa

Maker: Marbles, Model: Game Getter, Caliber: 22 LR 410 44 2inch Chamber, Barrel Length: 18, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
Excellent condition

Question:
Where on the game Getter is the serial number? I can not find it. Are there different places on the different model`s. It is not under barrel I have taken barrel off cleaned gun well no number. What is the secret why is it so difficult to find on such a small gun. I want to sell it I just want to know more about it. let me know what you can thank you.

 Answer:
Mike, there were two models of the Game Getter, the 1908 and the 1921. The first Model 1908 was shipped from the Marble factory on June 21, 1909. Early Game Getter serial numbers used the letters A - M, after that they started with serial number 1 and went through serial number 9981. The last Model 1908 was shipped on May 22, 1918. The first Model 1921 was serial number 10,001, it was shipped to William L. Marble, who was the Marble west coast representative, on Oct. 4, 1921. The Model 1921 serial range was 10,000 - 20,076.

The Game Getter serial numbers that I have seen have been stamped on the inside. To see the serial number, you have to break open the action. You should be able to see the serial number on the metal that is exposed when the action is open. Marc



15412  - Winchester Model 52C Serial Number 80601C
5/17/2016


Maker: Winchester, Model: 52C, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 80601C

Question:
I have a Winchester 52 serial# 80601C. Would you be kind enough to tell me when she was made? Thanks so much. Eric

 Answer:
Eric- Your rifle was made in the early 1950s, but I cannot tell you the exact date. The "C" model was the best of all the Model 52s with the best of the adjustable triggers and bedding system.

The Model 52 was made in six different basic models, the “pre-A”, and then with letters A, B, C, D, and E after the serial number to denote the different variations. Most were made as serious competitive target shooting rifles, with standard, heavy and extra heavy “Bull” barrels, and a few were made with extra light barrels and handsomely checkered stocks as “Model 52 Sporters.”

The Model 52 was introduced in 1919 and continued in production until 1980 with about 125,000 made. It was the dominant rifle in the smallbore target world until the 1960s when the exceptionally wonderful (and pricey) Anschutz rifles began winning championships. Other contenders were the Remington 37, some Martini action rifles from England, Hammerlis from Switzerland and a few other less popular guns. A fair number of Model 52 rifles were used by military and ROTC affiliated shooting programs, back when most high schools and colleges had rifle teams. John Spangler



15411  - Advice For A New Collector
5/14/2016


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

Question:
Great web site . I am retired and bored, so I thought I would start collecting guns as a hobby.

I use your web site for serial numbers on Winchesters. Is there any way I can find out the production for certain models? If I'm going to start collecting I would like to do it right. Rarity I know is something I should check into. Also any other tips would be helpful. Thank You Once again great web site.

 Answer:
Michael- Glad you like the site.

My advice is to collect what you like, not just because someone else likes something or if it is a "popular field" and everyone else is doing it.

The absolute very first thing you should do is buy a copy of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and their Values" and carefully and completely read the first few chapters before going to the Winchester section.

That will give you some of the very best advice on gun collecting, and perhaps save you from making some very costly mistakes. The Winchester section has lots of good info on model variations, production numbers, etc, and values for all of these. The values are generally accepted as being pretty realistic. It also has a good bibliography for each section and the money spent on those books will more than pay for themselves.

Try to meet a collector with similar interests and ask them to point out details on various guns that they think are important. Especially signs of alterations, refinishing or faking. Visit gun shows and museums and see what they have.

Think about if you want to get examples of different models, very high condition examples, ones with some sort of documented history, or examples to shoot. Be patient and avoid buying junk, which will always be junk. There are millions of Winchesters out there, and if patient and willing to pay the price you can find nice examples of most models.

After that, buy a subscription to the two fine arms collector magazines, "Arms Heritage Magazine," and "Man At Arms" which have articles on Winchesters. And, also join the NRA and support the fight to protect your right to collect guns. Hope that helps. John Spangler-



15406  - Drilling Value
5/14/2016
Melissa, Green River, WY

Maker: Gustav Meffert & E/Suhl, Model: 16ga 8.9mm Double Hammer Shotgun, Caliber: 16ga 8.9mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 1797

Markings:
I know you smart folks on this sight can help me better than anyone else:) fingers crossed!! I have a double hammer drilling 16ga 8.9mm (the 8.9mm I can`t find on any other guns I found that are similar)? On both sides of barrel it`s stamped with kruppscher lauf-stahl symbol and on one side it says Heinrichs E/Suhl the other side it says Gustav Meffert serial#1797! This is a beautiful rare antique gun! I was offered 4K without the guy even wanting to do the research! I`m having a difficult time finding one with exact markings and the number 1797 is a much lower number than the similar guns I have found? The ones I have found are value from 3k - 6k!!! I have hopefully attached pictures below if they don`t come through let me know it would be easier to email them to someone:) https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByrLpsvjKy2BU0dLZVpzNjRpUUE http://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0ByrLpsvjKy2BU0dLZVpzNjRpUUE&usp=sharing_eid&ts=572604a0

Question:
I was offered 4K without the guy doing research what`s the true value? I`m seeing between 3k - 6k? Thanks for your help Melissa

 Answer:
Melissa, our main focus at FineOldGuns.com (OldGuns.net) is military firearms. We sometimes list sporting shotguns for sale in our catalogs but we do not have a lot of interest in collecting them and are by no means experts in this field. There are several dealers listed on our links page that specialize in shotguns who would be able to give you a better answer to your question.

That being said, it has been my experience that even though the German Drillings are just about always beautiful guns of exceptional quality, there is not allot of demand for them. Shooters do not like 16 gauge shotguns and where are they going to find 8.9mm ammunition? Collectors don`t seem to have much interest in them either. Allot were liberated by GIs and brought home after WWII because of their fine quality and workmanship. I see them from time to time at gunshows, usually being walked around from dealer to dealer by a confused looking owner who thinks that the gun is worth far more than what he is being offered for it by the dealers. If the gun were mine, I would not be too greedy and I would accept the 4k offer that you mentioned, another good offer like that may be hard to find. Marc.



15387  - Is It A Sniper?
5/10/2016
U.S.

Maker: REMINTON, Model: 1903A3, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: 24, Finish: Blue, SN: 4993791

Markings:
R.R.A.

Question:
IS THIS A REAL SNIPER RIFLE

 Answer:
You may not be aware that when communicating on the internet, ALL CAPS is often used to express shouting or anger. Many people consider use of ALL CAPS to be rude or insulting.

All Remington 1903A4 production was in 1943 and fell between serial numbers 3407088 and 4998320. Remington made all 29,964 Model 1903A4 rifles. 1903A4 receivers were all marked MODEL 03-A3, but the markings are offset to be readable when the Redfield Junior scope mount base is installed. Some but not all Remington 1903A4 serial numbers have a Z prefix.

I can not say for sure without seeing the rifle, but you probably do have a real 1903A4 sniper. Model 1903A4 rifles fall in three serial number blocks: 3407088 to 34427087, 4992001 to 4999045, and Z4000000 to Z4002920. Your serial number is in the second block. Marc



15399  - Re: Post On Repro. Old Guns From Afghanistan.
5/10/2016
Jim Massachusetts

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

Question:
Is there any way I could get a catalog/price list of guns being sold and have them imported? Not looking for antiques per say [sic] but would like to maybe replace my originals for show and tell at re-enacting events so I don’t have to worry about damage to the originals I have. The repro. engraved Enfield pistol for $100 would be perfect for what I want to do with them.

 Answer:
Jim- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. It seems that the vendors are pretty much limited to sales to military (and contractor?) personnel stationed in Afghanistan. Shipment back to the U.S. seems to be either as accompanied baggage when the individual comes home, or shipped by mail after inspection by Customs over there.

Any attempt to do that on a commercial basis rather than face to face is filled with chances for disaster, from haggling over what is being offered for sale (and descriptions are often more fantasy than fact), and theft in transit, and jumping through the Customs hoops in Afghanistan to convince the Customs folks the guns are legal to send to the U.S.

I would just look on the auction sites until you find some items brought home and owners decide they really do not want to keep them.

Or, call you local Army recruiter, and sign up and do it all in person! John Spangler



15371  - Rifle Accuracy Question
5/7/2016


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

Question:
I've been contemplating the purchase of a new hunting rifle but I want to make sure I get the right one. I'm currently using a .30-06 for elk, but I'd like to get a flatter shooting round like .300 Win Mag. My question is, on average, if accuracy is my number one concern, should I buy a new rifle or will a used rifle generally be just as good? I'm worried that if I bought a used rifle the previous owner may have put super hot rounds down the barrel and damaged it irreparably. Is this a valid concern?

 Answer:
Accuracy on standard production rifles is always a bit of a crap shoot, regardless of whether they are new or used. It is very uncommon for the average hunter to "shoot out" a barrel - but not so uncommon for one to be improperly maintained. Fortunately improper maintenance is generally easy to spot by looking through the bore.

.300 Win Mag is a good deer/elk round. My advice would be to get a new Remington 700 SPS in .300 Win Mag with a 24" barrel and send it to me for a muzzle brake and to be bedded into a Bell and Carlson Stock. The SPS is bottom of the line for Remington and has a useless hollow plastic stock that should just be thrown away. However the mechanicals are the same as their mid-range 700's. The brake tames the recoil so you can actually enjoy practicing and hunting with it, and the Bell and Carlson stock is relatively inexpensive, but stiff, lightweight, has a 1" Limbsaver pad and is easy to bed. Total cost for the rifle should be in the $600.00 range. Add another $500.00 for the brake, stock and bedding and you should have a sub-moa rifle that is light, rugged, and will last a lifetime. If you are lucky you might find a private seller of an SPS who is tired of the abuse and will give you a real deal on the rifle.

If you have a few bucks beyond that I would toss the Remington Trigger and substitute a Timney for another $250 or so. Then it is all up to the optics and your shooting skills.

Another path would be to watch for a used Remington 700 in .300 Win Mag that was built sometime in the 70's or early 80's and that has a nice looking bore. It will be in a walnut stock, which is fine. All you would need is a good bedding job and you can skip the brake if you are willing to take the punishment of the round.

A final thought would be to find a used 700 Sendero. They are already in an HS Precision stock and have a slightly heavier barrel. The down side is that they mostly were built in .308, but there are a few in .300 Mag out there. Lloyd Phillips EeastCreekPrecision.com



15398  - Browning 16 Ga Shotguns
5/7/2016
Johnny

Maker: Browning, Model: ?, Caliber: 16 Gauge, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have a Browning 16 gauge shotgun passed down from grandfather. Like new condition. serial number x70467 or x10467. Can you tell what year it was made and if its a " sweet sixteen"?

 Answer:
Johnny- I am assuming this is a semi-automatic gun. Browning seemed to use a single series of numbers for 12, 16 and 20 gauge guns. I do not understand the "x" as I cannot find any record of Browning using an "x" prefix, although they did use several other letters.

If your serial number is either 10467 or 70467 then it would have been made in Belgium sometime between 1903 and 1939, with a total of about 228,000 made during that time, so either of these numbers would probably be 1920 or earlier.

The best source of info is

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=13

These 16 GA guns are well made and as reliable as any of John M. Browning's numerous superb designs. However, shooters have almost all decided that they do not like 16 GA guns any more (for reasons I do not understand) so values are very modest for the 16s compared to the other gauges. Hope that helps. John Spangler



15368  - Nickel `SS` Luger
5/3/2016
Eric

Maker: ?, Model: Luger, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Nickel, SN: ?

Question:
I have a chrome/or/nickel plated Luger from WWII. All matching numbers, original era clip, and an extra newer clip, plus holster. There has been some question about the plating. I was informed years ago, that this was an (S.S.) issue. However there is no (S) before any of the numbers. My father did much research, and had the gun looked at by several individuals prior to his passing many years ago. The conclusion was it was an S.S. model, but the few gun stores I visited could verify this. I am interested in selling this, but am not sure how to proceed from here.

 Answer:
Eric, after the war, there was a rather large industry devoted to nickel plating souvenir pistols brought home by GI`s. Since then, these guns are often described as a special pistol that was taken from a high officer, usually SS.

There were NO nickel or chrome plated Lugers or P.38 pistols issued to the SS or other German military personnel during the war. Value for nickel or chrome plated Lugers is usually in the $500 or less range. Sorry that I could not tell you that you have a real treasure. Marc



15397  - Book Report For 11 Year Old On Pre-Civil War Guns
5/3/2016
Dave Georgia

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

Question:
Book report for 11-year old on pre Civil War Guns 1800-1830. Can you send links about or articles regarding this era and the types of guns and ammo? Thanks.

 Answer:
Dave- I do not have a good reference for you on the 1800-1830 period but here is a site for Civil War era. Look for the "homework helper" link around the middle of the page. http://www.civilwarguns.com/

Guns of the 1800-1830 period would probably be covered under the term "fur trade guns" or "rendezvous" events where black powder shooters who recreate history of that period get together. Many people interested in guns of that period (or the shooting of them) participate in events with the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, but their site does not seem to have anything directly useful to you.

Good luck. Please take the time to take this student to a living history/reenactment event so they can see these arms in person, and perhaps even be allowed to shoot one under supervision. That would be a great family outing. John Spangler