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15875  - Soviet Machinegun
8/28/2018
Kimberly

Maker: Russian ?, Model: SG Or SGM ??, Caliber: 7.62*54 R Belt Fed, Barrel Length: Aprox.22¨ With Flash Hider Aprox.4-5¨, Finish: Blue, SN: NOT AVAILABLE

Markings:
Carrying? handle on barrel. Mounted on 2 wheeled carriage. Metal shield/plate about 1 ft. sq. resting on top of barrel.

Question:
I recently viewed this weapon while I was at the range and was very curious about it. It was mounted on some sort of a 2 wheeled carriage or cart. It appeared to have had a hitch of some sort on one end. Was it mounted on a vehicle or pulled behind? I was unable to speak with the actual owner of it and was very curious about when it was produced and where. Any info you can furnish me regarding it would be appreciated. Was it actually mounted on this wheeled cart? How many were made? By whom? For whom? Would there be any other sources I could check with regarding additional info. This is my 1st.visit to your site ,And I must say it is very informative. Thank you.. Kimberly Sorry I am not able to remember any more details of the weapon

Answer:
Kimberly, thanks for visiting our site. From your description it is hard to narrow the possibilities of which machine-gun that you saw down to one. Many soviet machine guns have a carrying handle and are capable of being attached to a wheeled gun mount. The best way to identify your particular machine-gun, and get more information about it is to go to your local library and check out one of the two following books: Military Small Arms of the 20th Century by Ian V. Hogg and John Weeks published by DBI or Small Arms of the World by Edward Clinton Exell published by Stackpole Books. Both books are informative and very well written, both books have many photographs that may help in identifying the particular machine-gun that you saw... Marc *** John came up with an answer also **** The Russians seem to be unique in their use of a wheeled mount for some of their machine guns. The mount is called a "Sokolov" mount, presumably named after the comrade who invented it. These were in use from about 1910 thru the end of WW2 and many were passed on to the CHICOMS for use in Korea. The wheels allowed the machine gun to be pulled along by the soldiers, or by horses. For winter operations, they put skis under the mount. The mount could be stood up on the poles you would normally pull on, and braced in position to hold it high enough for anti-aircraft use. Pretty neat. The shield gave the gunner some protection against shell or grenade fragments and less against rifle fire. All right already- but what kind of gun was it? Three likely candidates- If water-cooled, it was a Maxim, using 7.62x54R ammo. These were adopted for Russian use by 1905, and various versions continued in production through WW2. Over 270,000 were made in 1944 alone. Weight of the Maxim with full water jacket and mount was 145 pounds, so even John Wayne wouldn't want to carry one very far. Improvements were suggested by Tokarev and "Koleshnikov" in 1944-45. (I bet the latter is that old tank mechanic M. Kalishnikov of AK47 fame. (Sometime you should hear about the time he and Eugene Stoner, inventor of the M16 met in the US and discussed guns. Took place at USMC Base Quanitco, and I believe that Bill Ruger paid for Kalishnikov's travel expenses. The greatest assembly of firearms talent in one place since John M. Browning dined alone.) Second choice is the air-cooled Degtyarev, also 7.62x54R. The third, and least likely is the 12.7mm(about .50 caliber) Degtyarev. All these are very interesting designs, with historical significance, and can be legally owned. I understand that absolutely ZERO legally owned machine guns have been used in crime since 1934. So these legally owned guns are not a problem that needs to be fixed. The #!*@># idiots who stuck up banks recently didn't bother to follow many laws at all, so passing a few more won't stop folks like them from doing illegal things. Lots of groups sponsor opportunities to safely shoot legally owned fullauto weapons. Try it some time. (My uncle allowed me to have fun with a lot of them while in the Navy, so I don't get too excited any more. Maybe because I have to pay for the ammo now...) Geez Marc, did we ever answer her question? Hope so... John Spangler



15882  - American Eagle Luger
8/28/2018
Marv

Maker: Luger, Model: Not Sure, Caliber: 30 Luger, Barrel Length: 4.5 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 48XXX

Question:
I was reading some of your answers on Lugers and became curious about the one I have owned for the past 30 years. It has an American eagle stamped on the receiver and a grip safety. When the action is open, you can seethe s/n (same as on the receiver) and another number 17223 along with a crown and a U, some symbol and a B, and a symbol and a G. all this is on the underside of the barrel close to the receiver. It also has a crown and a U on the left side of the receiver and a crown and a U on the left side of the toggle. there is also a DWM stamped on top of the toggle. It has wood checkered grips and no markings at all on the clip. I have never taken it apart so these are all the numbers I can find. It looks to have about 70% of it's original finish and is fully operational.

What have I got here? What year was it made? Who was it delivered to? How many were made? Do you have an idea of it's value? What is the model? Thanks for any info you may have for me.....Marv

Answer:
Marv, form your description it sounds like you ether have a Model 1900 or (probably) a Model 1906 American Eagle Luger. The Model 1900 American Eagle had a slim tapered 4 & 3/4 inch barrel, an American Eagle over the chamber, old style toggle lock, dished toggle knobs, narrow trigger, wide trigger guard, grip safety, no stock lug and was chambered in .30 Luger. Six to eight thousand 1900 American Eagle Lugers were manufactured.

In 1901, the United States Army purchased 1000 Model 1900 American Eagle Luger Pistols and issued them to the Calvary for testing. The Lugers were not adopted by the US Army and were placed on sale as surplus. These 1000 American Eagle Lugers are the most controversial of all Lugers, since the exact proof mark (if any), which was put on them by the United States Ordinance Department is not known. It is generally considered that the lowest serial numbered American Eagle Lugers (in the 2000 - 3000 range) were these test Lugers.

There were six to eight thousand 1906 American Eagle Lugers were manufactured in the serial range of 25100 to 69000 for commercial sales in the United States. The 1906 American Eagle Luger had a slim tapered 4 & 3/4 inch barrel, American Eagle over chamber, New Style toggle with round full knurled toggle knobs, grip safety, no stock lug and was also chambered in .30 Luger. The 1906 is the most often encountered American Eagle.

The easiest way to differentiate between the 1902 and the 1906 is that the model 1902 has the old style dished toggle knobs and the Model 1906 has the full round, knurled toggle knobs. Values for American Eagle Lugers range form $500 to $3,000 depending upon condition If you ever want to sell your Luger or if you want it appraised let us know... Marc




15873  - Colt Musket
8/25/2018
Doug

Maker: Colt, Model: Smooth Bore Percussion, Caliber: 68 ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Markings:
Marked 1863 Manufacturers name and city,town

Question:
I inherited this gun from a friend who received it from his friend that was a gun dealer. Was this a common type and where can I find info on it?

Answer:
Doug- Colt was making “Model 1861 Special” .58 caliber rifle muskets in 1863, so that is probably what your gun started off as. These were a cross between the standard Model 1861 Springfield for external features, but with internal lock parts virtually identical with the Pattern 1853 .577 Enfield. I suspect that Robbins & Lawrence earlier production of that model and furnishing machinery to Enfield so they could produce fully interchangeable parts strongly influenced the approval of this model at a time when dozens of other manufacturers were struggling to deliver regular Model 1861 muskets. Flayderman’s guide has the basic info on these. Robert Reilly’s U.S. Military Small Arms 1816-1865 is superb on all Civil War arms, and Claud Fuller’s “The Rifled Musket” has even more info. Bill Edwards “Civil War Guns”

I would hope that the gun dealer who supplied it could have told you something about it, since he could examine it in detail, and we only have a very little info to go on. I suspect that your gun has been cut down and bored out for use as a shotgun, but cannot be sure... John Spangler



15889  - Reworked Colt 1911A1 Value
8/25/2018
Terry, San Antonio, TX

Maker: Colt, Model: M1911A, Caliber: 45, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 1740494

Markings:
RIA under the serial number.

Question:
Current value & collectability

Answer:
Terry, Colt's Patented Firearm company entered into an arrangement with the firearms designer John M. Browning in the late 1800's for the design of automatic pistols. Between 1900 and 1910 Browning designed and Colt manufactured the Model 1900, 1901, 1903 Pocket, the 1903 hammerless, and 1905 and the 1908. Mr. Browning and Colt began to develop an automatic pistol for the U.S. Army, to replace the Colt double action revolvers then the Army`s standard side arm. The result was the Colt Model 1911 in 45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), the most widely recognized and copied pistol in the world. The Model 1911 (and its product improved offspring the 1911A1) equipped the U.S. Army till replaced by the Beretta M9 in the 1980's.

When World War II broke out the military knew that Colt could not meet the demand for the Model 1911A1 so the Ordnance Department contracted with four other manufacturers to make this pistol. The four were Singer Sewing Machine Company, Remington Rand Typewriter Company, Ithaca Firearms Company, and Union Switch and Signal Company. Of the four manufactures, Colt seems to be the most popular. Prices and demand for Colt 1911A1 pistols have steadily increased over recent years.

According to my records, your 1911A1 was manufactured in 1944. In 1937, at serial #710001, Colt began applying the serial number to the slide as well as the receiver. This numbering of the slide and receiver was their normal commercial practice at the time. Colts continued the double numbering until about serial #1140000 when it was discontinued as unnecessary. The slide of your pistol should not be numbered. Due to military maintenance practices as well as barracks cleaning mix-ups, 1911A1 numbered slides were often mixed up and a number of 1911A1s in this serial number range will be found with numbers that are off by only a few numbers. Many others will simply have mixed up slides and receivers. A non-matching slide will reduce the value of a pistol to a collector considerably. Pistols just beyond where the slides were numbered may bring considerably more money than a numbered pistol when the slide just a few numbers off.

The RIA marking that you mention is an arsenal re-work mark for Rock Island Arsenal. The value of your pistol depends on condition and whether the pistol has the correct slide. Re-worked pistols are not as valuable as examples that are in original condition so the RIA marking hurts. Depending on these factors that I have mentioned, value can range from $1000 to around $2500. Marc




15881  - Nickel M1 Carbine
8/21/2018
Chad, Valdosta Georgia

Maker: ?, Model: M1 Carbine, Caliber: .30 Cal, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Nickel, SN: 25175

Markings:
the trigger guard pin is a roll pin not easily removed. There are no manufacturer marks and the only marks are the serial number in front of the rear site and stamped US Carbine Cal .30 M1 in front of the receiver.

Question:
How old is this rifle, what is the manufacturer and is what is the price range?

Answer:
Chad, it is hard to say what you have. My guess is that it is one of the many after-market M1 carbine copies, but it could also be a Bubba special that had some of the markings removed and was nickel plated in a home grown customization. Either way value will be modest at best. Marc



15872  - Brooklyn Firearms Co. Revolver
8/21/2018
Marian, Corydon, Indiana, USA

Maker: Slocum, Model: Sliding Sleeve Pistol, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 3¨, Finish: Brass, SN: 8577

Markings:
rosewood grips five shot decorative scroll work on barrel and frame¨B.A. CO. PATENT APRIL 14th 1863¨ on top of barrel

Question:
Was this a Civil War gun? Where should I have it appraised?

Answer:
Marian- About 10,000 of these were made in .32 caliber rimfire in 1863-64, and undoubtedly many carried by soldiers or for self defense by city dwellers or country folks. Flayderman’s Guide places the value in NRA Antique "Good" and "Fine" (see out links for definition) as $275 and $625 respectively. There is also a scarce .22 version holding seven shots worth about twice as much. These are sometimes call Slocum revolvers and the strange sliding chamber arrangement was an attempt to get around the Rollin White patent held by Smith & Wesson which gave them exclusive rights to make revolvers with chambers drilled all the way through the cylinders.. This one patent gave S&W control of most of the cartridge revolver business in the US prior to 1872, and kept a whole bunch of inventors busy looking for ways to get around it, and a plague of lawyers eating the profits of both S&W and the inventors arguing about who could do what. It would be pretty interesting to try to get an example of one of every type of the "Rollin White patent evasion" designs made, or all of the guns that infringed on the patent and usually got turned over to S&W when they won the lawsuit. Hope this helps... John Spangler



15874  - Manhattan Arms 12 Gage
8/18/2018
Ron , Marshfield ,Ma USA

Maker: Manhattan Arms, Model: Single Barrel Shotgun, Caliber: 12 Gage, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Rusty, SN: 97307

Markings:
cannot see because the metal has black dust coating it .

Question:
This old shotgun was found in a wall of an old building in Marshfield MA. How old is it and what is the history of it.

Answer:
Ron, Flayderman`s Guide has a little on Manhattan Arms Co. (no shoguns are listed) but the real book (and only one) is "Manhattan Firearms" by Waldo Nutter. Unfortunately it is out of print and going for about $100 or more when you find one. The Manhattan name was used by other firms later. A quick Google search brought me to a web site that is dedicated to collecting Manhattan Firearms: http://www.manhattanfirearms.com/, they indicate the following on their FAQ page:

Manhattan Firearms Company did not make any Shotguns. They only made pistols. According to reference book "Shotgun Markings 1865 to 1940, A List" compiled by Joseph T. Vorisek: Manhattan Arms Co shotguns were made by the following manufacturers:

  • Neumann Feres until 1903 if Belgian made
  • F. Dumoulin 1903 and after if Belgian made
  • J.P. Sauer if German made
  • Harrington & Richardson if single gun
  • Hunter Arms Company if U.S. made hammerless double

They were all sold by Schoverling, Daley & Gates.

If the above information is correct, it looks like your shotgun was manufactured by Harrington & Richardson and sold by Schoverling, Daley & Gates. Hope that this helps. Marc



15871  - WW2 Pen Gun
8/18/2018
Jay

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

Markings:
I recently came into possession of what appears to be a pen gun. Inside dia of bore is .298 or so. Marked Herstal in fine impressed print on upper end near pencil clip which may be gold plated. It is 4.60 inches long, and OD is .460 inches. Small x marks decorate the upper barrel. Appears to be made of hardened steel. Herstal marking is in three places on hexagonal upper breech piece. If this is something valuable, I would like to sell it.

Answer:
Jay- These are interesting items, usually associated with spies or clandestine operations, although some may have been made for use by paranoid business people for self defense. The ¨Herstal¨ marking indicates it was made in Belgium, although exact date cannot be determined from the information you provided. However, the BATF considers them illegal unless properly registered. Owning one without the proper paperwork is unwise. Recommended options are to (a) destroy the item (big hammer would probably do the job) or call you friendly neighborhood BATF folks and let them know you just found this beast and wish to turn it in for them to destroy. Hope this helps... John Spangler



15856  - Winchester 9422 Cheyenne
8/14/2018
g.l.kennedy gkennedy@istar.ca

Maker: Winchester, Model: 9422 Cheyenne, Caliber: .22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Lever Action Gold Plated, SN: ?

Markings:
Engraved Indian on horse new never fired gold plated medallion affixed in stock.

Question:
What is approx. value of this rifle? Thanks

Answer:
Gerald, a word about commemorative values. For a commemorative to have any value over a regular model, it must be in 100% new condition, never have been fired, and have it's original box and papers. If you do not have the original box and papers you can deduct $100 to $150 form the value. If a commemorative has been fired or shows any signs of wear, it is just a ''fancy shooter'', worth little more than a firearm of the same model that is not a commemorative. I would advise you to check and carefully clean and oil your commemorative periodically. I know an individual who bought a new commemorative and put it away for years in it's original box without ever looking at it. When the box was opened, it was found that the firearm had acquired a fine coating of rust. Never cock or dry fire a commemorative. The Cheyenne 9422 was manufactured in 1977, there were 5000 produced and the issue price was $320.00. According to Fjestad's Blue book of gun values a 9422 Cheyenne in 100% new condition with the original box and papers is worth $950.00... Marc



15870  - Shotgun. 20 GA Double "National"
8/14/2018
john

Maker: National (made In Belgium), Model: Sxs Double W/exposed Hammers, Caliber: 20 GA, Barrel Length: 32¨, Finish: Blued (?), SN: 117XXX

Markings:
Top of rib ¨Fine laminated Steel ¨Side locks ¨NATIONAL¨ Marked ¨Belgium¨ inside where the barrels attach

Question:
I'd like to know about when this shotgun was made, and it's approximate value or range of values. I got it at a gun show mostly because I really like it's looks (weakness for exposed hammer shotguns) and it appears to be well made. I'm assuming that I shouldn't shoot any modern shells in it, although I'd love to fire it. Any advise? I'll send along an extra $25 to the ILA the next time they send me something. Thanks for your site-glad I found it!!!!

Answer:
John- National is a "trade name" used on hammer type shotguns made by Henri Pieper in Belgium from 1860 up to 1905, and by the successor "Anciens Etablissments Pieper" up until 1956. Crescent Firearms Company of New York also used the National name on some of their hammerless shotguns. Since yours is in 20 gauge (instead of 10 or 12) and marked "Belgium" instead of just having Belgian proofs, I would guess that it is one of the more recent imports, perhaps 1920-56 vintage. Have it checked by a competent gunsmith to evaluate its safety for firing. It sounds like one that may be shootable, and not strictly a rusty damascus barrel wall hanger. A willing buyer and willing seller determine fair market value, so it must be worth about what you paid for it. I don't want one, but if I did, I would be looking in the $50-100 range for a nice wall hanger, and maybe up to $200 if I suddenly decided I needed a cheap 20 GA double to chase birds and bunnies. If I hit the lottery, I might splurge and spend a couple grand on a really fancy high grade piece with gold and engraving and beautiful wood. Heck, even get a new car to carry it around in, or maybe that awesome 10 ton truck on our military vehicle page.... If NRA-ILA or NRA-PVF don't ask soon, send us a check made out to them and we will forward it. (Box 711282, Salt Lake City, UT 84171). There are lots of nasty anti-gun politicians and legislation that need to be opposed, and this is one of the best ways to help. You may not like everything NRA does, but it is the best operation around to preserve our rights. England, Canada, and Australia have already given away most of their private gun ownership rights. They will be cited as "enlightened, civilized" examples as soon as some horrible gun related tragedy happens in the US. Semi-autos ("only built to kill lots of people quickly" will be first, then anything with scopes, plus "deadly shotguns" like yours, and then any other gun left to become "the weapon of choice of criminals." Watch out for innocent sounding "child safety legislation" that conceals impossible bureaucratic schemes that will result in confiscation of all of your guns. All of these are done with good intentions but will have major consequences (intended or unintended) on us law-abiding gun owners. Anyone who can't or won't support NRA-ILA or NRA-PVF should throw away their guns now... John Spangler



15868  - Old Shotgun Found
8/11/2018
Terra Dunsmuir Ca USA

Maker: Unknown, Model: Unknow, Caliber: 12 Gauge, Barrel Length: 31.5, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: UNKNOWN

Markings:
This piece was found in a old building to foundation there is 070 and a 11 above it it also has a possible P on He has light sanded it there is a 4 also it looks silver

Question:
My finance found the side by side 12 gauge it is very old there are distrishing marks there are 11 a axe with a person stamped into it. Registered trade mark a man with a axe. There is a S on it and w 921869 we cannot distringush what this is.

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



15869  - 76mm Artillery Shell
8/11/2018


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

Question:
I have this artillery shell with the following markings. FLP A-2 1966 76MM AP-T M339. Just wondering if you might be able to tell me what this is.

Answer:
Sir- Your shell is one used in the M32 or M48 76mm guns on the post-WW2 "Super Sherman" tanks, which replaced the less powerful and lower velocity guns originally used on the M4 Sherman tanks during WW2. Your case was originally loaded with the 76mm Armor Piercing-Tracer M339 and was made in 1966 with lot number FLP A2.

Basically, the M339 projectile was made of solid tungsten carbide which punches through armor by brute force. It has a cavity in the base for a tracer element, and a thin sheet metal pointed ballistic cap for better aerodynamics, but the cap is crushed on impact and the blunt nose of the projectile body does the work. There is no explosive material in the projectile. The projectile is painted black with white stencil markings, in addition to those stamped into the metal. John Spangler




15862  - Shotgun- Crescent F.A.
8/7/2018
sherman, clarion.pa.usa

Maker: Crescent F A, Model: Side - By - Side, Caliber: .410, Barrel Length: 28¨, Finish: Either Blue Or Brown Most Worn Off, SN: 17661 OR AT LEAST IT IS ON A LOT OF THE PARTS

Markings:
It is hammered. and is chambered for 2%BC¨ shells. choked appears to be mod. & full

Question:
About how old, and where can one get .410 in 2%BC¨ Thank you for your help. I do support the NRA.

Answer:
Sherman- For a NRA supporter from my native state of PA, sure would like to give you a great answer. However, about the best we can do is say that Crescent Firearms of Norwich, CT "Made revolvers, cheap rifles and shotguns under many names. Controlled by H.D. Folsom Arms Co. from 1893-1931" Frank Sellers' excellent "American Gunsmiths" is the source of that info. (He also wrote the definitive book on Sharps rifles, both before he reached 45 years old! Us collectors sure owe him thanks for his research and efforts to share it with others.) For oddball shotshells, try the "Old Western Scrounger" on our links page. You might find some at a gun show in your area. They have some good ones in the Pittsburgh area... John Spangler



15855  - 69A Info
8/7/2018
Huntsville, AL

Maker: Winchester, Model: 69A, Caliber: 22 S, L , LR, Barrel Length: 25'', Finish: Blue, SN: NONE--NOT PUT ON THEM

Markings:
Chrome trigger guard -SC- grooved trigger -SC- Chrome curve back bolt -SC- slots for a scope and it has an old scope on it......Approximate manufactures date is 1957-63 from the blogs I have read. I also read the ones with the scope slots were the most desirable. Mine came from and estate sale and was clean and only has minor scratches on the stock and the barrel is blue and no rust. Very good condition and well taken care of. It has the original Winchester 5 clip also.

Question:
What do you estimate as the value of this gun?

Answer:
Winchester manufactured about 355,000 Model 69 & 69A rifles between 1935 and 1963. Rifles were not serial numbered so it is difficult to pin down a date of manufacture for any particular rifle, but I think that your estimate of 1957 to 1963 is pretty close. The 69 and the 69A were both 10 shot, bolt action repeaters that came with 25 inch barrels. Standard open sights, or a number 97B rear aperture sight with a number 80A hooded front target sights were offered on both Model 69 and Model 69A rifles. The big difference between 69 and 69A rifles is that the Model 69 was cocked by the closing motion of the bolt which had straight (non-swept back) bolt handle. The 69A was cocked by the opening motion of the bolt and it had a swept back bolt handle.

The blue book lists 69 & 69A values between $85 and $425 depending on condition. Thanks to the good description of the condition that you provided, I can tell you that your rifle in the upper portion of that range. You are correct about the grooved receiver models being more desirable, the book indicates to add 20% for grooved receiver 69A rifles, and 5% if the rifle has a chrome plated bolt handle and trigger guard. Hope this helps - Marc




15861  - Drilling (Combination Shotgun & Rifle)
8/4/2018
greg k

Maker: ?, Model: German Drilling, Caliber: 16 Gage Top Is Approx 22 Cal Bottom Is 8x56 Jr, Barrel Length: Approx 24¨, Finish: Bbls Are Blue Reciever Is Complety Engraved Alloy, SN: ?

Markings:
Has crown n proofs, and all kinds of other proofs under bbl. also has these names schrot krupp, jmnan meffert, th.homnel shein, dortmund suhl,dural hubertus,suhl also has double set triggers one is set

Question:
What is it? who made it, and what is it worth. condition is 90-95%who would buy this gun?

Answer:
Greg- Drillings are very personal guns, most were custom made and buyers want something that is exactly what they "want" not what happens to be available. Style, level of engraving, handling characteristics, and appearance are important. However, calibers are more important. Many people dislike 16 gauge guns (beats me, I like them). If in 12 or 20 gauge it might find a home quicker. 8x56JR is okay caliber, better than the commonly found (but ammo hard to find) 9.3x72R or 9.3x74R. I am confused by the mention of a .22 cal top barrel. I have assumed it is two 16 GA barrels over the 8x56JR bbl. If it is a single 16 GA, a .22 and the 8x56JR that is more unusual, and might attract more attention. Or, if it is .22 over two 16 GA over the 8x56JR for a total of four barrels, it is a Vierling ("four barrel gun"). They are very seldom seen and might get more attention. Also the aluminum frame is very rare, most were steel, usually highly engraved. For the right buyer, this is probably in the $1500-2500 range, but most people will think it is neat, but not pull out money to buy. Try selling it at one of the larger gun shows with high-roller dealers and customers. Or, try some of the dealers who specialize in high end shotguns. (Albermarle Fine Arms in Charlottesville VA, Mr. Mahlon Kelly; or Jaqua's Guns in Findlay, OH.) Good luck!... John Spangler



15854  - RIA M1 Carbine
8/4/2018
Joe

Maker: Inland, Model: M1 Carbine, Caliber: 30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 6910202

Markings:
RIA on the receiver. P in the sling well

Question:
Does a refurbished M1 carbine lose it's value? It was redone by Rock Island arsenal.

Answer:
Joe, often for collectors, a refinished M1 Carbine is worth about 1/2 of the value that a similar carbine in original condition is worth.

You mention that your receiver is marked "RIA". I have seen M1 Carbines that are assembled from US GI parts on post war reproduction receivers that were manufactured by a commercial company who used the RIA name. These reproduction carbines are marked "RIA" on the receiver near the serial number. If your carbine is one of the parts guns that was put together on a reproduction RIA receiver, value will be in the $400 range. Marc