# 12909 - Hy Hunter 44 Mag
11/27/2007
Gary

Hollywood Califonia Made in West Germany Black with white pearl like grips Like to know history age value

Answer:
Gary, Hy Hunter Firearms Company, Inc. had offices in Hollywood and Burbank, California. During the 1960s They were the importers and distributors of a wide variety of cheap West German firearms including the Frontier Six Shooter, Western style single-action revolvers manufactured by Rohm, the Detective and Chicago Cub, several other models of low quality West German .22 pocket revolvers, and the Maxim, Militar, Panzer, Stingray, and Stuka pistols, also manufactured by Rohm.

References do not list a Hy Hunter chambered in .44 Magnum but it is a good bet that your revolver was manufactured by Rohm GmbH of Sontheim/Benz, who manufactured a large range of revolvers for import to the US prior to the gun control act of 1968 when restrictions on handgun dimensions severely curtailed importation. Due to their inferior quality, there is no collectors interest in Rohm firearms and values tend to fall in the $100.00 or less range. Marc

# 12915 - Savage Pistol No Model
11/27/2007
Omar, El Paso, TX

Savage Arms CO. Utica U.S.A Cal. .32 Patented November 12, 1905 - 7.65.M-M. And this pocket is in excellent condition. And its been passed down from Gen to Gen. And It has a Sentimental Value to me and I wanted to know how much a piece like this is worth. Thank You for your time.

Answer:
Omar, you did not tell me what model you have, this makes it hard to quote you a value. Savage manufactured three models of this type of pistol.

1. The Model 1907 was manufactured from 1910 to 1917 and it was available in.32 or .380. It came with a blue finish, fixed sights, exposed cocking piece (hammer) and metal grips on early .32 ACP models or hard rubber grips on all others.
2. The Model 1915 was manufactured from 1915 to 1917, it was similar to Model 1907, with a grip safety, but it had no visible cocking piece.
3. The Model 1917 differed from the Model 1915 in that it had a spur hammer (cocking piece) and trapezoidal grip frame, it was manufactured from 1920 to 1928.

Values in the blue book for the Model 1915 are the highest, they range from about $200 to all most $600 depending on condition. The Model 1907 comes in second, values range from $100 to about $500 for it. The Model 1917 comes in last with values between range from $100 to about $300. Marc

# 12882 - Converting .41 Swiss Vetterli To Centerfire
11/27/2007
Dean, Santa Maria

Swiss Military I need to know the feasibility of converting to center fire.

Answer:
Dean- I have heard that it is possible to convert the .41 rimfire Swiss Vetterli rifles to centerfire, but I do not know any of the details. Since there is not really any shooting .41 Swiss ammo around, you will just about have to convert one if you want to shoot it, although that will hurt the collector value. On the other hand, they are not worth a huge amount and are fairly plentiful, so I will not personally track you down and smite you if you convert one, although other people may not be so charitable. John Spangler

# 12878 - Military Use Of Win 94 With Brit Proof Marks
11/24/2007
Dominic, Ontario, Canada

British proof markings ''not english make'' 3 times 30 2 . 05'' CORmk125-170 rifle has front sling swivel after the second band near the end of the mag tube. I believe that this model 94 would have been a Lend Lease rifle because of the markings, I'm wondering if these had been issued to any troops during the War the serial# tells me that it was made between 1943 and 1948 but nothing else. Any information on this rifle is appreciated.

Answer:
Dominic- I am almost positive that this was NOT a lend lease gun, or ever had any military usage. Military use, as far as I know, of the Model 1894/94 was very limited. Some were used by the U.S. military with Signal Corps troops in the Pacific Northwest during WW1 to safeguard harvesting of spruce timber vital for building aircraft. (Probably more for protection against bears than Huns, but actual use probably was mainly for meat hunting.)

During WW2, the Canadian “Pacific Coast Rangers” used a number of Model 94s to arm their men, primarily natives along the coastal areas which were seriously thought to be in danger of invasion by Japanese forces for the first few years of the war. Although these rifles would have come from the U.S. to Canada, and may have been provided under the terms of “Lend Lease” rather than regular procurement, they would NOT have received British proof marks as they would not have been shipped to England and then back to Canada.

British laws require that all arms being exported be proof tested and marked. I suspect that this rifle was property of an overseas owner at one time and ended up being exported through the UK and was proof marked at that time. Obviously lever action deer rifles have a better market in Canada than in the UK, and it may have come into the UK from another nation in commercial channels (South Africa, Australia, etc) if it had not been purchased by someone in the UK. Thus, British proof marks only confirm the gun went through England at some time, and are not proof of government or military ownership or use. John Spangler

# 12873 - Dutch Beaumont-Vitalli?
11/24/2007
Dana, Rogers, MN

Bolt action rifle with magazine, very large caliber, tilt up rear site with numbers 1-18, crown over 'N' on rear of barrel 4 places, 1695 prominently stamped on left rear side of barrel, 1883 stamped in smaller print also on left side of barrel, both 1695 and 1891 on top of butt plate behind screw, crown over numerous letters and symbols all over gun: over 'H' on left side of rear site base, over 'S' - 4 places on bolt housing, over 'B' and over a clover leaf type symbol on trigger guard, crown over clover leaf like symbol This is a massive caliber (40+) bolt action rifle with 3 inch long magazine. Crown over various letter on all metal parts. Wood barrel holder extend to within 4 inches of barrel front and has a 3/16 diameter poker in a slot on the bottom running from the front shoulder harness clip forward, extending below front of barrel. Both barrel straps can be slipped forward when a bar is depressed. Most pieces of the bolt mechanism have '666' stamped on them.

Answer:
Dana- I bet you a $25 contribution to the NRA that this is a Dutch Beaumont-Vitalli rifle, which was 11mm (about .43 or .44) caliber, and they were made in the early 1880s and later converted in the early 1890s, so they bear both dates. The magazine is not flat on the sided, but has a pronounced ridge about an inch wide running down the center of each side in a bit of an arc. We have had several of these on our antique rifle page over the years, and values are modest- a few hundred dollars. You can probably Google the name and tell me if I am right. John Spangler

# 12921 - H&R 25
11/24/2007
Jules New Preston, CT

What is the value of this .25 cal semi auto made under license from Webley and Scott

Answer:
Jules, Harrington & Richardson marketed their little 6 shot .25 ACP pistol that was based on Webley patents from 1912 to 1916. In all 16,630 pistols were manufactured. Values in the blue book for this model range from $150 to $385 depending on condition. Marc

# 12939 - West German Made PPK/S
11/20/2007
Andrew, Merrimack, NH

Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do. Made in W. Germany on left of slide. Interarms on right of slide. 75 (picture of a leaf?) and eagle over an N. When was this pistol manufactured and what is its value? Any other info would be great. Thanks!

Answer:
Andrew, the PPK/S was introduced in 1968 due to silly bureaucratic restrictions imposed by the U. S. Gun Control Act of 1968 which required that import pistols have a minimum depth of four inches. The PPK measured 3.9 inches from the top of the slide to the bottom of the magazine so it could not be imported. The PPK/S ('S' for 'Special') was a PP frame mated to the barrel and slide of the PPK. This increased the overall depth to over 4 inches allowing importation to continue. PPK/S production began late in 1969 with serial number 1349415. West German production of PPK/S pistols in .380 ACP was discontinued in 1999. The blue books lists West German .380 PPK/S values between $275 and $750 depending on condition. Marc

# 12979 - Colt Vest Pocket
11/20/2007
Pasquale

I have recently come into possession of the above mentioned fire arm. It is made of Steel, has a Colt on the side rear of the slide, and has white pearl grips with a colt emblem on each side also has Pat'd, Aug 25, 1896, April 20, 1897, Dec. 22, 1903, Jan. 25, 1910, July 31,1917. What can you tell me about this item. Is it worth anything or should I just use it for close range firing?

Answer:
Pasquale, your little pistol is a Colt Vest Pocket Model 1908-Hammerless. The Colt Vest Pocket was a Browning design, originally manufactured by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal in Belgium as the 'Baby Browning'. The FN pistols were very popular and they sold in large numbers before Colt took up an option on the Browning patent and started manufacturing them here in the United States. Colt manufactured about 409,000 Model 1908- Hammerless pistols from 1908 to 1946.

Standard Colt Vest Pocket pistols came with a blue finish, 2 inch barrel and fixed sights. Early models had checkered hard rubber grips. Grips were later changed to walnut and a magazine disconnect was added on pistols manufactured after 1916. Vest Pocket pistols could be ordered with special features including nickel finish and pearl grips. Blue book values for nickel finish Colt Vest Pocket pistols range from $200 to $850 depending on condition, add 15% for pearl grips.

Considering the value, I would advise you to keep this pistol in good condition and to purchase something less collectible for close range firing. If you send me your serial number I can look up when your pistol was manufactured for you. Marc

# 12865 - Shiloh Sharps .45-102 And .45-70 Ammo
11/20/2007
Ontario, CA, United States

I have several boxes of 45-70 rounds and have been told I can fire them in my 45-120. Can you give me your opinion on that?

Answer:
Sir- Shiloh Sharps are beautiful rifles, well made of fine materials. I cannot comment on the safety of shooting a cartridge other than that designated by the manufacturer in any specific gun. However, my understanding is that the Sharps .45-120 cartridge is nothing more than a .45-70 cartridge case that is 2.75 inches long instead of 2.1 inches long, so that it can hold the additional powder charge (needed to knock you seriously on your butt!). I have heard people say it is safe to shoot .45-70s in rifles chambered for the .45-90 cartridge (which is the 2.4 inch version of the .45-70 case). Frankly, the best way to get a really good answer is to pick up the phone and call the good folks at Shiloh Sharps who made the rifle, and ask them. John Spangler

# 12864 - .22 Krag Receiver
11/17/2007
Scott, Corvallis, Oregon

I have a receiver marked ''Springfield Armory Model 1899 .22 Cal''. I guess this is for a .22 Krag? I was wondering what it might be worth. Condition is very good (it's all greased up). No bolt though. Thanks!

Answer:
Scott- Check the books on Krag rifles by either Brophy or Mallory and that will show you all about the ones made by Springfield Armory. All that I am aware of are around 476,000 serial number range. They have a distinctive cut on the rail on the right side of the receiver just behind the ring, and a small cross pin in the left side wall, visible in the books. Some of those receivers have shown up on the surplus market in the olde days from W. Stokes Kirk or Bannerman. Value today is whatever a collector wanted to pay if it is what you would accept, probably a few hundred dollars. As a matter of interest, the changes to use the .22 caliber barrel do not prevent the receiver being assembled with regular .30 caliber parts, and I once bought a sporterized Krag rifle that had a .22 caliber receiver. John Spangler

# 12859 - French Mle 1916 Rifle
11/17/2007
chuck, Rootstown OH

M-16 le I have been looking for information on this gun I came upon in my grandfathers stuff. It says M-16 LE and the name is Continsura or something like that (hard to read). He was in WWII but had the gun tagged 1918, recovered from the Battle of the Bulge. He also had a similar gun, that had no markings on it except a Chinese looking symbol. Unfortunately he is not here to answer these questions and I was wondering if anyone could help me out.

Answer:
Chuck- Howdy, neighbor (I used to live in Rootstown!) The rifle you are asking about is a French Model 1916 Mannlicher Berthier in 8mm Lebel caliber. It was made by the French plant at Contin-Souza in Paris between 1916 and 1918. I doubt that anyone was actually using these in combat during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944-45, but it may have been taken as a souvenir from a local farmhouse where it had been kept as a souvenir of someone else’s service in WW1. Send some photos and maybe we can ID the other one for you. John Spangler

# 12986 - Sears 2C Parts
11/17/2007
Mark

None What year was sears model 2C 22 cal rifle serial number 2732341 made? Where if any can I find an extra clip for it?

Answer:
Mark, my references indicate that the Sears Model 2C was manufactured by Winchester, it is their model 131. Winchester manufactured the Model 131 from 1967 to 1973. The Model 131 was a repeating version of the Winchester Model 121 that came with a detachable seven round box magazine.

Before you order a replacement magazine I think that it would be a good idea to look at a picture of the 131 and compare it to your rifle to verify that they really are the same model. Gun Parts Corp has a picture posted at the following link: http://www.e- gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=0950z131. If the rifles are the same I am sure that Gun Parts will be happy to sell you an extra magazine. Good luck Marc.

# 12991 - Unique Pistol
11/14/2007
George, Kingston, PA

Is the gun worth anything? Are there grips for replacement?

Answer:
George, none of my books mention a Unique Model MD but they do list the Unique Model D which was offered in sub-variants D-1 to D-6, this could possibly be what you have. The Model D was a .22LR target model with 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 replacement grips, 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

# 12993 - Frankenstein HSc
11/14/2007
Craig, Jacksonville, FL USA

All the standard markings plus an asterisk on the barrel that is not serial numbered to the gun, but is numbered to the slide I just obtained a military marked Mauser HSc (e/135). The barrel is numbered on the lug (447). That's not the same as the last three digits of the serial number on the front gripstrap. The slide is numbered the same as the barrel. The barrel also has an asterisk mark that is visible at the ejection port. Could this be some sort of armorer or factory slide/barrel retro-fit and the asterisk ''validates'' the change-out?

Answer:
Craig, hope always seems to spring eternal when gun owners are looking for a reason to validate a mismatched firearm. I have heard a lot of excuses for mis-matched firearms and your asterisk theory makes a good story. Even if it were true and the asterisk was applied by some armorer, the pistol is still a mis-match and that will reduce the value to most collectors by as mush as 50% or more. Marc

# 12985 - Hartford Revolver
11/10/2007
Galen, New Durham, NH

Warranteed Cast Steel This was in our family. We have no idea of when it was actually made, nor do we know an approximate value. The handle had no decorative plates and we fashioned some made of wood. Could you tell us about this piece?

Answer:
Galen, it sounds like your revolver is one of those manufactured by the Norwich Falls Pistol Company. The company marketed inexpensive Saturday night special type five-shot, solid-frame, non-ejecting .32 rimfire revolvers with sheath triggers and saw-handle butts from 1878 to about 1890. Stainless steel was not used back then so the revolver is probably nickel or chrome plated. There is not much collector interest in this type of firearm and ammunition is hard to find so shooters don't usually want them either. I would expect to see one offered at a gunshow in the $50 range. Marc

# 12996 - Fair RZM PPK
11/10/2007
USA

RZM With 2 clips and holster (no markings on holster) gun is in fair condition. Is this considered to be a wanted gun? Thanks John

Answer:
John, condition is a big factor in determining the desirability and value of any collectors item. While RZM PPK pistols are rare and highly sought after collectors items, one that is only in fair condition would be much less desirable to most collectors than an example that is in better condition. If you want to sell, send us some pictures and we can help you evaluate the pistol and figure out a fair price. For more information about selling options, please take a look at the information that we have posted at the following URL: http://oldguns.net/selling.htm . Marc

# 12994 - Remington Model 12 Identification
11/6/2007
Larry, Detroit, Michigan

On top of barrel, has patents line as follows: Pedersen's Patents January 5, 1909, October 12, 1909, March 8, 1910, April 5, 1910 This is a Model 12 yet the Model 12 logo is not stamped on the side of the receiver (with the serial # below it, as is the usual I have seen) There is no Model 12 stamp anywhere on this rifle (that I have found). The serial # is stamped on the bottom of the receiver, towards the very front(2 inches in front of the trigger guard), and is preceded with the letters RW on 1 line, and the serial # on the second line. I cannot find any information on whether this is an A, B, or C model. This rifle has been fired, but shows almost as if it just came out of the box. Please help me understand what type of Model 12 I'm dealing with. Thanks.

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

I have always liked The Remington Model 12 and I have owned several over the years including the two that are in my collection now. I checked several Remington reference books including "Remington America's Oldest Gunmaker" by Roy Marcot and "Remington .22 Rimfire Rifles" by John Gayde` and Roy Marcot but neither book mentions how these rifles were marked. Both of the rifles in my collection are marked 12-C on top of the barrel. If your rifle does not have any model markings, it may be an early example. Marc

# 13006 - Source For Japanese Arisaka Type 97 Sniper Rifle
11/6/2007
Ravic, Dawson, GA

Where can I obtain a Japanese WWII 2.5x telescopic sight for a Arisaka Type 97 Sniper Rifle?

Answer:
Ravic, Type 97 sniper scopes are hard to find but there is a excellent place on the internet that has them form time to time. Keep an eye on the accessories catalog at OldGuns.net, that is where they list all of their sniper items. Popular items like sniper scopes usually sell fast so it is a good idea to keep a close watch on the accessories catalog for new updates. Good luck Marc

# 12842 - Old .22 Rifle With Metal Skeleton Stock
11/6/2007
Will

I have a friend who has a 22 skeleton rifle that belong to her Grandfather. It has markings on the stock that says it was manufactured by Firearms Int'l Corp Washington D.C. I have never seen one do you have any info on the age and date of this weapon thank you Serial # appears to be p36583. That’s all the markings other than says 22 S L LR.

Answer:
Will- I believe these were made in the 1960s, and were basically a slightly modernized copy of a design originally made by Hamilton or Quackenbush circa 1900-1910. Value is modest, mainly as a collector "oddity" and the last few I have seen offered were in the $50-150 range, but I don't know if any actually sold at those prices. John Spangler

# 12844 - Singer Made Guns
11/3/2007
Vikki

MY HUSBAND AND I RESENTLY INHERITED A SINGER .25 CAL GUN FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER AND CAN ONLY FIND THAT SINGER SEWING COMPANY DID MAKE GUNS BETWEEN WW1 AND WW2. PLEASE IF THERE IS ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME. PLEASE E-MAIL EITHER WAY THANK YOU

Answer:
Vikki- The name Singer was used on three types of guns:

(a) Singer Sewing Machine made .45 auto pistols during WW2 (very small number);

(b) Singer, Ltd, the English cousin of Singer Sewing Machine made STEN submachine guns during WW2;

(c) Francisco Arizmendi, a maker in Eibar, Spain, made the small .25 auto pistols marking them with the name "Singer." This must be the one you are looking for.

My guess is that the value is around $100, as that seems to be about average for most of the dozens of .25 autos made by various makers, mostly copies of the Browning design. Hope that helps.

You are probably not aware that ALL CAPS in email is usually used to express shouting or anger. Many people consider use of ALL CAPS to be rude or insulting and refuse to answer them. Just thought you might like to know. John Spangler

# 12843 - J. Henry Rifle Marked U.S.
11/3/2007
Steve

I've searched every reference book I have or have been able to borrow. Also googled my self crazy with not results. I have a J Henry rifle that has the small US behind the trigger guard. All references I can find show these guns as being heavy halfstock plains type rifles. This percussion gun is more of a Kentucky styling. Any help finding information on this gun would be of great interest. Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.

Answer:
Steve- Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and their values has a couple of pages on guns of this type in the secondary U.S. martial section. George Moller's U.S. Military Shoulder Arms is probably the best reference covering these in Vol. 2. This is out of print and very pricey if you can find a copy at all. Man at Arms number 3 in 1999 is supposed to have something on these as well.

I believe yours is one made under military contract for mainly military use, and also to some extent for "Indian Treaty" gifts circa 1792-1809. They are good collector items, and if you decide to sell, we may be interested. John Spangler

# 12918 - Remington 721 Value
11/3/2007
Jimmie, Rochester, NY

What is the value of Remington 30-06 model 721 and serial number 58427?

Answer:
Jimmie, Remington, manufactured, the Model 721 from 1948 to 1962, total production was about 125,000 rifles. When the model was first introduced, rifles were only available chambered for .270 Winchester or 30-06 cartridges. Later 721 rifles were also chambered for .264 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, and .280 Remington. Standard rifles came a round 24 inch barrel, straight bolt handle, and a plain straight-comb half stock with pistol grip and round tipped forend. The action was locked by two lugs on the bolt head that engaged the receiver as the bolt handle was turned down. Trigger guards were a cheap looking stamped strip of steel that doubled as a non-hinged floorplate. The safety lever was on the right side of the action behind the bolt handle and the bolt could be removed by pushing up on a small lever located just ahead of the trigger.

The blue book lists values for 721 rifles between about $175 and $450 depending on condition. Marc