# 6189 - Ammunition Headstamp OGP Or OSP
7/30/2003
Jim, Scranton, Pa

Came across a lot of 30.06 ammo. Headstamp OGP or OSP 1958 and 1959. Is steel core and has a very pronounced primer sealer. Who made it? US or foreign?

Answer:
Jim- Since the middle letter seems open to discussion, I vote for the letter J. Perhaps the "O" has two dots above it. If so, then this would be the mark of ™sterreichische Jagdpatronenfabrik, Kramsach, Tirol, Austria I recall hearing several years ago that some of the Austrian surplus ammo was pretty "hot" loads and some considered it dangerous to use in M1 Garand rifles. I cannot confirm or deny the accuracy of that report, but thought you should know that. John Spangler

# 6119 - Albion No 2 Mk1
7/30/2003
Gary, Carlsbad, NM

has 1943 on the gun right side just in front of grip and it has 3.5 tons on the barrel just in front of chamber, and had what looks like D1724 on Chamber This pistol was handed down through my family and now I have it. I was wondering when it was distributed and how much it is worth???

Answer:
The No. 2 Mark 1 was a six shot double action revolver with hinged frame and 5 inch barrel manufactured mainly by Enfield and also Webley. During WWII to increase production due to wartime demands, contracts were given to Singer Sewing Machine Company of Clydebank and Albion Motors Ltd., of Scotstoun, Glasgow to manufacture parts and complete revolvers.

Singer only manufactured parts, which were assembled at Enfield so there are no 'Singer' marked revolvers but Enfield revolvers are found with the Singer ('SM' or 'SSM') stamp on various components.

Albion Motors Ltd., of Scotstoun, Glasgow, produced about 24,000 revolvers from June 1941 to late 1943. Revolvers manufactured by Albion are marked with 'Albion' on the right side of the frame.

It has been my experience that Webley marked revolvers seem to be the most valuable, in excellent condition, they usually sell in the $350 range, Enfield revolvers sell for a little less. I am not sure if there would be more or less collector interest in a revolver manufactured by Albion, my guess is that your revolver is worth between $200 and $350 depending on condition. Marc

# 6152 - Modify My Universal M1 Carbine?
7/30/2003
Justin Holder, Cedar Creek, TX

Universal Hiallah. Fla. I just wanted to know when this gun was made. I now know it was not made for the US Military. If I fitted this gun with a new black synthetic stock, had it re-blued, and mounted a scope do you think it would be better suited to hunting and plinking than in it's original state?

Answer:
Justin, Universal Firearms Corporation was the successor to the Bullseye Company, they manufactured M1 Carbine copies for commercial sales in the early 1960s. Initially the bulk of the components Universal used in their carbines were U.S. government surplus except for the forged receivers which were made by Repp Steel Company of Buffalo. When the surplus part market dried up, Universal started manufacturing all of their own parts including barrels, die cast trigger housings, recoil plates, recoil plate screw, and springs. The quality of Universal M1 copies was usually not to bad, but not up to the standards of the U.S. government issue carbines. Universal was purchased by Iver Johnson in January 1983 who continued to sell Universal-branded Carbines as late as 1988.

The modifications that you mentioned are a matter of personal preference, they won't hurt value much since there is almost no collector interest in Universal carbines anyway. I like the regular M1 sights so, in my opinion it would be a waste of money to add a scope. Marc

# 6087 - Trapdoor Springfield Finish Question
7/26/2003
Nate, MN

A while ago I acquired a Springfield 1873 and I am not sure if it has been refinished or not. I paid $700 for it, and it is in excellent condition. The stock actually seems to have the original finish, with a somewhat faint but readable 1882 cartouche and only a few little dings and scratches, and the bore is in great shape. The metal finish rates easily 95%. The reason I believe it might have been refinished is because all of the metal parts are blued, including the breech block mechanism and the lockplate, and I am not sure if those were originally blued. I would also like to know what parts on these guns were serialized, since I can only find a serial number on the breech block. Thanks for any info you can give me.

Answer:
Nate- First, the ONLY part on a "trapdoor" that has a serial number was the receiver, on the flat spot behind where the breech block closes, so (except for a few experts) it is almost impossible to tell what (if any) parts may have been changed over the years. Only the earliest Model 1873 "trapdoors" up to about serial number 75,000 (called Model 1873 by collectors) were made with breechblocks and tangs (the part that sticks bad from the back of the receiver and has the screw holding it to the stock) finished in a blue or black color. This was the result of the case hardening and quenching process used. Later production (collector terms Model 1877, 1879, 1884 and 1888) were made with the breechblock and tang casehardened in colors with a mix of black. blue, gray, purple and brown shades, which are often visible underneath if the top has turned a rusty patina. Trapdoor Springfields saw widespread use through the Spanish American War in 1898, even though the Krag has been adopted several years earlier. After the Spanish American War, most of the Trapdoors which had been issued were returned and placed in storage for future use if necessary. Prior to storage they went through an arsenal "clean and repair" overhaul which mainly involved refinishing the metal parts with a rust blue process, and lightly scraping the stock and coating it with what appears to be a thick layer of orange-brown colored shellac. The recipe for the bluing process was published in official documents, and it is possible that some guns were reblued at the unit level. I suspect you have one of the "cleaned and repaired" guns. I hope you checked the serial number on our http://ArmsCollectors.com site to see if there is any documented history on it. John Spangler

# 6088 - Sharps Derringer Marked Miroku, Japan 472
7/26/2003
Chris, Spring City, TN.

Miroku, Japan 472 is located on the butt plate I would like to know the origin and value of this piece. Was it perhaps used during WWII by a Japanese officer?

Answer:
Chris- It sounds like you have a fairly common Sharps four barrel derringer as made 1859-1874. This was a time when trade with Japan was fairly new. The first real commercial contacts began with the expedition under Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1854, and over the next 20 years their arms technology advanced from the matchlock through cartridge firing repeating rifles from all over the world. It is likely that handguns also made their way to Japan, although I believe that arms of all sorts were rather strictly controlled, much as the possession of swords or matchlocks had been restricted to certain classes of the population. While Miroku is famous as an arms making company today, I think they did not begin until late in the 20th century. Therefore, my guess would be that the Miroku marking reflects either some sort of registration marking, or perhaps it was once part of the Miroku factory reference collection. I think that use by a Japanese officer is most unlikely. John Spangler

# 6121 - Premier Trial Blazer
7/26/2003
Alvin, Stanfield, Oregon

This gun belonged to my grandfather and I was wondering if you could tell me anything about it. I would like to know what it might be worth or how old it is? Model Trail Blazer is the Stevens model 29A

Answer:
Alvin, "Premier Model Trail Blazer" is a house brand name for a rifle that was manufactured by Stevens, to be marked under the Premier Model Trail Blazer name. Your rifle is really a Stevens Model 29A. I was unable to find any date information on the 29A but I can tell you that values for this type of rifle are in the $75.00 range. Marc

# 6123 - H & R 922
7/23/2003
Joel Johnson Spokane, WA

Some parts are broken, what is the company's address and phone number. Also what can you tell me about this gun?

Answer:
Joel, the 922 was an inexpensive but fairly well made nine-shot, solid-frame design with blue finish and no-ejector. Over the years, 922 models have been available with 2.5, 4, 6 and 10 inch barrels. The 2.5-inch version had a round butt and was known as the 'Bantamweight'. Revolvers with longer barrels came with a square butts. Revolvers manufactured before WWII had checkered walnut grips and some had octagon barrels. Revolvers manufactured from 1950 to 1982 had round barrels and plastic grips.

H & R is out of business, that is probably the reason that you have been unable to locate an address for them. A good place to look for parts is Gun Parts Corp., we have a link to them on our links page, and you can also post a want on the OldGuns.net free wanted page. Values for these revolvers are in the $100 or less range so it may not be worth the time and expense it will take to repair. For more information try searching the H&R forum or posting a question at ArmsCollector.com. Marc

# 5589 - Unique Kriegsmodell
7/23/2003
Michael, Kenosha, WI

all parts (barrel, slide, frame) marked with the number 27. Also, the serial number is behind the grip plastic, not over the trigger guard. The emblem on the handle is a intertwined FR. I find no other stamps on the weapon. I have been searching to locate the year and use of this french semi-auto pistol. Every link to the ''Unique of France'' does not work. I recently procured the pistol with a leather holster that holds two magazines too. I am looking for history and any good reference book I should look for. I thank you for any assistance that you can provide.

Answer:
Michael, Unique pistols were manufactured by d'Armes des Pyrenees. Pre-1945 Unique pistols were for the most part copies of Browning designs yet another debt to Americans that the French speaking persons will probably ignore. The model 10 was the first Unique, it was introduced in 1923. You pistol is a Kriegsmodell (German meaning "War model"), produced during the most recent period when French inefficiency and imagined military greatness quickly fell to German forces. The Kriegsmodell was a modification of the earlier Unique model 17 it was developed by the German Heereswaffenamt for the German Whermacht. Over 25,000 Kriegsmodell pistols were manufactured under German supervision of the French factory collaborators prior to 1944. After the war, Pyrenees manufactured the Kriegsmodell as the model Rr in 7.65 mm. and as the model Fr in 9 mm Kurz. Two good reference books for handguns are "The W.H.B. Smith Classic Book Of Pistols and Revolvers" by Joseph E. Smith and "Pistols Of The World" by Uan V. Hogg and John Weeks. Marc

# 6100 - P-38 Lightning Armament
7/23/2003
Aaron, LA, CA

W.W.II machine guns mounted in p-38 aircraft were using ammunition made in Bridgeport Connecticut, stamped on the bottom of the casing along with ''bbg.'' I need info on this manufacturer and want a picture to use in a documentary film I am making.

Answer:
Aaron- The P-38 was an amazing aircraft, with 9,942 delivered during WW2. (Probably more than the combined total number of all aircraft in U.S. military service today!) Designed by Kelly Johnson of Lockheed "skunk works" fame (where they later designed the U-2 and SR-71 among other things). The P-38 had many variations including fighters, fighter bombers, night fighters, and reconnaissance versions. Accordingly, the armament varied also. Nearly all carried four .50 caliber Browning machine guns in the nose. Some of the early versions also had a 37mm cannon, and most of the later ones had a 20mm Hispano Suiza gun which fired a 20 x 110 mm cartridge. There were two variations of the gun used, but the ammo was same for both of them. You can find lots of info on the places at http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/URG/p38.htm but we will check elsewhere for ammo info. With the help of Tony Williams, author of the highly recommended "Rapid Fire: The Development of Automatic Cannon, Heavy Machine Guns and their Ammunition for Armies, Navies and Air Forces" we were able to identify BBC as being the mark of Bridgeport Brass Company, a WW2 maker of .20mm ammunition, We happened to have one of the BBC marked rounds, and concluded that you are misreading the headstamp info to end up with BBG instead of BBC. During WW2 virtually every manufacturing company in America was engaged in war production of some sort, often for products vastly different from their peacetime specialty. John Spangler

# 6113 - Springfield 1878 Trapdoor History
7/19/2003
Max, Nashville, TN

US Eagle with arrows clutched on right side. Two loops around barrel, both marked with a ''U'' with clips for a strap. Simple sight that has an adjustable bridge. When was this rifle produced? Was it ever used in a War (Indian or Spanish-American I assume.) What would be the approximate value considering it has not be restored, no ramrod, no bayonet, and the sight's clip ( that keeps it erect and fixed) is broken.

Answer:
Max- Your rifle is actually a Model 1873 .45-70 trapdoor, which was made around 1884. The 1878 date on the breechblock is merely an 1873 that is hard to read. Collectors have further broken this model down into Models 1873, 1877, 1879, 1884 and 1888, probably to justify to their spouses why they cannot live with just one trapdoor. Truly obsessed collectors will point out that there are numerous variations within each of those, plus many experimental and limited production types that it is absolutely essential to have under their roof. Their spouses have probably decided that it is cheaper to let them get more guns than to waste money on therapy which will not change their mind on this issue. The serial number on your rifle does not show up in any of the documents available. However, lots of rifles with nearby serial numbers are documented as being used by volunteer troops from Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Kentucky and Minnesota during the Spanish American War in 1898. It is likely yours served as well, but that the documentation has not survived. I would expect to see a rifle in the condition you describe offered for sale in the range of $300-600 depending on the amount of finish and small details on various parts. John Spangler

# 6110 - Colt Model 1909 USMC New Service
7/19/2003
Fred, Tampa, FL

Stamped ''USMC No 162'' on the butt I'd like to know how common this revolver model is. Additionally, the pistol I own does not have the original USMC grips. If possible, I'd like some help in finding an original pair of grips.

Answer:
Fred- This is not a common model, and it seems that divisions of collectors lust after anything remotely connected with Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, or marked with a seagull sitting a beachball with an anchor up its'..... but I digress. The USMC variation of the Model 1909 revolver is a scarce item, with only 1,400 made, although numbers wise, the Navy model with only 1,000 made is even scarcer. The allure of the USMC name, and the fact that it has a smaller grip and checkered grips make the Marine Corps models sell for about double the value of the Navy model. I guess in your case, the good news is that you are fortunately enough to own one of the desirable Marine versions. Of course, the bad news is that it does not have the checkered walnut grips, and it will probably be impossible to find a pair of originals. Count your blessings and forget about your inadequacies. Watching Mail Call on the TV History Channel may cheer you up. John Spangler

# 6098 - Smooth Bore 67
7/19/2003
Larry

My father just purchased a Winchester .22 model 67 smooth bore rifle for less than $70. one of his rifle encyclopedias it said that the rifle was made in very small numbers but did not elaborate. do you have any more specific information on how many were made and whether or not it is a collectors item? It is in VERY good condition.

Answer:
Larry, Winchester manufactured Approx. 383,000 Model 67 rifles between 1934 and 1963 when the model was discontinued. I was unable to find production totals for the smooth bore variation, but I did find that it was only manufactured from 1936 to 1942. Fjestad's Blue Book Of Gun Values tells us to add 100 to 150 percent to the value for smooth bores so they must be relatively rare. Marc

# 6093 - Remington 600 Pump?
7/16/2003
Bradley Leesville, La

no scope attachment. Can you tell me how much this gun is worth ?

Answer:
Bradley, the Remington model 600 was a bolt action rifle. Perhaps you are thinking of a model 6, they were manufactured from 1981 to 1987 and had laser engraving, detachable sights, and a 4 shot magazine. Or possibly a model 7600, they were manufactured from 1952 to 1980, and had a 22 inch barrel, detachable magazine and uncheckered pistol grip stock.

Out of the major types of high power rifle actions (pump, lever, bolt & semi-automatic), pump-action rifles seem to be the least popular. As a rule, blue book values for pump-action rifles are usually quite a bit lower than they are for their counterparts with more popular types of action. I usually see rifles like yours for sale a gunshows in the $150 to $275 range depending on condition and how close it is to hunting season. Marc

# 6095 - Fix My Pedersoli?
7/16/2003
Lonny Texas USA

case hardened finish on trigger area bird beak hardwood grip hidden trigger I came across a blackpowder boot gun by Pedersoli and would like to know who sells replacement trigger springs for this gun. Also, what would its approx. value be with new springs? It is in very good condition with the grip finish intact. Thank you

Answer:
Lonny, I do not know of a source for replacement parts for your Pedersoli. Try Gun Parts Corp., there is a link to them on our links page. If that does not work try posting a free want on the OldGuns.net wanted page.

Values for this type of firearm are usually fairly low, I often see them in working order for sale at gunshows in the $50 to $75 range. Location and purchase of parts may be a waste of your time and money. Marc

# 5635 - 30-40 Kraig Or Ross "Straight Pull"?
7/16/2003
Todd Newman Lake, Washington

I have a 30-40 Kraig, and I was wondering if it has any value. The serial number on the stock is 4274, above that is the letter G and above that is U. S. and above that the number 8. On the receiver is Ross Rifle Co. Quebec, Canada. 1900. It also has inscribed on the stock 4 N. Y. G. It also has flip up rear sight that appears to have been used for some very long range shooting, also has a metal butt plate that has a compartment for cleaning materials. It has a unique bolt action that is one smooth back and forth action, is that common in this type of rifle? The rifle is in fair condition and is operational, I also have 4 boxes of 20 cartridges each 30-40 KRAG Remington Kleanbore Ammo 180 grain bronze point bullet. The number on the box is R99H, It is a green and red box. Any information you could give me about this rifle and ammo would be appreciated, also value. Thanks

Answer:
Todd- It sounds like you have a Canadian made Ross "straight pull" rifle, in .303 British caliber The U. S. purchased 20,000 of these during WW1 and used them for training and issue to low priority units in the U. S. These were usually marked on the bottom of the stock behind the trigger guard with U. S., a flaming bomb and a number between 1 and 20,000. They are a nice collector item and a secondary martial arm that few collectors care about, but fanatical folks who already have the common stuff eventually decide they might want one. (The one in my collection also has 4 NY unit markings). I am not sure if a .30-40 Krag round can be forced into a .303 British chamber, or if possibly someone rechambered it to accept the .30-40 Krag cartridge. However, since the Krag bullet diameter is slightly less than that of the .303, it may not be as dangerous as I would fear. Your ammo was probably made sometime after 1930 when "kleanbore" non-corrosive priming became popular, and the late 1950s when they changed to other types of boxes. I am not really sure if the ammo was used with your rifle, but I would advise against trying it. My guess is that the previous owner may have had several rifles and several types of ammo, and somehow you ended up with a mismatch. Value will depend on condition and if it has been altered, but a rough guess would be in the $200-400 range for the rifle, and the ammo maybe $10-20 per box to a collector, but nearly nothing for a shooter. John Spangler

# 6124 - Remington Rolling Block Caliber
7/12/2003
Sara

I have a Remington Rolling Block . I am trying to find its cal. It its marked Remington and has only the first patent listed. Its number is 154. That number is on all three bands and the action. The bands have a crown on them. Any help you could give me or lead me in the right direction would be most appreciated. I think it is an 1866 as this is the Pat. date.

Answer:
Sara- Identifying the caliber on Remington Rolling blocks is difficult as they were made in the US for export to many countries in whatever caliber their contract required. It gets more complicated with the rifles made in other countries under license from Remington. The crown suggests that it is probably Danish, Swedish, or Spanish, which were in a caliber similar to (but not 100% interchangeable with .45-70, and .50-70 for Denmark and Sweden respectively. The Spanish versions were made in .43 Spanish, then modified later to 11mm Reformado. You may have to make a casting of the chamber then compare the measurements with various calibers until you find a match. John Spangler

# 6125 - Butt Stock For A Colt 1873 Single Action Army
7/12/2003
Bob

Do you have a source for a custom butt stock ( \similar to the stock on a Win. 94) with clamp assembly for a Colt SAA Revolver.

Answer:
Bob- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. I remember seeing something like this offered in the distant past. There may also be legal problems if applied to a SAA (or other cartridge firearm0 made after 1898. My understanding is that shoulder stocks on cartridge handguns are illegal except for Lugers, Broomhandles, and Highpowers etc that were originally made for them and have an original (not repro) stock, and are of a model exempted by BATF as Curio and Relic item. Other combinations would be subject to some sort of NFA (class 3) type restrictions, at least the way I understand the law and BATF regs. You should check with the BATF technical branch, but like when dealing with the IRS, some are skeptical of the accuracy of advice given and even a written opinion may be worth little more than the paper it is written on if another BATF person decides that your combination is illegal. Remember, the BATF does not write these stupid laws, so don't blame them if they are confused too. Blame your Congress critter for slapping stupid restrictions on you, while the crooks just ignore all the laws. Of course, the readily available repro percussion Colt Army models with detachable stocks are cheap and legal as they are "antiques" not subject to the other restrictions. John Spangler

# 5586 - Mod 62 Value
7/12/2003

This rifle was purchased for my mother-in-law in the 30's. Since that time the gun has been fired on once or twice and has been hidden away in a closet. The rifle is in its original state, that is nothing has been done to alter it in any way. The barrel still has original bluing but aged and even the hammer has much of the bluing on it. The barrel is clean and not pitted. What is the approximate value of this piece?

Answer:
Winchester manufactured the Model 62 from 1932 to 1941, it was a modernization of their earlier Model 1890, with a 23 inch round (instead of octagon) barrel, a shotgun-style steel butt, and increased magazine capacity of 14-20 rounds. A composition buttplate was substituted for the steel type in December 1934. My records indicate that your rifle was manufacture in 1937. Model 62 rifles, especially ones in excellent condition, are very popular with collectors. I have recently seen nice examples sell at gunshows in the $500 to $700 range. Marc.

# 5585 - Ranger 103-13
7/10/2003
Jim, Rapid River,Mi

------- MADE IN THE USA ------- I was at a gun show here in Rapid River, MI recently and a friend made me an offer I couldn't refuse. The above gun for 20 bucks. Needless to say I bought it and have been searching and searching for information on it. I am pretty sure that it was made for Sears, but would love to know by who, approximately when and any other info that may be available. By the way I just found your sight - Great. Jim

Answer:
Jim, glad that you like our site, hope that you visit often and find all sorts of rare and unusual junque that you can't live without. You did not hit the jackpot with your gunshow purchase and buy a real treasure for $20, but you did not make a bad deal either. The Sears Model 103.13 and also the Western Auto Model 103.13 were Marlin's model 81. Marlin manufactured the 81 from 1937 to 1939. When introduced in 1937, the Model 81 was described by Marlin in their advertisements as follows:

A new patented tubular magazine repeater with feeding mechanism that is unique, simple and positive. Holds 25 short, 20 long, or 17 long rifle cartridges. Take down. 24 inch round tapered barrel, crown muzzle, Ballard type rifling. Automatic ejection. Positive, convenient safety. Self cocking action. Genuine American black walnut stock, military type. Unbreakable butt plate. Chromium plated bolt, bolt handle and trigger. Sporting adjustable rear sight and silver bead front sight. Length 42 &1/2 inches. Weight about 6 & 1/4 pounds.

Value for Marlin Model 81 rifles is in the $75.00 range, your rifle is worth a little less because of the Ranger brand name. Marc

# 5575 - Sporterized Mauser
7/10/2003
Brian, Minnesota Lake, MN

Waffenfabrik Mauser A-G Oberndorf 1915 I recently acquired this piece from my father. The rifle stock (I believe) has been sporterized. I can not find much information on the gun which leads me to believe it might be a little more rare then your average Mauser. What the piece might be worth? Is it wise to have the piece restored?

Answer:
Brian the rifle was probably made at the Mauser Waffenfabrik at Oberndorf, but you did not provide enough information to be sure. If the barrel length is correct then is a Gewehr 98. This was the standard service rifle for the German Army from 1898 till the end of World War on November 11, 1918. You said the rifle had probably been sporterized. When it left the factory it would have had a walnut stock running nearly to the end of the barrel, a small top handguard, and a front and rear barrel band. There would have been a metal mounting for a bayonet lug on the end of the stock. The bolt handle came straight out. As to value, all original, all matching Gewehr 98's in excellent condition sell for $1000 or more. But if the stock or metal has been altered in any way (stock cut off, bands permanently removed, receiver tapped and drilled for peep or telescopic sights) then the price plummets. It's basically worth what someone will pay the parts, or for a shooter. World War II German rifles are seen on the market more often, and the sporterized ones sell for $100 to $200. Marc

# 5632 - Model 1871 Springfield Rolling Block
7/10/2003
WEST

Right side has the American Eagle motif above U.S. Springfield 1872. On tag REMINGTON S PATENT. PAT. MAY 3d, NOV. 15th. 1864, April 17th, 1868. Fra,e ,arlomg ;eft sode. Model 1871. Is there any value on this weapon? It is in good shape.

Answer:
West- Yes, these have value to collectors. They are good solid .50-70 caliber rifles, and fit into any Springfield collection. A recent price guide put the value at $750 in NRA antique very good condition, and higher if in better condition. John Spangler

# 6101 - Stupid Question (We don't get many, thankfully)
7/5/2003

i need to now some inform on a per 1898 32 center rim how can u tell what brand it is an price of the nickel plated in mint shape seralnumber 089 h/r it has like a cirle an 6 dot in the middle an thanks if u can help

Answer:
Sir- Normally I try to help nearly everyone who takes the time to ask a question. However, since you did not care enough to make even a basic attempt to write an intelligent sentence, or figure out how to spell, punctuate, or capitalize, I refuse to waste my time. Your email is not merely suffering from careless typos. It reflects either a total lack of respect for those you are expecting to perform a free service for you, or pitiful ignorance.

Please tell me that you are under the age of ten, or else you have confirmed that the American educational system is in far worse shape than anyone imagined. John Spangler

# 6102 - Remington 572 Lightweight Rifle
7/5/2003

Do you know any thing about the Remington 572 fieldmaster made with a magnesium barrel. Ii think it was made in the 1960s. It is a 22 S,L,LR. pump action, very light.

Answer:
Sir- The Model 572 was made as a "Model 572 Lightweight" with an aluminum alloy receiver and barrel, the barrel having a steel liner, resulting in a total weight of only about 4 pounds. These were made from 1958 to 1962. They were offered in three colors, buckskin tan, crow-wing black, and teal-wing blue. About 34,785 were made, relatively few for a .22 rifle. The more familiar Model 572A with steel frame and barrel, with a weight of 5 1/2 pounds, was made from 1955-1988. The regular steel rifles seem to run in the $75-150 range depending on condition, and the lightweight model about $100-300 for the tan, a bit more for the black, and about $150-500 for the teal blue, with a premium for them if the receiver is in especially nice condition. The 572 was also offered in a smoothbore version as the 572SB or "Routledge" model, which is also a lot more valuable than the standard 572s. Remington .22 rifles are an interesting collecting specialty with a huge variety and with many examples still being easy to find at very modest prices. John Spangler

# 6074 - Savage 410-22
7/5/2003
Jake, Athens, Texas

I would like to know the value of my Savage 22/410 over and under?

Answer:
Jake, the Savage 22/410 was discontinued in 1989. I have always liked the concept of a lightweight over/under .22 LR or .22 Mag. over 20 Ga. or .410 field gun and was sad to hear that it was no-longer being offered. Your Savage's value will depend on it's condition. I recently sold one that was like new for about $250.00 without too much trouble. If your gun has any flaws it's value will be lower. Marc

# 5942 - Manurhin PPK/S
7/2/2003
Lisa Herndon, VA

I recently inherited this gun from my father who passed away. I am interested in learning more about the make of the gun, how old it is, and how to break it down. Thank you.

Answer:
Lisa, before WWII the Walther factory was located in what later became East Germany, it was lost during the war and all that the owner, Fritz Walther, managed to save was a small briefcase of drawings which he took to Western Germany where he started a new Walther company. The West German Walther company began business manufacturing adding machines but branched out to firearms after restrictions on manufacture of sporting arms was lifted in 1951. In 1952, Walther licensed the French firm of Manurhin to manufacture their famous PP and PPK pistols. The PPK/S was a modification of the earlier model PPK, it was designed to comply with dimensional restrictions on imported pistols imposed by the U.S. Gun Control Act of 1968 which required that pistols imported into the U. S. must have a minimum depth of four inches. The PPK measured 3.9 inches from slide-top to magazine bottom so it could not be imported. Walther did not want to lose the valuable U.S. PPK market, so they devised the PPK/S ('S' for 'Special') in 1969. The PPK/S made use of the longer PP frame with the barrel and slide of the PPK, increasing the overall depth to 4.1 inches and allowing U.S. importation to continue.

Smith's book of pistols gives the following instructions for disassembling a PPK which will also work for a PPK/S: pull down the front end of the trigger guard and push it to the left. Withdraw magazine. Draw slide back with lifting motion until its rear end clears the guides. Ease slide forward over barrel mounting and off barrel (Do not remove barrel, as this is a factory job). Unscrew stock screw and remove stocks; this will afford access to all lockwork parts. Marc

# 5991 - Luger History
7/2/2003
MAJ R S RAYFIELD JR USMC RET

All parts stamped either with ser no 2359 or last two digits 59 There is an ''X'' just forward of the trigger guard Date on receiver is 1936 Three tiny proof marks on the receiver, right side forward (looks like some type of eagles/birds) Matching magazines with ser no 2359 numbered 1 and 2 Pistol is in overall pristine condition, checkered wooden grips same. No pitting, rust, all ser nos match. What company was this pistol made by - assume 1936? Is there a manual or listing that addresses Lugers by ser no so I can find out some degree of history of this pistol? If I read my research correctly this weapon was made by Mauser and now DWF? Is there a listing that can determine if this pistol was issued to Wehrmach, SS, Gestapo, Kreigsmarine, Luftwaffe or other service/branch?

Answer:
Greetings Major Rayfield, thank you for your service to our country. It sounds like you have a very nice Luger, it is getting hard to find Lugers in excellent condition with 2 matching magazines. When a nice Luger with match magazines is encountered, it is always a good idea to examine the pistol closely for signs of having been re-blued and to check the base of the magazine/s (which should be rounded) for the flat spot that often results when a Luger magazine has been re-numbered. Your assumption that your Luger was not manufactured by DWM (Deutsche Waffen u. Munitionswerke, of Berlin-Borsigwalde, Germany) is correct, it was manufactured by Mauser-Werke AG, of Oberndorff am Neckar, Germany. The "S/42" stamping is a WW-II German ordnance code that was used by Mauser on Lugers with chambers dated 1936-1940. There are no records that I know of to document the individual history of small arms issued by the Whermacht during WWII. Rumor has it that all records were destroyed during the war. Marc

# 6103 - M1903A2 Springfield Rifle
7/2/2003
Phil Flordia

I am trying to find photos of what this 1903A2 receiver looked like and have been unsuccessful. The reason I am looking is because I have a riflein 30-06 caliber that has Springfield Armory, 1903A2 printed on top of the barrel exactly like my 1903 Remington rifle. I have read that this A2 receiver was only used for artillery training and around 1000 were made and after WWII returned to service as a rifle. Do you have any information on which serial numbers were designated A2? Any information is greatly appreciated!

Answer:
Phil- Brophy's book covers these on pages 246-249. I have owned two or three of these, and I would guess that many more than 1,000 probably more like 3,000 to 5,000 were converted. It is unclear as to where they were converted, although perhaps done at one of the arsenals engaged in M1903 repairs, but perhaps at the local level as well. My guess is that the conversion was done circa 1940-42 as the drawing for the muzzle bushing is dated 1940. The quality of the markings seem to vary from crudely scratched to neatly stamped, and no one is trying to fake them as far as I know, as few people even know what they are. Few of those who know about them seem to care much or want to buy one. The alterations consisted ONLY of removing the stock assembly and front and rear sight sleeves, installing a bronze bushing where the front sight was, staking the trigger pin in place, and (sometimes?) marking the receiver. All were apparently converted from rifles on hand. Two of the three I have owned were RIA and one a SA. I believe that one of the RIA rifles had the barrel set back one thread more than normal, but unsure if that was done at time of conversion or by a later owner to tighten headspace. Thus serial numbers are all over and there is no "right" range for them. If the sights have been replaced, then it would be impossible to tell one from a M1903 that was not temporarily converted to M1903A2 unless you notice the A2 marking. Three of the four M1903A2s that I am aware of were found as sporterized rifles, leading me to speculate that they were not reconverted for service issue, but sold off as barreled actions after WW2. Brophy and the TMs of the era shows a large cast iron and machined adapter that is used with the artillery piece and the M1903A2 actually fits into this. There is a photo of one as part of a display of "Ten Oddball M1903 Springfields" on the Utah Gun Collectors http://www.ugca.org/ugca02jan/02janmain.htm (lots of photos so be patient while it loads). You will have fun looking at all sorts of neat displays there. John Spangler