For classic and vintage fans... [Archive]

Nyles

02-09-2009, 12:33 AM

I bought one of my holy grail pistols today. I'm posted to Edmonton doing workup training for Afghanistan, and went to the local gunshow on Saturday (much better than the Winnipeg show back home). An old fellow was there with a table full of his very impressive collection of very rare and good quality old military handguns he was getting rid of. And selling at prices that would have been fair 10 years ago. He had a few things that interested me, but a dealer snapped them up as soon as he brought them out.

But when I talked to him afterwards he showed me the list of everything he had, including everything he left at home - which, as it turned out, was the good stuff. As soon as I saw this on the list, I offered him a deposit sight-unseen. He saw my army hoodie and told me I didn't need a deposit. I showed up an hour and a half into the show today carrying $900 cash and he told me he'd already turned down half a dozen offers on it.

Why all the fuss? It's all matching, all original Colt M1911 chambered in .455 Webley & Scott auto as part of the 1919 RAF contract (sorry about the pictures, I just snapped them quick at the show):

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/PICT0343.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/PICT0344.jpg

These are super-rare, original condition 1911s are hard enough to find, but on top of that most .455 1911s were rechambered to .45ACP by swapping out the barrel and mag - I've seen .455 mags alone sell for $300. You can see it's got the W (for Webley) prefix serial number and "CALIBRE 455" rollmark, the RAF stamp and is covered in British crossed flag proofs.

As an example of how good a deal this was, here's one in similar condition and without the RAF stamping. http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_info.php?products_id=6235&osCsid=1089c5943dc6e84d0af059ee4fafceb3 While US prices of original 1911s are higher than Canadian, this was still an amazing bargain.

When I pick up the gun I'm going to look at some of his other stuff, including a Webley-Fosberry he wants $5000 for. I might. There's some other stuff I probably will buy, including a Rast-Gasser M1898, a Webley-Green and Prussian-contract "Red Nine" Broomhandle.

Gunmaster45

02-09-2009, 12:56 AM

Congrats on the buy, the 1911 looks great (a little scratched up but in great shape), glad to see you got such a good gun.

I personally recommend you buy that Red 9, Broomhandles look and shoot great and Red 9s shoot 9mm, which is a lot easier to find than 7.63 mauser pistol rounds.

My dad fixed up a Luger P08 from 1944, a war bringback with all matching parts for a friend who just sold it on Gunbroker for $2500 dollars! I got to put two mags through it for testing and it shot great. I'm glad he got such a good price for it. Personally I don't like the toggle on Lugers but they shoot great.

But again, that's a damn fine 1911.

Nyles

02-09-2009, 01:26 AM

It is a little scratched up - the flash on my camera (wasn't my usual gun camera) makes them stand out more. You gotta remember it's the mirror polished bluing Colt put on the commercial 1911s up until the 20s (the .455s are part of the commercial series) so it shows wear alot more than a parkerised A1.

As you may recall, I have a Broomhandle in 7.63mm, and I no problem getting enough ammo to shoot it as much as I care to shoot a gun that valuable. And while Broomhandles do shoot fairly accurately, the're quite uncomfortable to shoot as they have terrible ergonomics. My Luger shoots very well as well, though it's quite finnicky about ammo.

What I'm really excited about is actually the Rast & Gasser, they're incredibly hard to find.

MT2008

02-09-2009, 01:41 AM

Wow, that is quite the purchase. Congrats! It may be pretty beat up, but still, quite a nice find.

Gunmaster45

02-09-2009, 02:23 AM

I for one think the Broomhandle fits great in the hand but it may just be me. I'm just saying a Red 9 is more conveniant because 9mm is pretty universal but if you can get 7.63s enough, it's your choice.

Nyles

02-09-2009, 02:34 AM

Oh, it fits the hand well enough when you pick it up, but when you actually fire it the left hand edge of the frame is sitting right on your thumb joint. Combine that with the heavy muzzle flip you're getting from the grip being that far back and you don't have a particularly ergonomic pistol.

Spartan198

03-07-2009, 07:34 AM

Now that's a real beauty. :)

Nyles

03-07-2009, 06:58 PM

Thanks. I've recently bought a very nice Rast & Gasser 1898 from the same fellow, and he's got a couple of French M1892s left to show me. He also has a Webley-Fosberry, but I don't see buying that until I get back from overseas.

Gunmaster45

03-07-2009, 10:47 PM

I used to keep a C96 "non-gun" in my room, which was basically a replica pistol composed of Zinc. I recently took it out because whenever I pick it up my finger swell with some type of allergic reaction, I assume it's the zinc.

Nyles

03-13-2009, 04:19 PM

Thought you might appreciate my most recent purchase:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Enfields/1945%20Shirley%20No4%20Mk1T/No4T006.jpg

Gunmaster45

03-13-2009, 08:05 PM

Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I sniper varient with a No. 32 3.5x scope . Very nice.

Nyles

03-13-2009, 11:30 PM

If you want to use the correct terminology, it's a No.4 Mk.I(T), and that's a a No.32 Mk.III scope. It's amazing how far optics technology has come - my C7A2 has a 3.4X on it, and the snipers are using much more powerful glass.

Gunmaster45

03-14-2009, 02:01 AM

I was close enough. :cool:

Nice gun, how'd you get it?

Nyles

05-17-2009, 12:47 AM

Some more of my recent purchases:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/Bodeo001.jpg

This is one that, oddly, I looked for for years before finding. It's an Italian Bodeo M1889 in 10.4mm Italian, this one made in 1925. There's alot of variation in Bodeos, espescially for a military weapon, but this one is a pretty standard Trooper's model with the folding trigger, and likely would have been issued to machine gun troops in WWII. The Bodeo is one of those guns that was obsolete soon after being introduced, but kept in production for a long time because they were too useful to throw away.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/P5120742.jpg

This is a French MAS M1935S M1, a simplified alternative to the SACM M1935A adopted in 1935, and used simultaneously. It fires the somewhat underpowered 7.65mm Longue cartridge, and has a very awkward safety lever, but otherwise it's a good little gun. It's evolved from the 1911, but is quite a bit smaller, and this one is in almost mint condition.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/PICT0353.jpg

This is an Austrian Rast Gasser M1898 made by Steyr in 1917. Although it's definately not the prettiest handgun ever, they're extremely well made and have alot of good features which would be copied over the years. It's neat in that its an 8 shot in 8mm Gasser, making it a pretty underpowered, and is in spite of its year of adoption a profoundly 19th century design.

Nyles

05-17-2009, 12:48 AM

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Enfields/1882%20Martini%20Henry/PICT0363.jpg

This is a British Martini-Henry Mk.III in 577-450 Boxer-Henry, made in 1882 at Enfield. The Martini is mostly remembered for its use in the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, but was a front line weapon for almost 20 years. While the Mk.III arrived too late for the Anglo-Zulu war, I wanted one because it's the model specially issued to the 90th Winnipeg Rifles during the 1885 North West Rebellion here in Canada, when the rest of the Candian militia at the time carried the older Snider-Enfield. It's missing a cleaning rod in the picture, but I've since bought a replacement.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Misc/PICT0356.jpg

This is a German Mauser Gewehr 98, made at Oberndorff in 1917. I looked for a Gewehr 98 for many years, but they're surprisingly hard to find because, for a number of reasons, the survival rate was somewhat low. This one is all original, including the distinctive Lange rear sight, and although it's a little rough, because they're so hard to find I can live it.

k9870

05-17-2009, 01:04 AM

how's finding 455 ammo? Or a lot of those obscure calibers? I know they're more collector's guns, but everything deserves to get shot once in a while:D

Nyles

05-17-2009, 01:19 AM

.455 Auto ammo is one of the few truly impossible to find calibers out there. I have a single round from 1941 that I bought at a gunshow for 8$. That said, its very easy to cut an extractor groove in .45 Colt cartridges and form them to the appropriate size, and you can even buy pre-formed brass. .455 Webley isn't bad, most gun shops that cater to collectors have it.

I've managed to shoot most of my guns over the years, either with very expensive ammo from specialty manufacturers (Fiocci is the big one, also Precision Cartridge Inc, Old Western Scrounger, even Norma or Hornady for the only slightly rare stuff) or using surplus ammo. In fact, so far the only stuff that eludes me is .455 Auto, 8mm Nambu, 7.65mm Longue, 8 x 50mm Mannlicher. I haven't tried with 10.4mm Italian or .450 Boxer Henry, but Fiocci loads 10.4mm so that won't be an issue. .450 is gonna be more of a challenge, but likely doable.

The lack of decent collector's gun shops in my city and the hassles with shipping ammo in Canada are the two biggest factors. When I'm in Edmonton I have a buddy who used to work for the big shop there and he gets them to order specialty stuff for me, its just a question of paying.

k9870

05-17-2009, 01:36 AM

Gunmaster45

05-17-2009, 02:07 AM

When I turn 21 i will get a C&R and Want the following:

Mosin 91/30
SKS
Mosin m44
TT-33
Nagant revolver (2 of them, there that cheap)
CZ-52 (prob 2)
K98
P38
c96
Lee Enfield
Webley model (any used in ww2)
Carcano
beretta m1935
Arisaka
Finnish Mosin 39
Sweedish mauser 6.5x55
Krag
Makarov
steyr 95

Of these, my dad owns the Mosin-Nagant 91/30, SKS, TT-33 (and Norinco Type 54), Karabiner 98K (multiple ones actually, he has a lot of Mausers), Walther P38, a C96 Broomhandle (one pistol, and the rare carbine in great condition), A Lee-Enfield Mk 4 sporterized and a jungle carbine, a few different Carcano rifles, some Arisaka rifles (I say some because I don't know which models they are off the top of my head), three different Krag-Jorgensons, and a Steyr 95 (the straight pull is facinating).

Of other interesting notes, he has a Swiss Veterelli (spl?) in carbine and military rifle, and a Schmidt-Rubin 1905 straight pull. He's been collecting guns since he was my age, so his huge collection isn't too surprising.

Unfortunately he doesn't have any of the "cool" guns like we see in the movies. I've been asking for a Beretta now for a while....

And since he has to fix so many guns, some cool ones eventually come in. I'm going to shoot an AMT Automag V .50 AE and an AMT Backup 380 soon, both from the same guy.

Sorry if I'm bragging, I'd add pictures but it would take forever. And this is Nyles' board to show off his awesome collection of guns, not mine. Maybe I'll make my own board on this some day.

k9870

05-17-2009, 02:16 AM

Well, AMT is supposed to have some of the worst triggers on the market, but shooting the 50 ae must be sweet,

And the reason i didn't put m1 garand on the list is i plan to ahve one before I turn 21, of corse:cool:

And i need to add k-31 swiss and an unsporterized 1917 enfield, and a 1917 revolver to accompany it.

Gunmaster45

05-17-2009, 02:19 AM

I thought the Automag had an excellent trigger, as did the Backup so maybe it is a different gun by AMT.

I have an M1 Garand, check my profile. I love that gun, but .30-06 is too expensive to shoot often. I keep a clip loaded in it though so if I pull the action back I can hear the *PING!*

k9870

05-17-2009, 02:25 AM

AMT switches hands frequently it seems, I know currently they have pretty bad QC. HI standard is another company that went down the tubes.

My rangemaster sells m2 ball at 20 cents a round when its in bulk, korean surplus. He has a little store he does as a side biz, hes retired now.

Gunmaster45

05-17-2009, 02:44 AM

Nyles

06-27-2009, 11:38 PM

Few more guns I've bought recently:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/P6270765.jpg

US Army Colt M1901 in .38 Long Colt - this of course being part of the series (from the M1889 to the M1905) of essentially identical of Colt .38 revolvers (solt commercially as the Colt New Army) used by the US military. These weren't successes in service, as most of you probably know - the .38 Long Colt round was underpowered and it was found in the Phillipine Insurrection that they wouldn't stop a charging Moro at close range. What's less well known is they also had somewhat weak lockwork - the cylinder rotated counter-clockwise, in the same direction it openned, and could easily get out of timing if abused.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/P6270767.jpg

This is a British Webley Mk.I, the original military Webley adopted in 1887. It's interesting to put this next to my 1916 Webley Mk.VI - there are the obvious differences - the shorter 4" barrel and the bird's head grip, but there's alot of little differences - the extractor stays out in the open position rather than snapping back down, the cylinder can't easily be removed, the hammer and stirrup lock are shaped differently - it's a fascinating example of the evolution of the design.

I also just made a deal on a French M1892 revolver, commonly (though incorrectly) called a Lebel. These are neat in that they're the only non-US military revolver I'm aware of with a swing-out cylinder - except it swings out to the right, not the left. I'll explain why once I actually get it and have decent pictures. In the meantime, here's the sellers photo:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/lebel.jpg

Nyles

06-27-2009, 11:47 PM

k9870

06-28-2009, 12:46 AM

I have a thing for old gns, problem is Id have to shoot em, no so not too rare/vintage. I have a huge interest in milsurp, tacticool guns actually dont do much for me, A Lee enfield has about 50x more soul than a ar-15 IMHO.

Gunmaster45

06-28-2009, 04:27 AM

Something about the Automag I both liked an disliked was how the lever that is usually a decocker is just a firing pin block, and doesn't drop the hammer. This allows you to test the trigger without dry firing the gun, but now you have an extra step when decocking the gun.

Can't wait to shoot it though.

Yeah, I shot the POS they call the Automag V. It broke after three shots. The magazine catch broken and the screw holding the sights on hit me in the forehead. I have some shots of me shooting it I'll upload later.

AdAstra2009

06-28-2009, 04:36 AM

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/P6270767.jpg

This is a British Webley Mk.I, the original military Webley adopted in 1887. It's interesting to put this next to my 1916 Webley Mk.VI - there are the obvious differences - the shorter 4" barrel and the bird's head grip, but there's alot of little differences - the extractor stays out in the open position rather than snapping back down, the cylinder can't easily be removed, the hammer and stirrup lock are shaped differently - it's a fascinating example of the evolution of the design.

Be really awesome if you came across one of these>

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/136630889_61ef437695.jpg?v=0

Nyles

06-28-2009, 04:48 AM

I know where there is one, I'm just trying to come to an agreement with its owner.

Nyles

06-30-2009, 10:40 PM

Picked up a couple more unexpectedly today - excuse the poor photography.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/HPIM0869.jpg

This one I'm particularly excited about, this is a Belgian Mauser M1889 Carbine, used in WW1. Belgian army Mausers are ridiculously hard to find, and nobody seems to know why. It's not like they didnt make many. Best theory I've heard is sometime after 1940 they were loaded onto a train bound for Germany for re-issue, and it ended up getting bombed en route. The Belgians were actually the first country to use Mausers, other than the black powder models, and so the action is very different compared to the Mauser 98 everyone is used to. They also incorporate a steel barrel jacket like the German Gewehr 88 Commission rifle, which is a cool, if useless feature.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/HPIM0868.jpg

This is a Browning Hi Power, of course, but its a Nazi-marked Hi Power, known in German service as the P.35(B). They kept them in production after conquering Belgium and issued them mainly to the Waffen SS, who were on the bottom of the list for German-made kit. I'd happily keep it, but a Nazi Hi Power is a holy grail for a friend on mine so I'll probably sell it to him for what I paid and shipping.

Gunmaster45

06-30-2009, 11:42 PM

I always feel guilty when I hold a nazi gun. It could have been used to kill the good guys! :(:)

I have a few Mausers, a Luger, and a Walther P38 that are Nazi marked, but I don't think I've ever handled a Nazi P.35. Nice gun!

MT2008

07-01-2009, 12:56 AM

Didn't Hitler himself keep a decorated Browning HP as his sidearm?

RedJedRevolver

07-01-2009, 12:59 AM

Didn't Hitler himself keep a decorated Browning HP as his sidearm?

I know he had a PPK, but the HP? Not sure.

AdAstra2009

07-01-2009, 01:12 AM

I know he had a PPK, but the HP? Not sure.

It was actually a PP, not the PPK.
http://www.momentsintime.com/Gun1B.jpghttp://www.momentsintime.com/Gun2.jpg

Gunmaster45

07-01-2009, 01:13 AM

MT2008

07-01-2009, 01:29 AM

Hmmm, maybe I'm mistaken, then. But I thought he also had a pair of HPs, done to the same specs as that PP.

RedJedRevolver

07-01-2009, 01:31 AM

It was actually a PP, not the PPK.
http://www.momentsintime.com/Gun1B.jpghttp://www.momentsintime.com/Gun2.jpg

Yeah, he had a PP and a PPK, both were ornate, but the PPK is what he allegedly killed himself with, even though it was in another part of the country.

Nyles

07-01-2009, 01:38 AM

Never heard of it - I do know Herman Goering carried a Smith & Wesson Military and Police.

Excalibur

07-01-2009, 01:47 AM

I too heard he used the PP (he commited suicide with it), but I never heard about him using a Hi-Power.

I believe he was a fan of firearms and weaponry, so it wouldn't surprise me if he had the good taste to use an HP.

But obviously his taste in other things makes him a universal scumbag. ;)

I wouldn't say Hitler was a fan of firearms, but more or less behind in it. When he formed his army, he kept the Mauser 98 rifle and ordered a carbine version of it in service. He didn't like submachine guns. He believed the rifle was the best weapon, but he was easily impressed when the STG-44 or MP44 came about. His orders were so strict, infantry weapons didn't advance much during the war.

I always feel guilty when I hold a nazi gun. It could have been used to kill the good guys! :(:)
!

Well it's not the weapon that kill people, it's just a tool. Remember that it doesn't kill, but the person holding it. I've seen weapons held by many different people, swords hundreds of years old, held some and I always wonder how many lives this weapon has taken, but you don't admire how many lives were taken by the weapon. You're supposed to admire the craftsmanship, the art of the weapon itself and appreciate that.

k9870

07-01-2009, 01:51 AM

Hitler tried to shoot himself, but the gun malfunctioned. The cyanide took him instead.

Excalibur

07-01-2009, 01:53 AM

So they tell us. Did you know, it was the Russians that found Hitler and his mistress's body first, and the bodies were also burnt

RedJedRevolver

07-01-2009, 02:12 AM

The gunshot actually was succeessful, but it is undetermined if that killed him or if the cyanide killed him. This is because not all headshot deaths are instinanious.

Gunmaster45

07-01-2009, 05:24 AM

Well it's not the weapon that kill people, it's just a tool. Remember that it doesn't kill, but the person holding it. I've seen weapons held by many different people, swords hundreds of years old, held some and I always wonder how many lives this weapon has taken, but you don't admire how many lives were taken by the weapon. You're supposed to admire the craftsmanship, the art of the weapon itself and appreciate that.

I always admire the craftsmanship and the work put into a gun or other weapon, but whether or not it has killed someone is still something to ponder.

Tool or not, I'd still feel strange knowning the Walther P38 I'm holding was used to gun down a Jewish family in Auschwitz in cold blood. Hopefully you understand what I mean.

I despise guns in the hands of criminals. They use them for bad things and make them look bad. Basically, a criminal ("bad guy") used this gun for bad things. Imagine holding the TEC-DC9 Mini used by Harris during the Columbine shooting. Would you admire the craftsmanship or hate knowing what it was used for?

Excalibur

07-01-2009, 06:39 AM

Personally I think the Tec-DC9 guns are pieces of crap. They weren't even full auto in the shooting. I see no advantages to an ugly gun like the Tec-DC9 or any variant of it. Uzi, Mac-10s, they have a charm to them. A legendary feel about them. But Tec 9s...they look like shit.

People love the AK47 models, but when you hold one up do you think about the thousands to millions killed in Africa from Civil wars? Or the AK47 used to represent the arm of Communism? No, you see an awesome robust weapon that will never fail you, not "the true weapon of mass destruction"

Gunmaster45

07-01-2009, 10:13 AM

I see both depending on how long I handle the weapon. :)

Nyles

07-08-2009, 10:53 PM

Got my French Mle. 1892 revolver today, made in 1892 by St. Etienne - little pitted, but mechanically perfect, espescially for a 117-year old gun. The Mle. 1892 in 8mm Lebel revolver was France's sidearm through WW1 and in limited use in WW2. It's a swing out cylinder revolver, except the cylinder swings to the right. This is because it was designed for cavalry troopers, and in 1892 they were expected to shoot with their left hand while using their sabre with their right. Except for being a little underpowered, it worked great and was extremely reliable.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/P7080758.jpg

Also, I took the opportunity to snap a picture of my entire handgun collection. Unfortunately it didn't turn out perfectly crisp, but I'm not going back to lay them out again.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/P7080748.jpg

AdAstra2009

07-09-2009, 12:03 AM

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/P7080748.jpg

Is that semiautomatic in the bottom left corner next to the Webley a MAS / MAC mle. 1950 pistol?

Nyles

07-09-2009, 12:39 AM

Actually, its a MAS Mle. 1935S, which was the precursor to the MAC Mle. 1950. Major difference is that it's in 7.65 x 20mm Longue instead of 9mm Luger, and has a straight instead of humped grip.

Also, if you want to get really technical, the revolvers on either side of it are Enfield No.2s, not Webleys. The Enfield is of course an unashamed copy of the Webley that the British war department got successfully sued over, but when you examine them closely they're actually quite different in the details.

AdAstra2009

07-09-2009, 01:45 AM

Beautiful collection.
All in all I wonder how much it's worth.

Nyles

07-09-2009, 03:45 AM

Well, strictly talking about the handguns, I've spent about $13,000 on it, not including accessories (holsters, spare mags, etc). In terms of actual value, significantly more. Value is difficult to peg, mainly because some of them are literally too rare to price. They made less than 1000 Webley & Scott 1910s, I'd be shocked if there were more than 500 left after the Brits lost their handguns. I paid $575 for it from a shop that didn't really know what they had, including it's original holster. I'd feel ripped off if I sold for twice that. That and my .455 1911 are probably the two most valuable. If I had to ballpark it, I'd put it at around 20K for the whole collection, more if I broke it up.

By the same token, the Enfield with the bobbed hammer I doubt would go for $200. The 1895 Nagant is not a rare gun, but it was when I bought it - they didn't make it into Canada until years after the States, when someone finally brought them in I had my order in that evening - I was literally the first. Paid $275 and got a good deal, now they sit in the case for months at $250. To get what I paid I'd probably have to throw in the $100 worth of ammo I have for it.

k9870

07-09-2009, 03:52 AM

Im wondering what the two i circled are. BTW, do you have a pic of your vintage rifles?

Nyles

07-09-2009, 04:06 AM

Steyr 1911 Chilean Contract in 9 x 23mm Steyr and my rarest, a Webley & Scott Model 1910 in .38ACP.

Unfortunately I don't have a picture of all my long guns. It's a logistical problem - try taking a picture of 37 rifles and 2 shotguns, I don't have enough room in my house to display them all in one place.

Thought of an interesting challenge if anyone's up for it - there are 18 different calibers represented in that picture, anyone think they can name them all? To make it fair, here's a hint - first and foremost, I collect British service pistols, including foreign-made weapons.

AdAstra2009

07-09-2009, 05:50 AM

lol Nyles you know nobody will be able to name all 18 calibers

I believe he was a fan of firearms and weaponry, so it wouldn't surprise me if he had the good taste to use an HP.

Hitler carried a Smith & Wesson Revolver on a semi-permanent basis as well as as a child Hitler was fascinated with "Cowboys and Indians" and Revolvers had symbolism with that so it may have tied into that.

His S&W http://www.germaniainternational.com/images/image01.jpg

Gunmaster45

07-09-2009, 06:25 AM

AdAstra2009

07-09-2009, 07:18 AM

Christ, could he have picked an uglier gun? There are so many beautiful revolvers out their, many made by S&W, and he picks one of the ugliest ones. Not a big surprise though that Hitler would have bad taste. :eek:

Well from what I've read it is not certain how he obtained that revolver but that it was shipped to france.
It is suspected that Hitler may have taken it as a souvenir during his service in the Austro-Hungarian Army during WWI.

Interestingly enough this is the only firearm he was known to actually carry around on his person as he never actually carried his ornate Walther PP.

Nyles

07-10-2009, 12:23 AM

Well, I was planing on taking a break after my recent purchases, but I just made a deal I couldn't pass up. I met another old fellow getting rid of his collection on guns, this one is an antiques guy. He sold me a pair of Snider-Enfields, a three-band infantry rifle and a cavalry carbine, both Canadian marked, for $1000 all in. To put this in perspective, cavalry carbines usually go for about $1200, three-banders for about $800-1000. No decent pictures yet, but they'd have to be pretty beat up indeed to make this a bad deal.

AdAstra2009

07-10-2009, 09:55 PM

1> .38 ACP
2> .455 Webley
3> 8 x 22 mm Nambu
4> 9 x 23 mm Steyr
5> 7.62 x 25 mm Tokarev
6> .45 ACP
7> 9 x 19 mm Parabellum
8> 7.65 x 20 mm Longue
9> 7.63 x 25 mm Mauser
10> 8 x 27mm SR
11> .38 Long Colt
12> 10.4mm Italian
13> 8mm Gasser
14> .455 Webley & Scott auto
15> .38 S&W
16> .380 ACP or .32 ACP
17>
18>

Nyles

07-11-2009, 11:23 PM

Nice job AdAstra, you got all but one, and juding from the fact that you got all the hard ones you're gonna kick yourself when you realise that you missed 7.62 x 38mm Nagant. It's .380 Auto, not .32 ACP - while the FN 1922 was made in both, the CZ-38 was only in .380. Incidentally .32 caliber pistols are prohibited in Canada, thank you very much Kim Campbell.

That covers it, there's actuall only 17. Mea culpa, I had .38 S&W on the list twice. I suppose if I was a real bastard I could say that the S&W Pre-Victory is in .38 S&W and the Enfields and Webley are in .38/200, but I'm not, it's just a different bullet.

AdAstra2009

07-11-2009, 11:38 PM

!!!!crap, I was so focused on figuring out the obscure firearms in the photo that I completely overlooked the Nagant revolver.

BTW, what is the handgun on the top right?

Nyles

07-12-2009, 12:02 AM

That's a Finnish army issued CZ-38 in .380 - very unique gun, it's quite large but it's an unlocked breech .380, has a DAO trigger with an external hammer, heel mag release but no slide lock (and it's a bitch to pull out the mag when it's holding back the slide, let me tell you).

If you press the catch on the left of the frame you can lift the slide right off the frame - the barrel is hinged at the front and stays attached to the pistol and it has a captive mainspring - makes for a half second field strip. Here it is with my Finn Luger.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/P8240081.jpg

Nyles

07-17-2009, 08:27 AM

Oh, goddamnit, I might have a problem. I still don't have the Sniders, but I came across an offer I couldn't refuse on a Chamelot-Delvigne Mle. 1873. It's registered as a .45, when it's actually an 11mm antique that's exempty from registration, so it'll be a pain in the ass to sort out, but it's also about $500 under the going rate so I'll take the hassle.

Nyles

07-31-2009, 03:06 AM

Had a few guns arrive recently:

The Belgian Mauser 1889/16 carbine came after some hassles with the transfer. It's really nice, and as a bonus, it's one of the contract pieces that was made abroad after Liege fell to the Germans in 1914. This is one of the ones made in Birmingham by a factory set up by the Belgian government in exile, they also had contracts with WW Greener and Hopkins & Allen in the US.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/P7230793.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/P7230794.jpg

I also got the Sniders - I'm alot less pleased with these, the guy basically committed fraud. He told me they were Canadian marked, and they weren't. they both had several broken or missing parts. The guy had a good feedback rating, but apparently he screwed a few people over on this batch.

I ended up taking a few small parts of the action of the rifle (it was completely mismatched anyways) to get the carbine working. So now for $1000 I have a carbine with a broken butt trap and a complete fucked rifle I can hopefully sell as parts without taking too much of a loss.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/P7300811.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Snider/P7300798.jpg

AdAstra2009

07-31-2009, 03:34 AM

Sorry to hear about the Snider rip off.
At least the carbine is decent.

Gunmaster45

07-31-2009, 11:53 AM

That sucks, sorry to hear that.

My dad has a couple of fully-assembled Snyder actions, but I don't believe he owns any fully-assembled 1853s. Then again, he never ceases to surprise me.

Nyles

08-04-2009, 12:12 AM

Still waiting on the Chamelot-Delvigne, thank you very much Canada Firearms Center, but I picked up a few new ones since:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/RemRandleft.jpg

This is of course a Remington-Rand (the typewriter company, not the gun company) M1911A1 pistol, made in 1945. What's neat about this, other than being another manufacturer to add to the collection, is that it was a lend / lease gun sent to Britain, mainly issued to Commando and Airborne forces before the Inglis Hi Power. You can tell from the British-style lanyard ring attached to the American loop.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/Nyles303/Handguns/sw.jpg

This is a British-issued Smith & Wesson Military and Police in .38 S&W. May be Canadian marked, won't know till I get it. I already have a transitional model pre-Victory (don't like that term), with the 5" barrel and smooth grips, but this is a straight Military & Police with the 6" barrel and chequered grips.

Checkman

08-14-2009, 11:06 PM

I love British firearms. I have a Lithgow Mk III* (mfd. 1918) and a Webley Mk VI revolver. Now all I need is a Holland & Holland Royal Ejector Side by Side Rifle in .470 Nitro Express. :D:rolleyes:

Nyles

08-15-2009, 12:25 AM

Very nice. My Lithgow is probably my most accurate non-sniper Lee-Enfield. Is your Webley shaved or still in .455?

Checkman

08-15-2009, 12:41 AM

Believe it or not it's still in .455 Webley. Picked it up at an auction last year. A local pawn shop closed it's doors after 47 years of business. The Webley was one of the really nice pieces that had been stashed away by the late owner. He would sell a couple of his really neat and expensive pieces every year. Along with the many Rugers, Hi-Points, Taurus,Stars, Astras and Rossis.

By the way I like Ruger revolvers so don't think I'm a snob. Well I have the tastes of a snob but not the bank account. Keeps me honest. :o

Nyles

08-15-2009, 06:27 AM

Checkman

08-15-2009, 04:26 PM

Very nice. Ever shoot it? I find them surprisingly accurate.

Nothing wrong with a Ruger revolver, they're built like tanks. If carry was legal here, and I was inclined to carry a revolver, it would probably be an SP101.

Yes I went to the local Cabelas and purchased two boxes of Hornady .455. Very expensive, but I couldn't find any of the Fiochi. I fired twelve rounds through it. Single and double action. 15 yards. All the bullets went into point of aim. Which was a challenge with the double action trigger pull. Wow.

It's a great revolver though. One of my favorites. Every time I pick it up I feel like I'm on an expedition in deepest Africa and Alan Quartermain and Tarzan have joined us as we look for the lost City of Anzibel. :)

Gunmaster45

08-15-2009, 08:41 PM

I sadly have never shot a Webley .455, but I've always wanted to, since everyone talks about how great they were.

The closest thing I ever shot was this .22 revolver ripoff of a Webley with the same tip open design. I was only shooting two rounds through it so I didn't put my ears on. Nearly blew out my right ear drum. Now its ears all the time. :D

Nyles

08-15-2009, 09:54 PM

You talking about one of those 9-shot H&Rs? I almost bought one once on a whim.

Webley's are very accruate, quick to reload (well, the Mk.III and later with the improved ejector, the Mk.I is a little trickier) and have very light recoil. The one thing I don't like about them is the very large and wide rear sight notch, it doesn't give a great rear sight picture.

k9870

08-17-2009, 02:29 AM

Nothing wrong with a Ruger revolver, they're built like tanks. If carry was legal here, and I was inclined to carry a revolver, it would probably be an SP101.

Agreed, the LCR seems like the perfect pocket/BUG. I want a 327 sp 101 also, and a redhawk, and gp 100. etc.

Nyles

08-17-2009, 05:58 AM

I'm honestly not sold on the .327 Magnum - seems like another flash in the pan cartridge like the .32 H&R Mag before it. We'll see if it stands the test of time, I honestly don't take any .32 cartridge seriously as a defensive cartridge. I like the S&W 340PD as a backup gun - light, simple, you can fire it from a coat pocket, good manstopper. Sure its a beast to shoot, but it's designed to be carried alot and shot little.

Gunmaster45

08-17-2009, 08:04 AM

Gunmaster45

08-17-2009, 08:04 AM

Checkman

08-17-2009, 07:48 PM

I like my S&W Model 49 Bodyguard for a backup and off-duty carry. In the winter whne we're all wearing more clothes I'll strap on my Glock 26 or even the 19, but in the summer I have to go with the ankle carry option the and Model 49 is more suitable than the G26 for that carry configuration.

Some folks say that the 38 special is inadequate, but I disagree. It's taken down many a bad guy (and good guy) over the past 100 years and still will if the shooter does his or her part.

I think the 327 magnum was a solution looking for a problem by the way. But I thought the 40 S&W was going to be a flah in the pan when it was introduced in 1990. You can see how accurate that prediction was.

k9870

08-17-2009, 09:39 PM

Gunmaster45

08-17-2009, 10:18 PM

327 is incredibly versatile for handloaders, and you can fire 327, 32 H&R and 32acp out of it. It offers 38 spl +p power and an extra round, and nice penetration, with little recoil. It seems quite nice.

Would the .32 ACP need moon clips?

And I think the S&W Model 49 is a great gun. Better than the model 38 anyway, I prefer steel to soda can metal.

k9870

08-17-2009, 11:28 PM

The 32 acp is actually semi-rimmed so it will work without moon clips.

Gunmaster45

08-17-2009, 11:51 PM

The 32 acp is actually semi-rimmed so it will work without moon clips.

I didn't know that. Wow, now I might actually need this .327 SP101. My dad has lots of .32 ACP ammo.

Checkman

08-25-2009, 01:58 AM

I happen to know where there is a Singer 45. The latest Blue Book puts a Singer at around $35,000 (USD). And yes it's the real thing - not a fake. The owner has solid provenance. It was purchased by his grandfather when he left the United States Army Air Corp in 1946. The grandfather was a bomber pilot. The bulk of the 500 some Singer 45's were issued to the 8th Air Force. Those were the B-17's that ran the daylight bombing raids against Germany from 42 - 54. Most of the Singers were lost in combat.

It's a family hierloom and the guy knows what he has. It's very impressive being around it.

Nyles

08-25-2009, 02:58 AM

Nice. I saw a Singer at a show once, but it wasn't for sale. One of these days I'd like to just SEE a North American Arms 1911, but in 10 years of collecting I've only ever seen the one for sale online.

Satory

08-26-2009, 11:48 PM

Mmmm. Vintage Emeraude. I think I will be hunting that one down soon Thanks for all the welcomes, people.

Cutaway

09-08-2009, 06:44 PM

Danish modification of the Suomi SMG, the ball-shaped wooden foregrip intended to improve ergomomic flexibility for the user when handling the weapon. Other than making it ugly, it was found pointless so therefore the Danes used it in its original form as the M/41.
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9868/lettetsmg.jpg

Nyles

09-09-2009, 03:28 AM

Interesting. Kinda reminds me of the Madsen-made Ljungmanns - the Danes certainly had a way of adding their own stamp to foreign made weapons.

ShootingJames

09-10-2009, 01:36 AM

Nyles, that collection has some real grit and history to it. I enjoyed the photos you've posted immensely! I have an old Webley 455 in need of some parts. know any good sources for that sort of thing?

I love the 1911 you posted originally. Talk about character. Man. The years on that weapon have only made it more handsome.

We share a few of the same guns in our collection! Nice to see someone else into the vintage steel, and the old brit guns!

:D

Nyles

09-10-2009, 02:04 AM

Thanks, always glad to meet another fan of British guns.

Numrich carries parts for the Webley, though they don't seem to have much in stock. Western Gun Parts in Edmonton might have some, but as a whole they seem to be pretty hard to find.

Checkman

09-11-2009, 02:20 AM