After seeing some pics of other members firearms, and hearing about others, I figured I would start this thread. Its purpose is to allow us all to share out collector and antique firearms with everyone. [and maybe knowledge about them, tips, ammo suggestions, etc].
I myself have been collecting ever since returning from Afghanistan. There I managed to pick up an old Russian rifle. It was in horrible condition [missing parts, seized bolt, just dirty as hell]. I brought it home [don't ask how] and did my research and eventually cleaned it up and restored it. Now, I don't recommend restoring ANY old firearm/weapon unless you know how. Luckily, I've worked as a restorer for a museum for many years. So I know how. Also, I knew this rifle wasn't of much value because the serial numbers showed it was a mixed rifle [made of several others]. After about a year of work, the rifle was stripped down in every format to its individual parts. The metal parts were cleaned, stripped, and re-blued. The stock was stripped, lightly sanded, and re-stained and oiled by hand just like the original. Some original replacement parts, and now I have a fully functional M91/30 Mosin Nagant. It shoots 7.62x54r. Its fun to shoot, but also a bit painful. It kicks like a pissed off mule. Anyway, here are the pics. The bayonet and sling are original WWII issued. The rifle [at least the breach and central section] is from 1936. It was made in Russia and issued in WWII. Its also believed to have made its way to Korea and then to Afghanistan where it was used against the Russians and then against the US.
To go with it, I ended up purchasing a Model 1895 Nagant revolver. Its all original from 1943. Its a 7 shot 7.62x38r [about .32 cal]. Its double action, but the loading and unloading is single action style. It was a cavalry pistol, so the trigger pull is VERY high.
The I ended up acquiring this little gem from a friend. It was his father's, and after he died, they wanted to get it out of the house since they have kids. Its an Harrington & Richardson [H&R] Premier revolver. Its 7-shot, top break and shoots .22 rimfire. This particular piece was tracked via serial number to being made in 1914. Its in great shape and fully functional. A blast to shoot.
And my recent addition to the family is now my baby. I picked this up at a gunshow for $200. The tag on it said it was an SMLE III* from 1954 and made in India [Ishapore]. I bought it primarily cause it was in great shape and was the only Enfield rifle at the show that had not received the standard WWII black enamel on the metal. When I got it home, I was shocked. It was the wrong tag. This rifle was made in 1914 in England by Enfield. Its a No1 MkIII ShtLE that was used in WWI [not sure about WWII as it was never enameled]. Then I checked the 4 serials, and they all matched. So my heart nearly blew up. Its an all original, matching numbers WWI rifle, in excellent shape. I have shot it, and its deadly accurate. When it was appraised by the historian at the museum, its value was put at about $1000. Needless to say, it gets babied and well protected. the bayonet is not original, its from 1945 and WAS made in India by Ishapore. I'm still looking for an original bayonet/scabbard/frog hopefully from 1914. And I've been looking for an original WWI leather sling, but they are hard to come by.
Anyway, hope you all enjoy and contribute your own firearms. I'd love to know who else out there is a collector and what treasures you have.
I myself have been collecting ever since returning from Afghanistan. There I managed to pick up an old Russian rifle. It was in horrible condition [missing parts, seized bolt, just dirty as hell]. I brought it home [don't ask how] and did my research and eventually cleaned it up and restored it. Now, I don't recommend restoring ANY old firearm/weapon unless you know how. Luckily, I've worked as a restorer for a museum for many years. So I know how. Also, I knew this rifle wasn't of much value because the serial numbers showed it was a mixed rifle [made of several others]. After about a year of work, the rifle was stripped down in every format to its individual parts. The metal parts were cleaned, stripped, and re-blued. The stock was stripped, lightly sanded, and re-stained and oiled by hand just like the original. Some original replacement parts, and now I have a fully functional M91/30 Mosin Nagant. It shoots 7.62x54r. Its fun to shoot, but also a bit painful. It kicks like a pissed off mule. Anyway, here are the pics. The bayonet and sling are original WWII issued. The rifle [at least the breach and central section] is from 1936. It was made in Russia and issued in WWII. Its also believed to have made its way to Korea and then to Afghanistan where it was used against the Russians and then against the US.
To go with it, I ended up purchasing a Model 1895 Nagant revolver. Its all original from 1943. Its a 7 shot 7.62x38r [about .32 cal]. Its double action, but the loading and unloading is single action style. It was a cavalry pistol, so the trigger pull is VERY high.
The I ended up acquiring this little gem from a friend. It was his father's, and after he died, they wanted to get it out of the house since they have kids. Its an Harrington & Richardson [H&R] Premier revolver. Its 7-shot, top break and shoots .22 rimfire. This particular piece was tracked via serial number to being made in 1914. Its in great shape and fully functional. A blast to shoot.
And my recent addition to the family is now my baby. I picked this up at a gunshow for $200. The tag on it said it was an SMLE III* from 1954 and made in India [Ishapore]. I bought it primarily cause it was in great shape and was the only Enfield rifle at the show that had not received the standard WWII black enamel on the metal. When I got it home, I was shocked. It was the wrong tag. This rifle was made in 1914 in England by Enfield. Its a No1 MkIII ShtLE that was used in WWI [not sure about WWII as it was never enameled]. Then I checked the 4 serials, and they all matched. So my heart nearly blew up. Its an all original, matching numbers WWI rifle, in excellent shape. I have shot it, and its deadly accurate. When it was appraised by the historian at the museum, its value was put at about $1000. Needless to say, it gets babied and well protected. the bayonet is not original, its from 1945 and WAS made in India by Ishapore. I'm still looking for an original bayonet/scabbard/frog hopefully from 1914. And I've been looking for an original WWI leather sling, but they are hard to come by.
Anyway, hope you all enjoy and contribute your own firearms. I'd love to know who else out there is a collector and what treasures you have.
) Please include some measurements to allow us mere modelers to assess the accuracy of the plastic armaments provided in kits.
