In this episode of the Second Hand Showcase, we are featuring a very neat and historically significant black powder revolver. And while this 36 caliber Navy Model of handgun might not be significant in its own right; the name Eli Whitney certainly is! The inventor of the Cotton Gin. A mechanical contraption that was used, in lieu of human labor, …
Cracks in Mauser Stock
A while back Marky picked up a Yugo Mauser at an estate auction. Any new firearm that comes into the armory get’s completely taken down to check for damage, repairs, or unexpected markings. You can see complete pics of the rifle here: Yugo K98 Mauser I took these photos a while back and forgot to publish them. When looking for …
Armory Chat 39: I Forgot We Had That!
So Freeze and I were talking today and the subject of 7.5 French came up. Before I could say anything, he started making plans to buy a MAS 36 Rifle. You know the reference collection is big when your partner forgets what we have! We’ve had a MAS 36 for some time. And we’ve had a 49/56 as well. …
SHS 11 – Colt Army Special
On this episode of the Second Hand Showcase, we have a revolver that was made by Colt in the hopes of getting a government contract: The Colt Army Special 38 Specs: Made in 1910 Chambered in 38 Colt. 6-Shot Square grip frame. Rounded blade front sight. Trench rear sight. Firing pin integral with hammer. Colt style cylinder latch. Colt bake-a-lite …
SHS 10: Last Ditch Arisaka Rifle
In this episode of the Second Hand Showcase, we have a late war Arisaka Type 39 Rifle. Also known as a, “Last Ditch Rifle”. Mechanically the rifle is the same as early production examples. But it lacks a lot of finishing touches. Caliber 7.7x58mm Model nomenclature: some explanation is due here. You will see these rifles commonly known as Type …
Brownell’s M16A1 Retro in the Wild
Had a chance to look closely at one of these recently. Like many of you, I believe The Devil is in the details. Do you want to fork over $2500 or more for a Colt? Or would one of these Brownell’s Retro guns scratch that itch? For a shooter? I think this rifle looks fantastic! But that is me. …
SHS 08: Dutch Maastricht-Beaumont Model 1871/88
What we have here is an old, military, black powder rifle manufactured in 1878. The original model 1871 but was then later upgraded to the 1888 pattern. Making this a Model 1871/88. Caliber is 11.3x50r and appears to be numbers matching. At least to my untrained eye. The action is buttery smooth and it appears to be in functioning order. …
SHS 07: Spanish Oviedo 7.62 NATO Mauser
In this episode of the Second Hand Showcase I am featuring a project gun. It appears functional but is missing a few parts and has some cracks. All of which help keep the price down for a possible project gun. What we have here is a 1916 Spanish Oviedo small ring Mauser that has been re-barreled to 7.62 NATO. …
American Made RPG: The PSRL-1
Texas based AirTronicUSA is now making a RPG-7 variant called the PSRL1. PSRL stands for Precision-Shoulder Fired-Rocket-Launcher. In appropriation slang, it is called the RPG-7USA. Currently we supply these weapons to the Government of Ukraine for use against the, “Little Green Men” in the east. I also suspect we supply these to other allied governments that use “non-standard” weapons. Non-standard …
Can I use my MILSURP Sniper in a Class?
This question came in recently. I suspect it was prompted by the decision to get Freeze into a modern bolt action rifle for use out to longer ranges. The first question that needs to be asked when something like this comes up is, “What is YOUR definition of long range?”. I point this out since invariably you will see some …
SHS 04: WWI 1911 Pistol
Up next in the Second Hand Showcase series is a WWI issued, Colt produced, M1911. Manufacture date is 1918. The finish appears original and has appropriate patina. With the 100 year anniversary of the United States entering The Great War / WWI; there has been an uptick in interest in models from this era. What makes them somewhat uncommon is …
Buffalo Bill Museum – My Greatest Regret
It’s been quite some time since I took this video. Near the entrance of the firearms museum were a couple of “shoot-em-up” games. At the time, my visit was “way too serious” for such child’s play. But every time I look at pics from the trip, I longingly wish I had that decision to make again. Only different. My advice …
Close Range Steel Testing: 308 Caliber.
So Freeze and I needed to test the High-Angled Target with something closer to worst case scenario: 308 / 7.62 NATO at 80 and then 50 yards. Freeze used his new Howa 1500 and I used a military surplus Israeli Mauser. The target did well. Marky Www.john1911.com “Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
POTD – Russian Sniper Rifle Testing
POTD – Russian Sniper Rifle Testing Some quick pictures from the range today. We were filming the answer to a question a viewer asked. So this is just a preview. Rifle fired 8 times. Functioned flawlessly 8 times. Up next, confirmed zero and DOPE building. Marky www.John1911.com “Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
SHS 02: American Eagle Luger
Up next in the Second Hand Showcase series is something a little more pedestrian: An American Eagle Commercial Luger. Model of 1900. Grip Safety. Early scalloped toggles. Chambered in 30 Luger. American Eagle crest prominently displayed on top. A unique piece of pre-WWI Firearms history. If you wish to contact this FFL about this pistol, click here: john1911.com/second-hand-showcase-inquiry/ Marky …