Monday, March 29, 2010
Background Check Update
Reference the VCDL complaints on background check delays we have some notes from the gun shop. First, the boss man called the center and was told that some changes were being made to make the process more efficient. Second, on Saturday last (27 Mar) and today (29 Mar) absolutely nobody out of 19 or so background checks was delayed. Nobody. It had been as many as 1/3rd of the applicants were delayed on days I worked. Is the "problem" solved? Only time will tell.
Slowdowns in Bacground Checks Cost Gundealers
From the VCDL...
For those who have tried to buy a gun lately, especially in the afternoon on a weekend, you know that background check turnaround times can be from 4 hours to DAYS. One person emailed me today to say he waited one WEEK!!
That is killing some gun dealers who are losing sales left and right. At a recent gun show, Dark Sun told me they lost 50% of their customers that day because the background checks were taking overnight.
That is NOT acceptable.
So what is the problem?
The Virginia State Police have lost TWELVE people who perform those background checks and they are NOT replacing them.
Where is that $2 fee per background check going? Why, during RECORD firearms sales, is there no money for MORE employees, much less not enough to replace those who have left?
Folks, this doesn't smell right and we plan on investigating.
We cannot afford to have our dealers weakened by artificially sagging sales and purchasers unreasonably inconvenienced. Small businesses are the life-blood of this country and the government should not be interfering with their profitability like this (not to mention the loss of much needed tax revenue due to these lower sales).
Also, it is a safety issue as a person experiencing a death threat and who is denied a lawful gun purchase overnight would be left helpless at the hands of an assailant.
Oh, and the group doing those "lie-ins" best not get up off the ground until at least FOUR HOURS have passed. Three minutes is not even close to the truth.
In the meantime, Virginia gun dealers need to send VCDL a SHORT email documenting their experiences with background checks over the last six months. If you know any firearms dealers, get the word to them ASAP.
For those who have tried to buy a gun lately, especially in the afternoon on a weekend, you know that background check turnaround times can be from 4 hours to DAYS. One person emailed me today to say he waited one WEEK!!
That is killing some gun dealers who are losing sales left and right. At a recent gun show, Dark Sun told me they lost 50% of their customers that day because the background checks were taking overnight.
That is NOT acceptable.
So what is the problem?
The Virginia State Police have lost TWELVE people who perform those background checks and they are NOT replacing them.
Where is that $2 fee per background check going? Why, during RECORD firearms sales, is there no money for MORE employees, much less not enough to replace those who have left?
Folks, this doesn't smell right and we plan on investigating.
We cannot afford to have our dealers weakened by artificially sagging sales and purchasers unreasonably inconvenienced. Small businesses are the life-blood of this country and the government should not be interfering with their profitability like this (not to mention the loss of much needed tax revenue due to these lower sales).
Also, it is a safety issue as a person experiencing a death threat and who is denied a lawful gun purchase overnight would be left helpless at the hands of an assailant.
Oh, and the group doing those "lie-ins" best not get up off the ground until at least FOUR HOURS have passed. Three minutes is not even close to the truth.
In the meantime, Virginia gun dealers need to send VCDL a SHORT email documenting their experiences with background checks over the last six months. If you know any firearms dealers, get the word to them ASAP.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Printing Parts
Ok, that's an over-simplification of the process which Jay Leno can better explain in the video. However, that's about what it is. I can see this being applied to old gun parts as well. Neat stuff!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Marlin Closing the New Haven Plant
Marlin Firearms closing, 265 laid off, North Haven plant closing in next 18 months
It is a fact of life that businesses must make money to exist. You can't make money when the government takes it all. Business of one or many, same thing. I believe the 'health care' bill is going to force several businesses to the edge rather than help. This will affect tax revenues negatively, certainly for CT in this case and so on ad naseum...
Now for what concerns most here. Marlin firearms will likely be problematic from now on. Call me names if you like but there will be a number of plant employees who will take out their anger for the layoff on the customer via the product. Some just won't care and this will be evident in the quality of the product as the lack of care tolerances stack to produce unacceptable product and discourage sales.
BTW, Marlin's bottom line must be up against the wall to make the move.
North Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Employees at Marlin Firearms in North Haven just got word late this afternoon that they will be losing their jobs in the next 18 months.Looks like they'll be moving their production south just like FN/Winchester...
265 people will be losing their jobs. The layoff will begin in May and the plant will be closed by June 2011. The company tells News Channel 8 that they are moving the work out of state.
Employees we spoke with say they feel blindsided.
"We had a meeting at 3:30pm. They gonna phase us out," said one employee who has worked at Marlin for 19 years.
Founded by John Marlin in New Haven in 1870, Marlin Firearms is now headquartered in Madison, North Carolina. In 2007, Marlin was sold to the Remington Arms Company.
The North Haven plant manufactures a variety of rifles.
It is a fact of life that businesses must make money to exist. You can't make money when the government takes it all. Business of one or many, same thing. I believe the 'health care' bill is going to force several businesses to the edge rather than help. This will affect tax revenues negatively, certainly for CT in this case and so on ad naseum...
Now for what concerns most here. Marlin firearms will likely be problematic from now on. Call me names if you like but there will be a number of plant employees who will take out their anger for the layoff on the customer via the product. Some just won't care and this will be evident in the quality of the product as the lack of care tolerances stack to produce unacceptable product and discourage sales.
BTW, Marlin's bottom line must be up against the wall to make the move.
Reloading Ethics and Self-appointed Police
I'm glad there is somebody out there to take up the slack and tell me what I should know and when I should know it.
Frankly, I'm surprised that there are some who live at least part of their lives emulating people who took risks beyond all imagining, risks to their own lives, to their families' lives, to create a better world for themselves and [b]yet[/b] are unable to allow us to communicate loading information back and forth in an attempt to REDUCE risk for fear that we might damage a [b]reproduction[/b] of a rifle.
I might note that there are many other subjects that history buffs discuss which are possibly more destructive of human life. Do the critics think that discussions of laudanum abuse should be curtailed? How about the various cures for veneral disease? The original formula for CocaCola? How to start a fire with flint and steel? Should these be banned as well? As if we as adults can not reason or accept responsibility for our actions. Perhaps they would care to come check the temperature of my bathwater lest I scald myself...
It seems to me that if we publish the disclaimer
With our loading information we might help some poor mentally challenged miscreant avoid self-destruction.
Frankly, I'm surprised that there are some who live at least part of their lives emulating people who took risks beyond all imagining, risks to their own lives, to their families' lives, to create a better world for themselves and [b]yet[/b] are unable to allow us to communicate loading information back and forth in an attempt to REDUCE risk for fear that we might damage a [b]reproduction[/b] of a rifle.
I might note that there are many other subjects that history buffs discuss which are possibly more destructive of human life. Do the critics think that discussions of laudanum abuse should be curtailed? How about the various cures for veneral disease? The original formula for CocaCola? How to start a fire with flint and steel? Should these be banned as well? As if we as adults can not reason or accept responsibility for our actions. Perhaps they would care to come check the temperature of my bathwater lest I scald myself...
It seems to me that if we publish the disclaimer
DISCLAIMER RELOADING: We allow members the exchange of reloading ideas, techniques and loads. However, under NO circumstances does the publication of any specific load(s) on the board indicate a recommendation of data published. The caution(s) mentioned in the reloading manuals of starting 10% below any recommended load(s) and working your way up apply in spades! Both experienced and inexperienced reloaders, PLEASE consult the available commercial reloading manuals. It is easy to make mistakes when typing, so view any data published in a post with common sense and suspicion… If it doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t! CasCity.com assumes NO responsibility for any loads published.
With our loading information we might help some poor mentally challenged miscreant avoid self-destruction.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
USPFA and USFA Company and Firearm History
I needed to get some facts together so that I could make gun acquisitions in an intelligent and informed way. Unfortunately there was a dearth of information out there. Even one well known writer limited his suggestion to saying that I shouldn't get guns with the Italian parts. So, this is what I've got.
From this article, "All American Sixguns United States Fire-arms", in Shoot Magazine, I found this information.
From Dennis Russell, author of Percussion Colt Revolvers – The Second Generation – Collector’s Handbook & Price Guide.
Note: To order Percussion Colt Revolvers – The Second Generation – Collector’s Handbook & Price Guide by Dennis Russell send your $29.95 check or USPS Money Order payable to Jared Press at Jared Press, 3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 260 – 607, Marietta, Georgia 30062
From this article, "All American Sixguns United States Fire-arms", in Shoot Magazine, I found this information.
From 1986 to 1997, foreign made parts were used in the production of firearms. After 1997, all parts were American (i.e. in the U.S.) made.In 1993 the US Firearms Manufacturing Company was formed to provide historically correct firearms to discriminating buyers. Production has been limited to exacting duplicates of classic single-action Colts.
From Dennis Russell, author of Percussion Colt Revolvers – The Second Generation – Collector’s Handbook & Price Guide.
The original name for USFA was United States Patent Fire Arms (USPFA). Colt sued them because USPFA was too close to Colt’s original name – Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Company. Additionally, USPFA held no patents for the firearms they were producing.
Note: To order Percussion Colt Revolvers – The Second Generation – Collector’s Handbook & Price Guide by Dennis Russell send your $29.95 check or USPS Money Order payable to Jared Press at Jared Press, 3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 260 – 607, Marietta, Georgia 30062
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Notes from the gun shop...
A patron brought some guns in for cleaning. This was among them as was a pristine, original Remington over-under derringer (nickel with factor mother of pearl stocks). And there was one of these...
Gas Pistol (Follow the link for the published site!)
[Thanks to Jim Mahaffey for finding this equipment.]
The original owner was with TSD, and reportedly said that it was an 'assassination weapon' acquired from the Nazis, although this is thought to be unlikely, since it has been found to be a mass-produced model.
The maker is "August Schuler in Suhl". The logo on the grips is a stylized "ASS". This maker is known primarily for sporting firearms from about 100 years ago.
This model is described in "The German Encyclopedia of Firearms" (translated) as follows:
"Starting and teargas pistol, by August Schuler in Suhl. Selfloading pocket-pistol, for a completely rimless cartridge. The pistol has neither chamber nor extractor. Ejecting the spent case takes place via gas pressure. Usable as a starting pistol with color cartridges or with gas cartridges as a self-protection weapon. Before 1939 built in two versions - 6 or 10 shots. Length 100mm. Weight 270 grams."
Following is a description of the pistol from a friend in Germany, with an English translation. Many thanks to Reinhard Brusdeylins for this information, and the translation:
It appears that the cartridge for it would be very close to .25 caliber, and the overall length about 1 inch.
I'm guessing this one is a 6-shot version. The action is interesting: pulling the trigger causes the slide to move back. If you pull the trigger far enough, the slide is released and slams forward (rather hard!). The firing pin is *fixed* to the inside of the rear of the slide. There is a 'port' carved into the left side of the inside of the bore, where it would meet the front edge of the cartridge - I suspect this is the ejection mechanism (gas pressure would push the case out sideways to the right). The magazine is fixed in the grip - the pistol loads thru the ejection port at the top. There is a spring-loaded magazine follower. There is a safety lever on the left side, with German markings for 'safe' and 'fire'. When the safety is on, the slide is pushed back slightly, which keeps the firing pin out of the way for loading. There is a plate protruding from the right side, just under the ejection port - presumably to protect the hand while firing.
There is a stamp on the bottom of the grip that is shaped like a shield, and has "SUHL" in it, along with an image of a hammer. This is a standard Suhl marking. Near the stamp is a marking that says "M.33" (perhaps model of 1933 ??). Also near the stamp is a marking "XX". This is possibly an Agency marking, to mean 'experimental'. I have an early-production RS-6 radio set that also has XX markings. A firearms expert in Germany said that the "XX" is not a known marking, and that legitimate German markings are well-documented. An assembly number "35" is found on the underside of the front edge of the barrel, and also on an interior surface of the slide. The grips have the "ASS" logo. No other markings.
Everything is steel, except for the plastic grips, and the trigger, which is made of a non-ferrous metal (aluminum??). The barrel has a smooth bore, roughly 25 caliber. Sighting down it, there is a slight 'contraction' in the middle section of the barrel - that is, it becomes slightly narrower in the middle, by a few thousands of an inch. This contraction may be part of the ejection mechanism: If the cartridge includes a wad, then this restriction in the bore would cause a momentary increase in gas pressure, to aid in ejecting the empty cartridge.
Two or more other variants of this pistol have been described to me (one is pictured on the web site of a European museum).
The August Schuler gas/starter pistol. Author's collection.
Markings on the bottom of the grip. The "XX" is possibly an Agency marking meaning 'experimental'.
Gas Pistol (Follow the link for the published site!)
[Thanks to Jim Mahaffey for finding this equipment.]
The original owner was with TSD, and reportedly said that it was an 'assassination weapon' acquired from the Nazis, although this is thought to be unlikely, since it has been found to be a mass-produced model.
The maker is "August Schuler in Suhl". The logo on the grips is a stylized "ASS". This maker is known primarily for sporting firearms from about 100 years ago.
This model is described in "The German Encyclopedia of Firearms" (translated) as follows:
"Starting and teargas pistol, by August Schuler in Suhl. Selfloading pocket-pistol, for a completely rimless cartridge. The pistol has neither chamber nor extractor. Ejecting the spent case takes place via gas pressure. Usable as a starting pistol with color cartridges or with gas cartridges as a self-protection weapon. Before 1939 built in two versions - 6 or 10 shots. Length 100mm. Weight 270 grams."
Following is a description of the pistol from a friend in Germany, with an English translation. Many thanks to Reinhard Brusdeylins for this information, and the translation:
Hier handelt es sich um die so genannte "Lacrimae-Pistole". Im AKAH-Katalog von 1939 ist die Pistole abgebildet. Hersteller war wahrscheinlich nicht die Firma August Schüler in Suhl, sondern lediglich der Vertreiber. ASS steht übrigens für August Schuler Suhl. Die „Lacrimae"-Pistole war für eine Spezialpatrone eingerichtet, andere Patronen passen nicht! Diese Patronen sind noch bis in die 1950er-Jahre in Katalogen zu finden, die Waffe selbst nicht mehr. Die Lacrimae-Pistole wird geladen, indem man die Patronen von oben ins Magazin drückt. Zugeführt wird sie durch eine Feder, die im Magazin von unten gegen die Patrone drückt. Die Patronen werden durch den Gasdruck seitlich ausgeworfen. Hier handelt es sich um die so genannte "Lacrimae-Pistole".This is a so-called "Lacrimae pistol" ['Lacrimae' meaning 'tear gas']. In the AKAH Catalogue from 1939 there is a picture of this pistol. Company August Schuler is assumed to be not the manufacturer, but only the distributor. "ASS" stands for August Schuler Suhl. The Lacrimae was made for a special cartridge, other cartridges won't fit. The cartridges were in the catalogs in the 50's, the weapon itself not any more. The Lacrimae pistol is loaded by pushing the cartridges from the top into the magazine. The cartridges are loaded [into the chamber area] by a spring in the magazine below the cartridges. The cartridges are ejected to the side by gas pressure.
It appears that the cartridge for it would be very close to .25 caliber, and the overall length about 1 inch.
I'm guessing this one is a 6-shot version. The action is interesting: pulling the trigger causes the slide to move back. If you pull the trigger far enough, the slide is released and slams forward (rather hard!). The firing pin is *fixed* to the inside of the rear of the slide. There is a 'port' carved into the left side of the inside of the bore, where it would meet the front edge of the cartridge - I suspect this is the ejection mechanism (gas pressure would push the case out sideways to the right). The magazine is fixed in the grip - the pistol loads thru the ejection port at the top. There is a spring-loaded magazine follower. There is a safety lever on the left side, with German markings for 'safe' and 'fire'. When the safety is on, the slide is pushed back slightly, which keeps the firing pin out of the way for loading. There is a plate protruding from the right side, just under the ejection port - presumably to protect the hand while firing.
There is a stamp on the bottom of the grip that is shaped like a shield, and has "SUHL" in it, along with an image of a hammer. This is a standard Suhl marking. Near the stamp is a marking that says "M.33" (perhaps model of 1933 ??). Also near the stamp is a marking "XX". This is possibly an Agency marking, to mean 'experimental'. I have an early-production RS-6 radio set that also has XX markings. A firearms expert in Germany said that the "XX" is not a known marking, and that legitimate German markings are well-documented. An assembly number "35" is found on the underside of the front edge of the barrel, and also on an interior surface of the slide. The grips have the "ASS" logo. No other markings.
Everything is steel, except for the plastic grips, and the trigger, which is made of a non-ferrous metal (aluminum??). The barrel has a smooth bore, roughly 25 caliber. Sighting down it, there is a slight 'contraction' in the middle section of the barrel - that is, it becomes slightly narrower in the middle, by a few thousands of an inch. This contraction may be part of the ejection mechanism: If the cartridge includes a wad, then this restriction in the bore would cause a momentary increase in gas pressure, to aid in ejecting the empty cartridge.
Two or more other variants of this pistol have been described to me (one is pictured on the web site of a European museum).
The August Schuler gas/starter pistol. Author's collection.
Markings on the bottom of the grip. The "XX" is possibly an Agency marking meaning 'experimental'.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Winchester Ammo Boxes
Interest in one aspect of shooting often results in interest in some other aspect. Some folks actually commit money and time to the effort. Rick Bachman has managed to accumulate these ammo boxes for Winchester 1876 ammunition.
Check out the late (circa 1915) box of .40-60 WCF. Look at the model designation at the bottom of the label. It says for Model “86. This is a very rare “error” label box. This is actually a sealed, unopened box. I’ve had it in my collection for nearly 45 years.
UMC box .40-60 WCF circa 1890
Winchester box .40-60 WCF circa 1892
Winchester box .40-60 WCF circa 1915
Winchester box .45-60 WCF circa 1890
Winchester box .45-60 WCF circa 1900
Winchester box .45-75 WCF circa 1883
UMC box .45-75 WCF circa 1895
Winchester box .45-75 WCF circa 1898
Winchester box .50-95 WCF circa 1881
UMC box .50-95WCF circa 1895
Winchester box .50-95 WCF circa 1895
Check out the late (circa 1915) box of .40-60 WCF. Look at the model designation at the bottom of the label. It says for Model “86. This is a very rare “error” label box. This is actually a sealed, unopened box. I’ve had it in my collection for nearly 45 years.
UMC box .40-60 WCF circa 1890
Winchester box .40-60 WCF circa 1892
Winchester box .40-60 WCF circa 1915
Winchester box .45-60 WCF circa 1890
Winchester box .45-60 WCF circa 1900
Winchester box .45-75 WCF circa 1883
UMC box .45-75 WCF circa 1895
Winchester box .45-75 WCF circa 1898
Winchester box .50-95 WCF circa 1881
UMC box .50-95WCF circa 1895
Winchester box .50-95 WCF circa 1895
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Notes from the gun shop...
There's no explaining what you can't understand. Yesterday I was treated to a young fella trading in a Colt Combat Elite for a Glock. His rationale was that the Glock was lighter for concealed carry. He's right, but dang, its a Glock...
BUT the first thing that greeted me was the sight of a W. W. Greener F16 12-bore. I'm afraid I don't know enough about these as I don't understand grading system. Prices asked range from $1,500 or so to about $49,000. Aside from rarity and provenance, I'm not quite up to speed as to what is worth what and why. I suppose some more study is in my future. The gun I saw was valued (by whom I don't know) at about $2,500.
I thought that would be the end of the gems, but there was a Winchester 1873 .44 WCF of about 1900 vintage in shootable condition. There were remnants of some old protective varnish on some of the metal, but it was a nice gun.
But that wasn't the end of interesting items available for perusal. Rounding out the interesting items was a Colt Model 1911 serial 195xxx without one lick of original finish but with all roll-marks intact. It had a bit of patina but no rust. It has the smooth, flat main spring housing. The stocks were those ugly 1970 era rough blond wood stocks with Colt medallions. The barrel and magazine were not original. At first glance one might think it was a matte finish stainless or electroless nickel finish. Proofhouse.com indicates that this gun was manufactured in 1917/1918. Was it a "black army" with the finish removed? Brought to the shop on consignment for $500 employees estimated that it was worth no more than $500 as a shooter. One thought it would bring no more than $250-300. It sold that afternoon for $800 to a "knowledgeable" collector. Apparently, this individual has another such gun with Navy markings with the same "finish" (or lack of finish). I wish I'd had my camera with me as my plan to go back today for a photo was foiled by the quick sale.
One other interesting thing happened. Several background checks were delayed. Whereas a year ago most delays would have been for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, these all took about 4-5 hours. We've heard that the state police manning of the section conducting these manual background checks has had a cut in personnel. Add the daily sick call and vacation time as well as catch-up from the weekend and this would explain the extended delays. I would advise Virginians who are habitually delayed to go early to allow extra time for the background check. This is especially problematic for those who live at a distance from the shop at which they make a purchase. Again, plan ahead.
BUT the first thing that greeted me was the sight of a W. W. Greener F16 12-bore. I'm afraid I don't know enough about these as I don't understand grading system. Prices asked range from $1,500 or so to about $49,000. Aside from rarity and provenance, I'm not quite up to speed as to what is worth what and why. I suppose some more study is in my future. The gun I saw was valued (by whom I don't know) at about $2,500.
I thought that would be the end of the gems, but there was a Winchester 1873 .44 WCF of about 1900 vintage in shootable condition. There were remnants of some old protective varnish on some of the metal, but it was a nice gun.
But that wasn't the end of interesting items available for perusal. Rounding out the interesting items was a Colt Model 1911 serial 195xxx without one lick of original finish but with all roll-marks intact. It had a bit of patina but no rust. It has the smooth, flat main spring housing. The stocks were those ugly 1970 era rough blond wood stocks with Colt medallions. The barrel and magazine were not original. At first glance one might think it was a matte finish stainless or electroless nickel finish. Proofhouse.com indicates that this gun was manufactured in 1917/1918. Was it a "black army" with the finish removed? Brought to the shop on consignment for $500 employees estimated that it was worth no more than $500 as a shooter. One thought it would bring no more than $250-300. It sold that afternoon for $800 to a "knowledgeable" collector. Apparently, this individual has another such gun with Navy markings with the same "finish" (or lack of finish). I wish I'd had my camera with me as my plan to go back today for a photo was foiled by the quick sale.
One other interesting thing happened. Several background checks were delayed. Whereas a year ago most delays would have been for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, these all took about 4-5 hours. We've heard that the state police manning of the section conducting these manual background checks has had a cut in personnel. Add the daily sick call and vacation time as well as catch-up from the weekend and this would explain the extended delays. I would advise Virginians who are habitually delayed to go early to allow extra time for the background check. This is especially problematic for those who live at a distance from the shop at which they make a purchase. Again, plan ahead.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Freedom Arms Transfer Bar "Safety"
The model 97 has a different lockwork than the model 83, employing a sliding transfer bar that is attached to the hammer, resulting in a crisp trigger pull while allowing the gun to be carried with a full five-shot payload. The transfer bar will only contact the firing pin with the trigger held to the rear. The factory supplied owner’s manual suggests loading only four cartridges, leaving an empty chamber under the hammer, but this gun is absolutely safe to carry fully loaded with five .45 Colt cartridges.
On the other hand, John Taffin in his article, "Freedom Arms Model 97 - The Sixgunner" says,
The Model 97 has a transfer bar safety, however, both Freedom Arms and I recommend any Model 97, whatever the chambering, be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer.
The patent information at Patent Storm for the US Patent 6698125 covering this transfer bar mechanism.
To my way of thinking a transfer bar equipped single action revolver carried with hammer down (and in this case it doesn't and can't initiate contact between firing pin and primer) is pretty safe. IF the hammer is somehow drawn back it will likely also revolve the cylinder to place a loaded chamber fully or partially under the hammer. Partially and the firing pin can't contact the primer, fully and one must also have one's finger or something else holding back the trigger at the same time. I consider this unlikely and so I think that it is safe to carry this gun with a loaded chamber. That is, it is safe if I'm aware of what I'm doing and that applies to ANY firearm.
However, you might not feel that way. In the end it is the bearer's responsibility and that is something that we still have the freedom to practice here.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Winchester 94 Manufacturing Dates
While folks are still hashing out whether the shipping or polishing books have the most accurate production dates for the Winchester M1894/94, there is a dearth of data for the post 1981 period. Reproduced here, so that it will be easy to find (I hope) is that data. Like everything else it will probably be amended. Don't sweat it. Some OCD afflicted collector is working on it as we type this. Just enjoy, tell the grandkids that the gun was made before they were a glimmer in daddy's eye and enjoy life. Thanks for this to Mr. J. Bledsoe.
Winchester Model 94 Manufacturing Dates
1982 - 2006
1981 U.S. Repeating Arms assumes control of license to mfg. Winchesters
Changeover serial numbers for Model 94 is around 5,000,000.
1981 4,870,000 to 5,014,556
1982 to 5,093,968
1983 to 5,115,742
1984 to 5,264,685
1985 to 5,372,442
1986 to 5,439,997 Chapter 11 Many parts guns made
1987 to 5,463,774
1988 to 5,491,805
1989 to 5,527,732
1990 to 5,612656
1991 to 5,999,999 Last non crossbolt safety
1992 6,000,000 to 6,054,408
1993 to 6,087,144
1994 to 6,174,987 1894-1994 marking for first half of year
1995 to 6,198,987
1996 to 6,265,870
1997 to 6,395,546
1998 to 6,360,632
1999 to 6,395,546
2000 6400134 to 6,455.865
2001 to 6,466,766
2002 to 6,494,011 safety change over from crossbolt to tang between here and first of 2003 numbers.
2003 6,494,346 to 6,516,423 6494346 has tang safety
2004 6,517,000 to 6,549,926 New right side marking: “Winchester trademark licensed from Olin Corp.”
2005 to 6,584,120
2006 ? to 7,076,704 Highest numbered Model 94 ever seen. Plant closed some time between April and August, 2006
Chart made by jbledsoe http://www.jbledsoe.com/MfgDates.htm
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Mounting the Williams FP-94/36 - not that hard or costly
Here's another post from Paco Kelly's Leverguns forum that I have permission to share. I'm not responsible for anyone's use of the information provided. I suggest that you carefully read the entire post several times before following the suggested methods. Even an experienced person can have a drill wander if you feed it too quickly into the work. Many thanks to Dr. AJ for permission to republish his work here.
Several folks have recently inquired about sight installation, and I thought I'd post some pics about mounting the Williams FP 94/36. If I can do it, anyone can. Anyway, hope this helps get someone started who needed a bit of encouragement.
Here's all you need: Tap is 6-48, and drill is supposed to be a #31, but I used a slightly smaller #33. I like the 'straight-flute' carbide ones. (...the 'guide' I have says use #33 for a 6-48 but #31 for a 6-40...?). I got Tap Magic at the Ace Hardware in town. A good center-punch is a must, and drill press.
Here's the specific parts I ordered from MidwayUSA:
- Drill Bit - $20.99
- Tap - $2.29
- Handle - $4.49
I may have done overkill on the drill bit, but it cuts through gun receivers like they're butter. Also, I wound up liking a tap handle I bought locally a bit better (deeper divet in the top for guiding on drill press).
The sight needs to be far enough rearward that the case will eject; a bit behind the boltface's rearmost travel seems to work fine. If you haven't deactivated the semi-safety, you shouldn't cover it up.
Drill the first hole.
Then TAP the first hole. I like using a piece of rod or bolt that fits in the top end of the tap handle, and have the drill press 'guide' (no pressure downward) the tap as I turn it by hand, backing up a partial turn for every turn or so clockwise. Use lots of Tap Magic; it does seem to make a difference vs. 'WD-40'. I tap clear through and when the tap turns very easily you're done and can raise the chuck and back the tap out.
Countersink the holes very slightly or otherwise de-burr them.
Mount the sight with the first screw, and level it front to back before center-punching the second hole. Ideally your punch should be 'snug' enough in the sight's hole to be centered; 'eyeballing' it is too tricky. Some folks use a smaller drill bit just fitting the sight hole, or they will slip a very small bit inside a 'bearing' sleeve of tubing that fits the sight hole, and use the drill to 'mark' the second hole and start it at the same time.
Drill the Second hole.
Both holes drilled now.
Put it all back together. (You might want Steve Young's DVD for this part...)
Andrew Johnstone, RPh/MD
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
Links:
-Drill, Tap & Install Receiver Sights By J. Marshall Stanton
Several folks have recently inquired about sight installation, and I thought I'd post some pics about mounting the Williams FP 94/36. If I can do it, anyone can. Anyway, hope this helps get someone started who needed a bit of encouragement.
Here's all you need: Tap is 6-48, and drill is supposed to be a #31, but I used a slightly smaller #33. I like the 'straight-flute' carbide ones. (...the 'guide' I have says use #33 for a 6-48 but #31 for a 6-40...?). I got Tap Magic at the Ace Hardware in town. A good center-punch is a must, and drill press.
Here's the specific parts I ordered from MidwayUSA:
- Drill Bit - $20.99
- Tap - $2.29
- Handle - $4.49
I may have done overkill on the drill bit, but it cuts through gun receivers like they're butter. Also, I wound up liking a tap handle I bought locally a bit better (deeper divet in the top for guiding on drill press).
The sight needs to be far enough rearward that the case will eject; a bit behind the boltface's rearmost travel seems to work fine. If you haven't deactivated the semi-safety, you shouldn't cover it up.
Drill the first hole.
Then TAP the first hole. I like using a piece of rod or bolt that fits in the top end of the tap handle, and have the drill press 'guide' (no pressure downward) the tap as I turn it by hand, backing up a partial turn for every turn or so clockwise. Use lots of Tap Magic; it does seem to make a difference vs. 'WD-40'. I tap clear through and when the tap turns very easily you're done and can raise the chuck and back the tap out.
Countersink the holes very slightly or otherwise de-burr them.
Mount the sight with the first screw, and level it front to back before center-punching the second hole. Ideally your punch should be 'snug' enough in the sight's hole to be centered; 'eyeballing' it is too tricky. Some folks use a smaller drill bit just fitting the sight hole, or they will slip a very small bit inside a 'bearing' sleeve of tubing that fits the sight hole, and use the drill to 'mark' the second hole and start it at the same time.
Drill the Second hole.
Both holes drilled now.
Put it all back together. (You might want Steve Young's DVD for this part...)
Andrew Johnstone, RPh/MD
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
Links:
-Drill, Tap & Install Receiver Sights By J. Marshall Stanton
Monday, March 08, 2010
.45 Colt, why are my cases discolored or "smoked"?
This discussion comes up almost monthly either on the SASS WIRE or over on the LEVERGUNS.COM forum . Usually it is about the 45lc rifles and the severe blowback with the down loaded CAS ammo.
The reason the problem is more common with the 45lc rifle is because the makers all use the maximum SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) specs when they ream the chambers for the gun. They do this so the gun will more likely cycle with a broad spectrum of ammo's. This is why semi-auto pistol with match grade guns are finicky about the ammo they will run. The match grade chambers are tight.
I do warranty work for EMF. They import the Rossi M92 as well. Over the years the EMF folks have had me do chamber cast on various rifles because the customer insisted the chambers were bad. One feller bought an EMF 92 and before he ever shot it sent it to Doug Turnbull for color-case work. Once he shot it with his CAS loads he found that the cases would swell but only on one side. This to him indicated a bulged chamber. He sent the rifle to me along with some of his bulged fired brass to verify this. I did a chamber cast and found the chamber to be within SAAMI spec. and the cases were truly bulged but not beyond SAAMI. Think about this. If the chamber was bulged and the brass was bulged to match extraction would be difficult. Not the case here. The fired bulged brass would easily chamber and fall right out if the open rifle was held vertical. The brass was bulged because that was the softest or the thinnest area of the case, not because the chamber was bad. He insisted, they gave him his money back and I bought a Doug Turnbull CC-ed rifle on the cheap from them.
More recently, they had a feller send me a 92 and a 73 for the same reason. He insisted the chambers were too big on both. I cast both guns and both guns were within SAAMI. He still insist that they are bad, that SAAMI spec are not correct and the industry should do something about it.
This diagram shows both cartridge and chamber dimensions. Please note that unless noted all diameters are +.004 and there .200" inside the chamber the nominal is .4862. If you add .004 to that the chamber can be as large as .4902 and still be in spec. I believe this all came about when the industry changed from the non rebated old balloon style cases like the one shown to the modern rebated rim swagged brass. Notice the max bullet dia. .456. Modern 45lc bullets run to only about .454 max with the majority at .452. The current ammo specs don't fill the chambers like the old balloon case ammo. So hard brass and down loaded CAS ammo will exhibit these problems.
This 45LC blow-by in the rifle problem has been going on for so long now I believe the IMR folks came out with their Trailboss powder just to combat this. A good book charge of Trailboss and a 250 grain bullet crimped well in a Win or Starline case seems to be the solution for some folks. Win or Starline cases are somewhat softer brass than most of the others. Some folks only neck size their once fired rifle brass. For BP, there are some folks using 44-40 brass blown out to 45 and claim it works well. 44-40 brass is really thin.
For the most part the blow-by is negligible for CAS loads because accuracy is not needed. But, if you are getting blow-by you can be sure the pressures are fluctuating which means you POI is deviating, too.
I will say though, I've had some CAS rifles in 45lc sent to me because they were no longer extracting consistently. What I found was a build up of fouling under the extractor that was holding it off enough to not let it hook the rims.
Steve Young aka Nate Kiowa Jones Sass# 6765
Steve's Guns aka "Rossi 92 Specialists"
4525 Alamosa st.
Port Arthur TX 77642
www.stevesgunz.com
The reason the problem is more common with the 45lc rifle is because the makers all use the maximum SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) specs when they ream the chambers for the gun. They do this so the gun will more likely cycle with a broad spectrum of ammo's. This is why semi-auto pistol with match grade guns are finicky about the ammo they will run. The match grade chambers are tight.
I do warranty work for EMF. They import the Rossi M92 as well. Over the years the EMF folks have had me do chamber cast on various rifles because the customer insisted the chambers were bad. One feller bought an EMF 92 and before he ever shot it sent it to Doug Turnbull for color-case work. Once he shot it with his CAS loads he found that the cases would swell but only on one side. This to him indicated a bulged chamber. He sent the rifle to me along with some of his bulged fired brass to verify this. I did a chamber cast and found the chamber to be within SAAMI spec. and the cases were truly bulged but not beyond SAAMI. Think about this. If the chamber was bulged and the brass was bulged to match extraction would be difficult. Not the case here. The fired bulged brass would easily chamber and fall right out if the open rifle was held vertical. The brass was bulged because that was the softest or the thinnest area of the case, not because the chamber was bad. He insisted, they gave him his money back and I bought a Doug Turnbull CC-ed rifle on the cheap from them.
More recently, they had a feller send me a 92 and a 73 for the same reason. He insisted the chambers were too big on both. I cast both guns and both guns were within SAAMI. He still insist that they are bad, that SAAMI spec are not correct and the industry should do something about it.
This diagram shows both cartridge and chamber dimensions. Please note that unless noted all diameters are +.004 and there .200" inside the chamber the nominal is .4862. If you add .004 to that the chamber can be as large as .4902 and still be in spec. I believe this all came about when the industry changed from the non rebated old balloon style cases like the one shown to the modern rebated rim swagged brass. Notice the max bullet dia. .456. Modern 45lc bullets run to only about .454 max with the majority at .452. The current ammo specs don't fill the chambers like the old balloon case ammo. So hard brass and down loaded CAS ammo will exhibit these problems.
This 45LC blow-by in the rifle problem has been going on for so long now I believe the IMR folks came out with their Trailboss powder just to combat this. A good book charge of Trailboss and a 250 grain bullet crimped well in a Win or Starline case seems to be the solution for some folks. Win or Starline cases are somewhat softer brass than most of the others. Some folks only neck size their once fired rifle brass. For BP, there are some folks using 44-40 brass blown out to 45 and claim it works well. 44-40 brass is really thin.
For the most part the blow-by is negligible for CAS loads because accuracy is not needed. But, if you are getting blow-by you can be sure the pressures are fluctuating which means you POI is deviating, too.
I will say though, I've had some CAS rifles in 45lc sent to me because they were no longer extracting consistently. What I found was a build up of fouling under the extractor that was holding it off enough to not let it hook the rims.
Steve Young aka Nate Kiowa Jones Sass# 6765
Steve's Guns aka "Rossi 92 Specialists"
4525 Alamosa st.
Port Arthur TX 77642
www.stevesgunz.com
Friday, March 05, 2010
Suppressors
I was thinking about the polymers that are available now (plastics are the future) and why nobody had applied polymers to the construction of firearms suppressors (silencers) specifically the main tube. Seems to me that this could/would eliminate machining of certain parts and would simplify assembly. It would also make the suppressor producible anywhere a drill and the basic tubing could come together.
I would have said that any PVC or schedule pipe could be used but perhaps the heat that builds up in suppressors (from the expanding combustion gasses) "challenge" these materials. Still, they might work in the short term and would be inexpensive enough to use in limited situations.
There are numerous expedient methods some of which have been depicted in popular entertainment venues such as movies and TV but seldom accurately so. While it is highly unlikely that the legal restrictions on suppressors will change, such change would likely stimulate product development. So will further military requirements.
I would have said that any PVC or schedule pipe could be used but perhaps the heat that builds up in suppressors (from the expanding combustion gasses) "challenge" these materials. Still, they might work in the short term and would be inexpensive enough to use in limited situations.
There are numerous expedient methods some of which have been depicted in popular entertainment venues such as movies and TV but seldom accurately so. While it is highly unlikely that the legal restrictions on suppressors will change, such change would likely stimulate product development. So will further military requirements.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
McDonald vs. Chicago and the concept of Incorporation
I am not a legal scholar nor am I a SCOTUS groupie. I am a gun owner and have given a large portion of my life to a service I believe was to defend this country and our constitutional rights. In my simple layman's mind, I always believed and can not see how it is otherwise than that the Bill of Rights applies to ALL citizens of the United States of America. Apparently this idea that I had has a term to describe it and that is "incorporation".
It seems that the U.S. Constitution wasn't accepted to have applied to all citizens but only those in Federal enclaves such as the capital, Washington, D.C. How then did the SCOTUS manage to come up with the decision they made in Rowe v. Wade? Why do states all read a suspect his/her "Miranda rights"? Seems to me that it was spin...
Well, Chicago and Illinois have long had rather draconian "gun" laws (really people control laws) and on behalf of one Mr. Otis McDonald suit was filed for relief. Yesterday, oral arguments were made before the Supreme Court of the United States. David Hardy and others seem to think that incorporation will win. We'll have to wait and see and also see just what the result of the ruling will be.
Just about 2 years ago, in District of Columbia v. Heller, gun owners and gun owners' rights advocates thought they'd had affirmation of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. The result in D.C. has been a series of obstructionist moves by the local government without enforcement of the ruling by the Executive Branch (i.e. the President, Barack Obama). Further, some cities and states, such as Massachusetts, Illinois, New York City, and Chicago have refused to accept that U.S. Constitution applies to the people within their borders. Thus we have this lawsuit.
Given the current Congress's inability to comprehend the Constitution, precedent, or even common sense, I doubt that they or their kin at the local level will move to comply with any ruling that eases access to firearms for the law abiding. Such a concept is the antitheses of their belief that the common person is capable of reasoned self-determination.
If you want a really educated explanation of the case or simply to read further I suggest that you check out David Hardy's blog, Of Arms and the Law and the links he provides.
It seems that the U.S. Constitution wasn't accepted to have applied to all citizens but only those in Federal enclaves such as the capital, Washington, D.C. How then did the SCOTUS manage to come up with the decision they made in Rowe v. Wade? Why do states all read a suspect his/her "Miranda rights"? Seems to me that it was spin...
Well, Chicago and Illinois have long had rather draconian "gun" laws (really people control laws) and on behalf of one Mr. Otis McDonald suit was filed for relief. Yesterday, oral arguments were made before the Supreme Court of the United States. David Hardy and others seem to think that incorporation will win. We'll have to wait and see and also see just what the result of the ruling will be.
Just about 2 years ago, in District of Columbia v. Heller, gun owners and gun owners' rights advocates thought they'd had affirmation of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. The result in D.C. has been a series of obstructionist moves by the local government without enforcement of the ruling by the Executive Branch (i.e. the President, Barack Obama). Further, some cities and states, such as Massachusetts, Illinois, New York City, and Chicago have refused to accept that U.S. Constitution applies to the people within their borders. Thus we have this lawsuit.
Given the current Congress's inability to comprehend the Constitution, precedent, or even common sense, I doubt that they or their kin at the local level will move to comply with any ruling that eases access to firearms for the law abiding. Such a concept is the antitheses of their belief that the common person is capable of reasoned self-determination.
If you want a really educated explanation of the case or simply to read further I suggest that you check out David Hardy's blog, Of Arms and the Law and the links he provides.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Notes from the gun shop...
Had a guy bring two Garands into the shop today. The best one was a gun that the CMP would sell for about $475. He wanted $800. The other was one of the Blue Sky Garands. If it was a reweld (as is often said) I couldn't tell it in the limited time I had to look (other customers). It was even rattier than the other gun. The first gun had a 5XX,XXX serial and the Blue Sky a 6XX,XXX serial. I'm sure they've been around the block.