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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Interesting Cartridges

Some people collect cartridges, I accumulate whatever comes my way, and so there is always interest in this subject.  At my OTHER job at The Spoils of War I was asked to identify cartridges that came in a jar of cartridges that was apparently somebody else's accumulation.

Now, while there are exceptions, most cartridges are only going to be worth a couple of dollars.  The manager doesn't have too much into these so we might make some money, if we don't get greedy.

Right from the get go I noticed there was some interesting things in there.

There are several .25 Stevens Short cartridges and two .25 Stevens Long cartridges.  I've written about the cartridge before.  It interests me.  At Nuckol's we had a three BOXES of these come in about a month ago.  All went to the boss man's collection.  Those were worth over $500. A cartridge is going for about $2.50-$3.00 now. 

There was one .45 Spanish M89 Reformado cartridge.  This cartridge was designed to replace the .43 Spanish cartridge and is the most common round (other than the 7x57) used against the U.S. soldiers in Cuba in 1898.  It has a brass jacketed bullet.  Adoption of the cartridge required the re-work of all the .43 Spanish chambered rifles (Remington system) then in the Spanish government's inventory.

There were one each .40-82 WCF .50-110 EX and .50-95 EX W.R.A. Co headstamped cartridges.  Both the .40 and .50 caliber cartridges have jacketed softpoint bullets but the .50-95 has a lead bullet, apparently a swaged lead bullet.

There is a D.C. Co. 57 Snider headstamped, drawn brass, cartridge with what appears to be a swaged lead bullet. D. C. Co. is Dominion Cartridge Company. I always thought it was the .577 Snider but apparently this was shortened at least in some instances. I understand that there was a cadet sized cartridge and shorter than full length .577 Snider. Value on this would be about $15.00 or so.

There are three .50-70 Government cartridges headstamped U.M.C. S H 50-70. There is also a somewhat shorter, 1-3/4" COL, .50 caliber cartridge with a bullet that seems somewhat lighter than the 450 gr. Government cartridge bullet. This is the .50 U.S. Carbine, is outside primed and appears to be UMC manufacture.

There was one DWM SK 515A headstamped round, the FMJ RN bulleted 10.75x63mm Mauser.

.56-56 Spencer cartridges w/both versions of H headstamp
There is one fired .56-56 Spencer cartridge case. The .56-56 was the first cartridge chambered in the Spencer rifles and carbines. Ours has the raised "H" headstamp indicating Winchester production but of course it is just the cartridge case as it has been fired. Still interesting.

Many military collectors, especially those interested in the Indian Wars period, would be interested in the three .45-70 Government cartridges we have.  All were produced by Frankford Arsenal.

The first is stamped "F 4 88" indicating is was produced in April 1888 and has a 500 gr. lead bullet.  It does not appear to be "tinned" as are the other two cartridges but I think that it is.  The cartridge is just very "dark".  The second of the .45-70 Government cartridges is headstamped "F 5 90" i.e. it was produced in May 1990 and is tinned with a 500 gr. bullet.  The third is a bit unusual, or so it seems to me.  This last one is headstamped "F 2 91" and appears to carry a bullet of about 400 gr.  I believe this would be a carbine load.  Interestingly, all the bullets are seated to the same depth in the case with the result that the "carbine" load has a shorter length overall than the other two cartridges.

I was most surprised to find a .40-50 Sharps Bottleneck round in the jar.  Neat little thing.  It seems to me that you can barely see the paper patch peeking out of the case neck.  Possibly UMC manufacture.  Value about $5-7.

There is also a German fva (=Draht-u. Metallfabriken G.m.b.H., Salzwedel, Germany) 1 44 headstamped 7.92x33mm or 7.92 Kurz cartridge. The lacquer is pretty much gone. Value about $1.50 in this condition.

The last cartridge I'll add a description of to this accounting is one headstamped for Leon Beaux & C. This is a rimmed cartridge of the dimensions of the .38 S&W marked 380 and appears to be inside primed! Interesting.

Quite a few cartridges in this cache...



Monday, August 29, 2011

News from the gun shop...

I wish I had something interesting to talk about today's work in the gun shop.  It was slow.  TWO (2) background checks both for transfers.  P-r-e-t-t-y  d-a-r-n  s-l-o-w. 

I did have some Brits come by the shop with their American cousins (well, NOW they're Americans) who were taking them to the range.  They were amazed that they could look at, even TOUCH firearms.  Later the host returned with an I.A.C. Model 97 Trench Gun because it wouldn't fire.  It fires, I fired it.  Twice.  We think it is the Remington ammo he was using just wouldn't work in this gun.  Anyone else experienced this?  Also, I tightened up his butt stock as it was waving around like the Rose Bowl Queen's hand in the parade.  I don't think he had noticed. 

So, I have until the 18th to get my silhouette ducks in a row.  Fingers crossed.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Tactical Solutions 1911 .22 Conversion unit...

The box is a bit funky...
An internet correspondent was looking to get rid of this Tactical Solutions 1911 .22 Conversion unit with the combo rail (iron sights on Picatinny rail).  We agreed to his price and it is wending its way here now.

The concept is an old one and there are many makers.  I've been looking for one of these Tactical Solutions units for several years now.  I guess it was about 3 or 4 years ago that Jeff Quinn wrote these up in a GunBlast.com article and I've been wanting one ever since.

I did play with the Kimber conversion a bit but, for some reason, really wanted the Tactical Solutions solution and so I've been waiting for an opportunity to get one at a reasonable price or for a reasonable trade. I really didn't want to have to call to place an order or to put it on the credit card but no other options were offered.  Further, I felt certain I could get one for less than the now $530 list for the actual conversion unit and $95 for the magazines.  Even Brownell's price of $429.99 for the conversion unit and $58.86 for the single-stack magazines was a bit daunting.  This supposed to be an "inexpensive" training solution.
But the unit appears pristine...

What is my planned use for the unit?  Well, I intend to use it to train Nana on the 1911.  I'd like to use it to maintain my proficiency as well, more inexpensively of course.  And then, if it ever comes to it, I could use this on one of my 1911s if I'm forced to reduce my collection for some reason or another.  To me, flexibility is a good thing.
Factory photo of 2211

Set up on my Combat Commander frame


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Family "Secrets"

While Nana's away Grandpa does some more genealogical research at night and finds out some interesting things happened in one of the family branches/roots (it all depends on how you care to look at it).

The Van Cott family was supposedly once the Van cat family which was pronounced the same way by transfigured by exposure to English spelling. I should note that some disagree with that and also that an extensive book was written about the family in the U.S. Anyway, I was particularly interested in my great, great, great grandfather William Hathaway Van Cott's immediate family (but the scope of research quickly expanded...) and made a few discoveries...

His father, Gabriel Van Cott had TWO wives which isn't all that unusual (his brother, Joshua Marsden, married two sisters) but both wives had the same first name which had caused some confusion on my part and apparently it is the SECOND wife with whom he is buried. Where wife #1 went after she passed on is unknown, at least to me. I thought, and I think my grandmother thought as well, that William Hathaway Van Cott's mother was the second Charity (actually Charité) but his mother was the first Charity. He had an older brother, Richard, who's son, Cornelius, became the Postmaster of New York City. The Postmaster and his son, Richard after his grandfather, were much involved in progressive politics and the Republican Party (the original progressives/liberals) even having close ties to Theodore Roosevelt.

They managed to get into the papers quite regularly. The Postmaster's son was working as the Cashier for the Post Office in New York City (a lucrative position requiring that he be bonded to the amount of $50,000 or over $500,000 in today's dollars) and running for a seat as a Congressional Representative when he was arrested for a form of voter fraud, i.e. "colonizing voters". That is to say he was accused of hiring voters for $2.00 to move into the district and providing them housing so that they would register and vote a straight Republican ticket at which time they got another $2.00 (about $50.00 in today's money). However, while he was ultimately removed from his positions at the Post Office the prosecution doesn't seem to have gone anywhere after his father's death in 1904.

Also another of William's brothers, Thomas, was being sued for failing to properly secure their father's estate (he being the executor) and yet another brother, Joshua, represented him! Also at this same time great, great, great grandfather, his brother and his son were instrumental in the formative years of baseball and his first cousin the Postmaster OWNED the New York Gothams for a time. Further, great, great, great grandfather's niece was married to Richard Cary Morse who became Consulting General Secretary of the International Committee of Young Men's Christian Associations (YMCA) for several years. Several of the family were doctors, lawyers, and preachers.

I thought it was interesting how this generation and the next of this one family branch had influenced the next 5 or 6 successive generations. While most of the family living in the northeast has continued to be very liberal in their political activities, they've generally proven to be very socially and economically conservative within the family. I know that my aunts, the only direct descendants of this branch that I knew, while they were very friendly to one and all, they were very "genteel". I know to some it might have seemed that they thought that they were a bit better than everyone else, i.e. among the "elite". After all, they were from New York City and the family had been movers and shakers.

I think the background of this very close family would have been very interesting to us while we were growing up but we really only got bits and pieces and most of that was about various heroic activities of such as William Hathaway Van Cott Jr., who bought the camp on Lake George, or his brother Leonard Boole Van Cott.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Mineral Quake of 2011

I missed the whole thing. A 5.9 earthquake centered near Mineral, Virginia, the whole east coast apparently felt and I'm on a garden tractor mowing grass and don't feel a darn thing. Moreover, Bailey won't talk about it!

UPDATE

It appears that the earthquake somehow zapped the phone service. Fortunately it is on THEIR side of the box and I have a cell phone. Very fortunate because they won't have a serviceman look at it until Friday. I didn't notice because I seldom call out and didn't really miss the solicitors.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Notes from the gun shop...

The city decided to install more pipe in West Beverly street so it was another slow day EXCEPT...

We had a S&W No. 3 commercial .44 Russian 8" barrel nickeled gun come into the shop. Mechanically ok the finish was gone and only enough nickel remained for you to know it was nickeled. Bore was "fuzzy" with rust but one could see traces of rifling. SN 27100.

We had a S&W 1½ .32 RF revolver come in for "show and tell". Condition of what was there was way beyond the No. 3 but it was missing some critical parts such as the latch spring and hand.

We only did two transfers. However, we've sold several guns on Gunbroker.com which seems to be hot this past week.

On top of all that Nana is in Florida visiting her sister so I had a 3-egg ham and cheese omelet for dinner.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

A local story...

I have a friend, John H_____, who was interested in doing a bit of genealogical research on his family.  I offered to help.  I really enjoy solving the mystery of who, what, when and where.  In doing so I was looking for narratives on the Estaline Valley which is just north of Craigsville, VA.  In my search I came across a book, "Jesse is Her Name" by Don L. Brown

Now this is a "novel" but it is called a novel because while the facts of who, what, when and where are absolutely true, the "how", i.e. the words exchanged by the participants (their conversations) are a matter of supposition and yet Mr. Brown has added that dialog to his family story.  That is what makes it interesting, the family story part.  Not much to do with the Estaline Valley really, but it touches on class, race, culture and the influences of the times (THE Depression). 

It is a short book, I read it in a little over 1½ hours, but well written and it doesn't stray from the goal of telling the story that Mr. Brown wants to tell.  I think he does it well.  I enjoyed reading it, I enjoyed the story as history, and I really identified with the places.  If you live here in Staunton or in Craigsville or even in other areas of Augusta County, you can get a real feel for the area in the 1930s and 40s by reading this book.  If you have family that lived here during that time, the book might be a great way to open the door onto family history. 

Again, yes, Jesse and Luther were real people.  Thank you Don for sharing your story with us.




Monday, August 15, 2011

Notes from the gun shop...

Today was a good day to work if you like to stay busy.  Things very obviously picked up and we did a good business beyond the 5 background checks (all but one of which sailed right on through).  We were busy most of the day without a break. 

The upside of my day was to see that one of our friends had consigned a .45 ACP Colt Gold Cup Trophy with original box and papers.  More than I can afford at the moment, Boss Man listed it on Gunbroker.com (yes, I linked to the auction twice).  This gun is really clean and in excellent condition.  While it has been fired, one can't see it as it has been well maintained.  No, I don't get a thing from posting about it here except to avoid committing myself to a $1000+ expenditure. 

However, the big thrill of the day was mounting a BSA Catseye illuminated reticle telescopic sight on a customers Remington Model 7 using his Weaver one-piece base.  Why a thrill?  Because it required a bit of attention to detail.  There is limited available scope tube at 1" diameter available for mounting and the Weaver mount for the Model 7 has only two place for mounting the two rings and these are set as far apart as possible.  Standard rings can't be used as one ring or the other will be limited by the scope 1" tube diameter length.  I finally found a set of offset Weaver Quad-lock rings and that was just barely usable as the next problem was that the objective bell of the scope nearly touched the factory barrel mounted rear sight (which the customer insisted on keeping).  But I got it on and the scope squared up and bore-sighted and the customer SAID he was happy.  We'll see. 

In doing that little bit of "gunsmithing" I got to examine the scope sight.  The customer bought it because he thought it would be more useful in dawn and dusk hunting.  One has a choice between a black center cross-hair, or red, green or blue using a switch on the left side of the scope.  The battery to light this thing is in the switch cap.  It comes with screw in lens caps for both the objective and ocular lens.  It has neat pull and turn, push to lock windage and elevation turrets.  Neat so far.  But, I think the thing is bulky and heavy and lacks flexibility in mounting.  I am very glad I didn't have to find a solution to mounting this thing on a long 700 action!

Friday, August 12, 2011

The Browning Center Fire Pump Rifle

Browning BPR
Browning Dualis

By: Bruce Hamlin

Some of you may be familiar with an article I wrote concerning the history, models and variations of the Browning Lever Rifle (BLR).   That article was primarily written to cover the Browning line of center fire lever action rifles with a small amount of information covering other models of some interest to me.  That article can be found at http://www.pumprifle.org/index.php/member-articles/36-browningblr.

Two of those other Browning models were the center fire pump actions that they produced for just a few short years.  Those would be the Browning Pump Rifle (BPR) and Browning Dualis (European BPR version).  I won’t repeat my background or firearms/hunting history that I detailed in the BLR article, but I will go ahead and tell you that the BPRs in 30-06 are now my main go to rifles.  I still like my BLRs and who could not like a fine single shot rifle, but the pump rifles have taken over my interest.

One of the first issues I would like to cover is terminology.  I don’t know if it is regional, geographical or just a local thing, but we occasionally hear of pump action rifles being called slide action rifles.  Even though it is not the most common term used to describe the action, it does exist.  I have not spent a lot of time trying to prove which is the correct term, but I do note that the manufacturers seem to have a solid history of using the term “Pump Action”.  So, in my opinion - pump action it is!

Pump action center fire rifles have not really ever held the lead in rifle sales in most areas.  The exception to that statement is in some of the Northeast portions of the United States, where big game hunting with semiautomatic firearms is prohibited.  There, the pump actions appear to lead in sales and hunting use.  Also in those areas, it is clear that the Remington line of center fire pump rifles is the clear leader.  There are a few other brands of center fire pump rifles that have produced and sold, but like the Browning, they were never produced in great numbers or for extended periods of time.

I suspect that center fire pump action rifle sales come in about fourth behind semi-autos, bolt actions and lever guns.  I don’t know why that is, because I have very good reason to believe that rim fire pump action sales have a much better showing when compared to the other action types.  Maybe not first place, but I believe better than fourth.

For hunting purposes, the pump action is definitely faster to cycle and fire than the bolt action, should a second or follow up shot be needed.  Most sources (and some commercial ads) claim it is faster for the same reasons than a lever action rifle.  I have seen some mighty fast cowboy action shooters with some lever guns, but for most of us, I think the pump is a little faster.  However, I really don’t give much credence to which action is the fastest.  I try to make one shot kills, therefore accuracy and reliability are my first considerations.  Generally, I see little difference between actions, accuracy and reliability with the modern manufacturers when it comes to hunting situations - for most of us.

What draws me to the pump action rifle is the ability to cycle the action with my support (weak) hand, which allows me to keep the stock to my shoulder and my strong hand on the stock.  That allows me to recover a sight picture quicker and I don’t have to hunt for the trigger each shot like I do when shooting most lever actions and all bolt actions.  Also, it drives my hunting buddies crazy.  They think semi auto’s and bolt guns rule.

What draws me to the Browning BPR is the workmanship, quality, history, reliability and, finally, the fit.  I find that Browning firearms seem to fit me better and I can shoulder one with my eyes closed, open my eyes and generally I am looking straight down the sights (or scope) and the barrel, requiring very little adjustment to get a very good sight alignment and sight picture.  I find that when I do the same with most other brands, when I open my eyes, the barrel is always pointed up.  For example, I really have to get my head down on a Remington to get a good sight picture or alignment.  I know this is due to a difference in stock drop, LOP, my methods etc.., but to me - it is significant.

You have already probably noted that I have not written about accuracy.  To be honest, with today’s technology and manufacturing machinery, in my opinion most major quality manufacturer’s rifles deliver acceptable hunting accuracy with a variety of ammunition brands and bullet weights.  I can shoot fairly well and I do have some fairly high accuracy standards, but I have found most modern manufactured rifles will deliver.  The feeding/cycling of rounds from a magazine to the chamber must be flawless.  I don’t tolerate jams due to feeding issues or bad magazines.

Concerning center fire Brownings, I currently have a 1973 Belgium BAR  30-06, a 2009 BLR Lt. Wt. 81 30-06 takedown and two 1998 BPR’s in 30-06.  I do have a few other collectibles, but they don’t fit into this article. As I have previously written, I have almost converted my entire center fire rifle collection to only 30-06 rifles and I do not regret it. 

History

Production of the BPR began in 1997 and ended in 2001.  I have not been able to find solid information concerning the production years of the Dualis, but I believe it was close to 2001 through maybe 2009 or 2010.

The BPR barrels are stamped Made in Belgium - Assembled in Portugal, on the left side of the barrel just forward of the rear sight.  Just above that is stamped Browning Arms Company Morgan Utah & Montreal PQ.  The serial number is engraved on the lower left side of the receiver at the rear.  The visible proof marks are on the left side of the barrel near the receiver.  Browning S.A. is stamped on the right side of the barrel just forward of the rear sight.   Just above that is stamped PATS: U.S. 5,571,101   EUROP. 0692696  BPR Caliber 30-06 Spg. Only (for 30-06‘s).

I have seen no indication or claims of BPR or Dualis production by Miroku in Japan. 

I have not been able to examine a Dualis in person to verify its markings, but I think we can safely assume it is the same or nearly the same as the BPR.  The Dualis’ markings may be stamped in different languages due to its intended international market.

The basics of my research and a few related articles that I have found indicate that Browning developed the center fire pump rifle (BPR) in an effort to keep their share of the firearms (hunting/recreational) market, should semi auto rifles become illegal to possess in the Untied States.  Some misinformed people where trying to use the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (Sept. 13, 1994) to make it illegal to own any semi auto rifle, for any purpose.  The ban expired by Sunset Law in 2004.

The Browning family did make firearms in the United States in the 1800’s, but just for the sake of being complete with this article, no Browning named commercial firearms (as we know them today) have been produced/manufactured in the U. S.  There have been some prototypes designed and developed here, but not any commercial production by the Browning name.   Some other U.S. firearms companies have produced their own licensed versions of Browning owned designs/patents, but they were produced under that companies own name, usually with a different model name/number.

Browning’s have mostly been manufactured in Belgium (Fabrique National) since the early 1900’s.  Miroku of Japan has produced/manufactured some Browning named firearms since the early 1970’s.

BPR Serial Numbers

You can visit Browning's website - to determine the year of production of your rifle


Just like with the BLR’s, I can tell you that the website is absolutely wrong with the serial numbers, as far as the order goes.

The website states:

In 1975 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture:

The first part of the serial number identification is supposed to begin with the actual serial number, such as 1000.
The coded year of manufacture is supposed to be next as in - NR - followed by:
1E7 (Model Number) = Browning BPR Pump Rifle
Example:1001NR1E7  = A 1997 BPR Pump Rifle with a serial number of 1001.

Actually, it is the reverse:

A true example is: 1E7NR1001 = A 1997 BPR with a serial number of 1001

The model designator comes first, then the coded year of manufacture, then the serial number. 

The next mistake that appears is the supposed 1998 change to the serial number standardization system that was required to work in their Oracle program.  This meant a new system including a Model Number change was supposed to have taken effect in 1998 models.  My research and the 1998 BPR year models that I have seen do not support this.  All of the 1998 year model BPR’s I have been able to locate still use the same system as listed above for 1997 year models, only with the coded year of NP (1998).

A true example is: 1E7NP1001 = A 1998 BPR with a serial number of 1001.

Now for the supposed 1998 change, which apparently did not take effect until 1999.  Note: I have not been able to find a 1999 BPR to verify the change.

The website states:

In 1998:
The first part of the serial number identification is supposed to begin with the actual serial number, such as 1000.
The coded year of manufacture is supposed to be next as in - NP - followed by:
321 (Model Number) = Browning BPR Pump Rifle
Example:1001NP321  = A 1998 BPR Pump Rifle with a serial number of 1001.

Again, it is the reverse:

A true example is: 321NP1001 = A 1998 BPR with a serial number of 1001

The model designator comes first, then the coded year of manufacture, then the serial number.

Just like with the BLR’s, this one mistake will cause some buyers/sellers/ collectors a little problem, but you can trust me - they (Browning) have it wrong on their website!

Just for your information, I have seen references that state that Browning started each year’s serial number sequence at the number 1000 for all models.  I think that information is correct, and if so, the above BPR serial number would indicate that it was actually the first BPR produced in 1998.

You should print the Browning “date gun” link I have provided above, because with anything on the internet, it may disappear one day.   However, you can just use the corrected information I have provided with this following information to help you correctly date the year of manufacture of BPR’s.

1E7 = BPR Model Number for 1997 and 1998
321 = BPR Model Number for 1999, 2000 and 2001
NR = Coded Year of Manufacture 1997
NP = Coded Year of Manufacture 1998
NN = Coded Year of Manufacture 1999
MM = Coded Year of Manufacture 2000
MZ = Coded Year of Manufacture 2001

Dualis Serial Numbers

I have not been able to find any information on the serial numbering system for the Dualis.  Browning International’s web site does not offer the same in depth resources as the Browning North America web site.

I can only assume that since both are made by FN, they should probably be the same, but that is only an assumption.

Browning Center Fire Pump Rifle Models

BPR

In my previous BLR article I made a big statement.  I like BLR’s - a lot.  But I really like the BPR’s in the center fire calibers, especially the 30-06.  Actually, that combination has now become my favorite.  While I have not been into the BPR’s but a few years, I still plan to acquire every BPR in 30-06 that I come across.  If  I have the funds and it is reasonably priced of course.

The BPR Pump Rifle was introduced in 1997 and they were produced through 2001.  Some sources state they were not produced in 2001, but I have seen properly serial numbered BPR’s (year code MZ) for the year 2001.  I will note that BPR’s were listed in the year 2000 Browning catalog, but apparently not in the year 2001 catalog.  I can not explain why they were not in that catalog.

I have read one source that states the Browning Dualis (see Dualis information below) was supposed to have replaced the BPR for American sales in 2001, but I have seen no evidence that the Dualis has ever been sold or advertised for sale in the United States.

1997
BPR (Browning Pump Rifle) in long and short action. Four calibers in long action .270, 30-06, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag., and two in short action in 243 and 308.  The two regular long action and two short action barrels are 22” long.  The magnum barrels are 24” long.  BPR barrels are free floated and the rifles weigh around 7 ½ pounds.

The BPR uses the same scope mounts as BAR MK II’s and later BLR’s.  The BPR uses the same magazines as BAR MK II’s.  The BPR’s magazine capacity is four rounds for standard calibers and three rounds for magnum calibers.  The safety on the BPR is reversible for left hand operation.

The BPR was dropped from the line only 5 years (2001) of production.  

The BPR has an aluminum alloy receiver.

The trigger group assembly is held into the receiver by two steel pins which can easily be driven out, allowing the removal of the trigger group.

The single stage trigger is gold and the Gold Browning logo can be found on the bottom of the trigger guard.

The front sight is a ramp mounted brass bead with a sight hood.

The rear sight is click adjustable for both elevation and windage.  It is attached to the barrel by two screws.

The action release is a lever located on the lower right side of the receiver, just forward of the middle of the trigger guard

The wooden walnut forearm (checkered) is held to the two action (slide) bars by one single screw.  Do not replace the screw with a front swivel assembly.  Inside the front of the forearm are two small felt pads about the size of a dime.  I have seen reports were that their intended use is to clean the action bars or barrel.  That is not the case.  They are a barrier (buffer) between the wood and action bars, used to keep the two apart.

If you want a front swivel assembly, you have to use the type that goes around the barrel itself.

The wooden walnut stock (checkered) is a pistol grip type.  It has a black rubber butt plate, held to the stock by two screws.  The stock is held to the receiver by one screw headed bolt that is accessed by removing the butt plate.  The stock has a swivel assembly factory installed.

Neither the stock nor forearm has any protective finish on the inside.  I recommend a good interior coat of something like boiled linseed oil.  I use a regular silicon spray on the exterior of the wood.

The magazine floor plate is released by a sliding latch located just in front of the trigger guard.  The magazine can be removed from the floor plate assembly by slight hand pressure.

The bolt is a seven lug rotary type which locks directly into the barrel.  The barrel and receiver are intended to be replaced (if needed) as one unit.

BPR Owners Manual


Here is a link to the NRA Museum 1998 Dope Bag article concerning their introduction of the BPR.


Dualis

This is basically a European BPR variation.  The mechanism, manual safety, and magazine catch are all identical except for some cosmetic differences. The operation is also identical, including the unusual pump action pattern. The standard barrel is 20 inches, but the same barrel is used for magnum rounds and is therefore shorter than the barrel used on magnum BPR rifles. The Dualis has a Express type sighting rib that also has a folding leaf sight; this rib can be removed, revealing drilling and tapping for a telescopic sight. The front sight has a bead of fluorescent plastic and no sight hood. The receiver housing is made from light alloy, but other metal parts are of high-strength steel. The stock and fore-end are of walnut; the pistol grip of the stock is unusually deep and is checkered. There are reports that the Dualis only has a magazine capacity of two rounds to satisfy European requirements, but they all have the same magazine capacity as USA model BPR’s.  The Dualis was introduced in Europe is 2001.  There are unconfirmed reports that it started being sold in North America in 2003.  Note: I have not found the Dualis was ever available in the United States.  If you find one in in the U.S (especially in 30-06) I would greatly appreciate the information.

The general information given for the BPR is the same for the Dualis, except where noted.

The Dualis was offered in the following calibers:  .308, 270, 30-06, 7mm Rem. And 300 WM.

All the calibers of the Dualis have a 20” barrel.

It has a folding leaf rear sight mounted on a removal rear sight rib.  It is drilled and tapped for a scope also.

It has a fluorescent plastic front sight on a ramp, w/o a sight hood.

The stock and forearm are walnut and are checkered.  They both have a different (European style) design.

Dualis Owners Manual


BPR Standards

As a standard, the short action and regular long action BPR’s have a 22” barrel and the magnums have a 24” barrel.  All Dualis barrels are 20”.

Below is an example BPR specification for the 30-06:

Specifications and features:
Browning BPR Center Fire Pump Rifle
.30-06 Springfield caliber
22" six groove button-rifled barrel
1:10" RH twist
4 Round detachable box magazine
Pump action
Single Stage Trigger
7 lug (three rows) breech bolt
Recessed bolt face
Rotating bolt
Side ejection
Gold bead raised ramp front sight/ w a sight hood
Click adjustable rear sight
Lightweight aluminum receiver
Checkered walnut stock
Checkered walnut forearm
Crowned muzzle
Hinged floor plate, detachable box magazine
Recoil pad
5-1/4 lbs. trigger pull
13-5/8" length of pull
19-3/4" sight radius
1-1/4" drop at comb
1-1/2" drop at heel
39 5/8“" overall length
7 lbs. 3 oz.

The difference in receiver length between short actions and long actions appears to be about ¾”.

Repairs

My research shows that Browning depends on a natural product called Kanabe to coat its stocks, but that is not verified.  Citristrip has been reported as one of the better ways to remove the Browning epoxy type finish.  For minor repairs on the polyurethane finished Browning stocks, try Lemon Pledge or something similar.  I have not found a source for aftermarket stocks.  See below for information on factory replacement stocks from Midwest Gun Works (MGW).

If you ever have the stock and forearm off, I highly recommend that you apply a good coat of wood oil to the interior of both.  There is no finish on the inside.  If you want to strip and refinish the stock, here is a link to a process that results in a beautiful finish.  http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2702095.  It is the third post down and make sure you take heed of the checkered area warnings.

I have not found any information on any gunsmiths who do trigger work on the BPR other than MGW.  I would assume any that work on the BAR could work on the BPR.

Besides the information on Browning’s website concerning repairs and parts, I have found that Midwest Gun Works (MGW) seems to be the best source for getting what you need.  http://www.midwestgunworks.com.  They also have a good selection of parts and  diagrams. 

and some parts also. 

I have not found a Browning Field Service Manual for the BPR.  I have also not found any detailed assembly/disassembly instructions for it.  Personally, I have not found it to be difficult to disassemble or reassemble.  It is very much like the BAR.  Just pay attention to the parts relationship if you choose to have a go at it.

Commemoratives - Specials

None are known to exist.


Caliber Interchangeable Magazines

JFYI some of the BPR magazines (long vs. short action specific) are interchangeable.  Many are marked as being multiple caliber.

They are the same as BAR MK II magazines.

.243 & 308 interchange - four round

270 & 30-06 interchange - four round

7mm - three round

300 WM - three round

The Dualis magazine holds four standard rounds and three magnum rounds.  It is assumed that they also offer some interchangeability.

Conclusion

I will conclude this article by saying that the research into the BPR/Dualis has been very challenging and educational.  I hope I got everything right and I really strived to verify any information that has been presented.

I would ask that if you find any new information or conflicting information, that you contact me through the PumpRifle site and let me have an opportunity to review your sources and make additions or corrections as needed.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. (reminded via the courtesy of our friend Byron LeClerc)
Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn "wouldn't want to leave this Earth any other way than how he did," his wife told CNN, a day after she learned her husband was one of 30 U.S. service members killed in a helicopter crash Saturday in Afghanistan. "He loved his job," Kimberly Vaughn said. "There was no way -- even if you could tell him that this would have happened he would have done it anyway. All those men are like that. They're selfless."
Much is made of the single-day's loss or of the loss of so many "special forces" or SEALS all without an understanding of what has truly been lost. Yes, we lost 30 of the finest that the US military had trained and yes, we lost them in all one day. BUT, what we've truly lost is our ability to put this in perspective. Too many of us have lost the ability to see or care about each family that lost their son, their father or their husband. Too many of us have lost the knowledge that we've suffered worse losses in a single-day many times and that those men and women were lost to their families as well. Too many of us have lost our memory of so many who have sacrificed to make it possible for us to live in freedom and liberty. Too many of us have lost our willingness to offer ourselves up in defense of our country, our national ideals, and our constitutionally expressed freedoms and liberties. We see this in a "church" that abuses the survivors of our defenders. We see this in our representatives who instead represent their own personal interests rather than the well-being of our constitutional republic.
 
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Less than 1% of our country steps up to do this for the country. How many step up for God? How many step up for their neighbor?

Monday, August 08, 2011

Notes from the gun shop...

While we did a tolerable amount of business and did several background checks today, things seemed to be a bit slow. Oh, we talked about yesterday's silhouette match. We worked on a couple of guns. We wished our co-worker Lewis well. We re-arranged things and cleaned a bit. But not much happened. The best gun we saw today was a Smith and Wesson .22 Magnum Rimfire revolver with 8-3/8" barrel. The man who brought it in had just paid $250 for it. Finish was in excellent condition. Bore looked good. The problem? The ejector rod had backed out and tied up the gun. A bit of surreptitious and carefully applied "force" and the gun was open and the ejector rod properly secured. One other thing of note happened. We had more than a couple of people come in to buy ammo for guns and allowed as they had better get it now before the government tried to take it or economic circumstances made acquisition otherwise difficult. A word to the wise...

Sunday, August 07, 2011

First silhouette match...

Dead-eye Dick making a "run" of 7 chickens...
Well, I'd say I was humbled but considering I didn't ever get the chance to properly prepare for the match I'm not that disappointed.  Oh, I didn't do so well at first, only getting 2 chickens on the first bank but cleaned the second.  However, things went down hill from there.  I had no idea where to hold on any of the other targets because I didn't get to try the gun and ammo combination prior to the match.  I had a rough zero.  I did manage to get a turkey and a couple of rams.  One ram was hit in the base knocking it backwards from under the target and making the ram fall forward of the stand.  A little bit of drop there.  But not being properly zeroed was the least of my problems.  I was pretty darn shaky today.  I need practice!

Practice has been a big problem for me the past few years.  I need time to go to the range to practice.  Nana seems to think that my time is her time.  We'll have to make adjustments so that I have time to practice.  With practice I can be better.  Nana even mentioned that was so. 

I used my Thompson Center Arms Contender with 21" .22 LR Match barrel, a Norinco scope (since removed), and 1980s vintage Winchester high velocity 40 gr. round nose ammo.  

P.S. I guess I didn't say that I got 15 out of 40!  I can shoot better but I did not. 

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Tyler-T Grip Adapter

Colt Official Police with Tyler T-Grip Adapter
As mentioned in an earlier article, I like the Tyler-T Grip Adapters.  I have them on a lot of my revolvers.  Properly installed they are very stable and reliable and they work well with my hands and factory grips/stocks.  Unfortunately there's some bad news out there in the world of Tyler Manufacturing.

As has been noted, Melvin Tyler (who developed the product) died about 10 years ago.  His son-in-law Brian took over management of the business and now he has passed.  The remaining family is attempting to keep things going.  They have not taken down the web site and continue to take orders and may be continuing to produce grip adapters.  However they seem to have no understanding of customer service and are devoting little to no effort in that regard.

What appears to be happening is that after the loss of Brian no announcement was made and orders continued to come in.  Family in attempting to keep the business going accepted those orders and cashed checks.  Apparently they lost their facility, likely due to the vagaries of probate and lease conditions, and had to move the production equipment.  Inexperience likely delayed that process.  Orders continued to come in and be accepted (and more checks cashed to fund the move).  Communications ground to a halt.  As production started or continued the new "staff" had to learn "how to" which resulted in yet lower production rates.  I know that the anodizing is done by another firm and they appear to work on their own schedule.  The upshot is that no customers are happy.  While they might be shipping product, nobody is reporting receipt of product and so nobody knows that product might be coming out of the company but EVERYBODY tells and repeats the horror stories of orders unfilled, calls un-returned, checks cashed months ago, etc.  The Oklahoma Attorney General's office has received a great many complaints but can't give any further information and denies any jurisdiction.  This is all very sad as this company's reputation is now trashed and for no reason.

However, as often happens, the Tyler-T Grip Adapter is seemingly more in demand as cultists adherents try to get their grip adapters before they are "all gone".  Prices have gone through the roof rising from the MSRP of about $30 to as much as $250 (perhaps more by now) on the internet auction sites.  Most people who are willing to sell are asking $60-100 for each adapter.  When the madness ends, and it will, I wonder, how will those folks who bought at those prices feel?  I know how I'd feel.  I suggest that you wait it out.  There are other options for compact grips/stocks that don't stick to clothing when carried concealed.  The likelihood is that the company is in fact going to produce and ship or another manufacturer will step in and take advantage of the market vacuum.



Now that there's an unfilled demand somebody has stepped up to fill it! BK Grips or you can e-mail him directly. He also has an ad up on The High Road.



Now we find that the 800-number is disconnected and the web-page(s) taken down. Very sad. For those looking at those currently in the market here's a chart...

#1 For ALL Smith & Wesson "J" frames; models: 30, 31, 34, 36, 37, 38, 47, 60, 63, 649, ect..., made after 1955. Chief, Kit Gun, Bodyguard, Centennial, hand Ejector, ect, also most Charter Arms, Rossi 38 Special, Taurus 85, R.G. Model 31. All guns must have standard factory panel grips, will not fit oversize or rubber grips.

#2 For Smith & Wesson "J" frame revolvers made before 1955. Chief, Terrier, etc. Also for EIG E9, INA, Tiger, Llama X111, some late model Charter Arms, with standard grips.

#3 For ALL Smith & Wesson "K" and "L" SQUARE BUTT frame revolvers; models: 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 48, 64, 65, 66, 67, 547, 581, 586, ect...,. Also fits Astra Cadix, Falcon Revolvers with standard size regular grips, will not fit oversize grips. SQUARE BUTT "K" & "L" FRAMES.

#3R For ALL Smith & Wesson "K" & "L" frame ROUND BUTT: models: 10, 12, 13, 19, 64, 65, 66, 547, 586, ect... and all "K" frame ROUND BUTT models with regular standard size grips, will not fit oversize grips.

#4 For ALL Smith & Wesson "N" frame; models: 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, 57, 58, 629, ect... Patrolman, Outdoorsman, Target Military, 1918 Military, also Miroku, Aster 357, Llama Heavy Frame Revolvers all with standard size grips, will not fit oversize grips. Round or Square butt does not matter for N-Frame Revolvers.

COLT REVOLVERS

#5 For Colt "D" frame Round or Square Butt models. Agent, Cobra, Detective Special, Diamondback, Police Positive made after 1941, with standard size grips.

#6 For Colt "I" & "J" frame models. Python, Trooper, Official Police, Officers Model, Target, 357, MK III, New Service, 1918 Army, with standard size grips.

#7 For Colt, old model made before 1941, Police Positive, Police Positive Special, Detective Special, this model has a very narrow butt, narrow between trigger guard and butt stock, Grips are 1 1/2" at bottom width.

RUGER REVOLVERS

#8 For Ruger, Security Six, Speed Six, Police Service Six, Red Hawk Revolvers with standard factory grips.



As of 25 Jul 2011....

ATTENTION CUSTOMERS:

------------------------------------------------

Tyler Manufacturing has resumed production of the TYLER T-GRIPS and TRIGGER SHOES. After a lengthy family conflict I have been successful in taking over the ownership and management of Tyler Manufacturing. As of July 25, 2011 over 1000 shiny and flat black T-GRIPS have been manufactured and will be received by Tyler's customers within the next 7 to 10 days.

I would like to extend my sincerest sympathies for the practices of the previous owners/managers of Tyler. I have made it my priority as the new owner/operator to fill EVERY back order immediately. I will post weekly, my production list of all completed finishes and sizes of T-GRIPS AND TRIGGER SHOES. These updates will continue until appropriate office help can be hired to answer your questions. Address changes have been logged and applied and your letters have been read. Although I am not able to respond to every request, I hope this update and receipt of your orders will be a satisfactory response for now.

As of this date, I have produced over 200 back ordered TRIGGER SHOES. However, not all back orders of TRIGGER SHOES have been completed, most have been done in flat black. Bronze and Aluminum finish TRIGGER SHOES and T-GRIPS are the next items to be produced and mailed.

My business practices are far different than what many of you have previously experienced in dealings with Tyler Manufacturing this last year. I have taken a leave of absence from my law enforcement career to focus on the day to day operations of Tyler and will continue to do so to ensure the company's success.

My intent is to have inventory and orders shipped out as they are received instead of back orders or custom made items. This means that all trigger shoes will be manufactured in black once the back orders have been completed, and bronze items will be available for a limited run in both T-GRIPS AND TRIGGER SHOES.

Also, as soon as possible, Tyler will have a new web site.

I look forward to doing business with you.

Sincerely,

Bryan Matthews, Jr.

Friday, August 05, 2011

This week...

Even though I've got a match on Sunday Nana got a wild hair and scheduled a painter to come and paint our her front porch.  Of course that made me stay at home while she went to appointments and then, because painting the porch floor/deck when it is rotten is a useless exercise, I had to patch the floor.  Yesterday, I replaced 16 full boards and put in two "patches" or sections with partial boards.  Only took me 9 full hours with a 1 hour lunch break to complete that task and I wouldn't have gotten done but for Nana priming the bottom of the flooring.  I've got to tell you, the hard part was getting the first full board out without damaging all the other flooring.

Because I work today and tomorrow there'll be no time for practice.  We'll see what happens on Sunday.

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

No shooting...

I was planning to do some shooting today to get ready for the silhouette match this Sunday.  However, Nana wanted me to watch her new painter work and to tear down the trellises from the back porch.  I then had to keep a promise and go to work to help number some prints.  Then I went to see my friend Jim Carroll in the hospital in Fishersville.  Jim has pancreatic cancer and I don't see him (or any of my friends) nearly enough.  His wife Mary Lou and sister were there as were Scott and Missy Fielding.  Had a good if short visit as he was getting tired.  Prayed a bit on the way home and after I got here. 

Monday, August 01, 2011

Notes from the gun shop...

Oh, how I wish there was a lot to tell about today.  Not much though.  Did do five background checks which all went right through.  Sold some ammo.  Listened to people getting excited about hunting season despite the heat (wishful thinking?).  But overall, it seemed to be really slow.