25 April 2024 Garand Picture of the Day more FN Rebuilds

[Bob Seijas]

A fantastic character named Will Piznak who worked at SA and knew JCG well went through the war as an Ordnance officer in Paton's army. After the war, he was instrumental in getting the contract for FN which he said saved them from bankruptcy. Years later the Director of FN Rene Laloux came to New York with his genius designer Dieudonne Saive. He brought a custom-made FN49 for Will and an engraved hunting rifle for his wife. Will despised the guy for treating Saive like a servant, complete with snapping his fingers at him to get his attention. I saw both rifles, they were very showy.
He also helped SIG and they wanted to pay him. As a serving officer he would not accept money, and they asked him what they could do for him. Will was an avid gun collector, and they were standing in the SIG museum... Will pointed to a Mondragon in a display case and said, "Well, I don't have one of those." They whipped open the case and gave it to him. When will was dying of cancer, I bought it from him. It was mint perfect.