Gun show and pawn shop finds

On Saturday I went to a gun show out in the country about an hour from my home. That particular gun show tends to have more used guns and accessories than the bigger gun shows in my area. On the way to the show I saw a pawn shop that said "GUNS" on the building, so I stopped and checked what they had. They had a nice M1903 Mark I complete with a M1907 sling. I was interested but they were firm on the price and I wanted to see what was at the gun show first so I didn't buy it.

The show had several interesting older guns. There was a guy there who specializes in old gun sights. He had an entire display case full of old but excellent condition Lyman peep sights, enough for dozens of rifles. I bought some British web gear, an English-French phrase book from World War I with the American soldier's name and unit and the year 1918 inked in it, and this Steyr M95 short rifle. When I saw the stock I had to get it. It was full of cosmoline so it hasn't been fired since it was imported. The bore is in very good condition.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...omposite-1.jpg

On the way home I stopped at the pawn shop as they were closing up. I put cash a little under their asking price on the counter, and they accepted. The M1903 Mark I's metal and wood are in excellent condition. It has a 6-42 barrel that has a shiny bore.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SC04910a-1.jpg

The stock has the original inspector's initials (W.J.S.) and a S.A./S.P.G. mark from a rebuild at Springfield Armory (Stanley P. Gibbs).

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSC04897-1.jpg

Stippled buttplate

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSC04899-1.jpg

M1907 sling marking

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSC04901-1.jpg

There was a even surprise inside of the buttstock.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSC04905-1.jpg

So if you are passing through a town and see a pawn shop that sells guns, check them out. There might be something interesting inside.

Nice 03, the rifle is a WW II rework as indicated by the 42 barrel date.

nice grabs - both

Okay, you've had your luck for February.

When your luck comes in for March, we do hope you will post the nice pics of the Pederson Device along with that superb Mark 1!

And that Steyr has awfully nice striping, doesn't it? A real treat to see.

Very Nice Toys.
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If you plan to fire that Steyr carbine, make damm sure you have a GOOD set of earmuffs and a recoil pad on your shoulder. The recoil is NASTY.

Carcano Shorties also have a wicked muzzle blast. I have been handloading for mine with FAST powders and taming both recoil and blast.

Just keep the Shorty ammo away from the stuff for the long Rifles.
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I do not shoot my 95 carbine without the French Mle36/51 rubber slip on butt pad on it. Recoil is acceptable in the long rifle.

Found a bayonet for my Gras at the pawn shop last weekend. Nice shape, 1869, and a whole US$50.

Good buy jmoore! But if it is dated 1869, then it was actually made for the Chassepot rifle. Captain Basil Gras only submitted his rifle on 8th May 1873, and the rifle was introduced as the Mle. 1874. Since the Gras was a converted Chassepot, the bayonet will fit on both.

All that's understood. I think my Gras has dates of 1866, '77 and '80 on the receiver side. Maybe one more as well. If I find a Chassepot, then I'll say I found a needle gun to go with my bayonet! And the poor Gras will be incomplete again... Have yet to lay hands on a Chassepot, much less contemplate buying such. Shooting one would be an interesting exercise.

Then you have the same version as mine. And if you look carefully, I think you will find that it is marked not 1866, '77 and '80 but 1866-74 and 80.

1866 The year of introduction of the Chassepot rifle
1874 The year of introduction of the Gras rifle. I.e. you have a Chassepot needle rife converted to take the Gras cartridge.
1880 The "upgrade" with a gas escape groove milled in the left side of the receiver.

The bayonet is the right type for your rifle. Rifle + bayonet make an awesomely long combination.

:wave:
Patrick

You are correct! I missed that "'77" when going through the post. It is '74. Might do a thread on it one day, but it's not a spectacular example. But better than nothing.

Great finds.