Why doesn't anyone produce new historic military firearms?

[Salt Flat]

I would always choose an original arm over any kind of replica if possible. It is the idea that the firearm is part of history. Most originals were built to high quality specs that are hard to duplicate. I suppose if you are purely a shooter you wouldn't care about the history but then why not just buy the new Ruger? Think about some of the M1 Carbine replicas and the Federal Ordnance 03a3's--ugh! (Uberti is one of the few quality replica makers and I do like RCS's Russian---nice!) IMHO Salt Flat

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[mrclark303]

I would always choose an original arm over any kind of replica if possible. It is the idea that the firearm is part of history. Most originals were built to high quality specs that are hard to duplicate. I suppose if you are purely a shooter you wouldn't care about the history but then why not just buy the new Ruger? Think about some of the M1 Carbine replicas and the Federal Ordnance 03a3's--ugh! (Uberti is one of the few quality replica makers and I do like RCS's Russian---nice!) IMHO Salt Flat

I would agree, I guess that's why we are members of Milsurps..

Though I would agree reproduction firearms have their place, they arn't for me.

A certain UK Firearms dealer was selling "new" SMLE'S a few years back, based on NOS WW2 dispersal action bodies and bolts, built up with new barrels and woodwork.

No history, sanitised and really not terribly well finished (At least the examples I have seen).

[Colonel Enfield]

For a lot of arms it's not economically worthwhile because there's still plenty of originals about at affordable prices - but for others, such as the Mauser C96 9mm pistol or the Webley Mk IV .38 revolver - I'm genuinely surprised Norinco or Uberti aren't making reproductions of them (with the Webley chambered for .38 Special).

I mean, it's apparently economically viable for Uberti to make a repro of a Colt Percussion Conversion centrefire pistol (how many people realistically want one of those?) but making a Webley Mk IV in .38 Special is apparently not worth it for anyone.

[browningautorifle]

the Mauser C96 9mm pistol

I'd think it would be inordinately expensive to reproduce.

[mrclark303]

I'd think it would be inordinately expensive to reproduce.

You only have to strip a C96 down to see what a complex and expensive pistol it would be to reproduce ... Some really serious machining and hand fitting required!

[browningautorifle]

How about a new semi-auto Thompson?

The other ones that fired from a closed bolt were a pain compared to a real one...I guess once you've been spoiled by a real one you're spoiled...

Some really serious machining and hand fitting required!

That was what I was picturing, the whole mechanism in hand after being lifted out of the body. That would be another thing...so, they'd have to simplify that too.

[Eaglelord17]

For a lot of arms it's not economically worthwhile because there's still plenty of originals about at affordable prices - but for others, such as the Mauser C96 9mm pistol or the Webley Mk IV .38 revolver - I'm genuinely surprised Norinco or Uberti aren't making reproductions of them (with the Webley chambered for .38 Special).

I mean, it's apparently economically viable for Uberti to make a repro of a Colt Percussion Conversion centrefire pistol (how many people realistically want one of those?) but making a Webley Mk IV in .38 Special is apparently not worth it for anyone.

Tons of people want old west style guns. Part of the reason it is viable for companies to make modern repros of 1880s and earlier guns is simply due to the fact the quantity of those firearms produced were relatively low (limitations of technology etc.) and the condition the originals tend to be in is fairly poor. Coupled with the fact that since the condition is crap and the price is high very few people can reasonably afford to shoot a original.

A C96 Mauser was a very expensive firearm to produce, now it would be even worse. A better option might be that Spanish 'copy' which was simplified as it is very similar (I believe it had the name Astra 700 or something of that nature) appearance wise but would be easier to make. In regards to the Webley in .38 special, your really starting to push the limits of that design with that caliber. Generally speaking most people are more interested in swing out cylinders, and generally prefer it to be .357 so they can choose between .38 or .357.

Another thing I just remembered there are companies making M1 Carbine repros and such and they tend not to sell to well as most people are willing to buy a original rather than take a repro.

[Colonel Enfield]

Tons of people want old west style guns. Part of the reason it is viable for companies to make modern repros of 1880s and earlier guns is simply due to the fact the quantity of those firearms produced were relatively low (limitations of technology etc.) and the condition the originals tend to be in is fairly poor. Coupled with the fact that since the condition is crap and the price is high very few people can reasonably afford to shoot a original.

A C96 Mauser was a very expensive firearm to produce, now it would be even worse. A better option might be that Spanish 'copy' which was simplified as it is very similar (I believe it had the name Astra 700 or something of that nature) appearance wise but would be easier to make. In regards to the Webley in .38 special, your really starting to push the limits of that design with that caliber. Generally speaking most people are more interested in swing out cylinders, and generally prefer it to be .357 so they can choose between .38 or .357.

It would go without saying that a repro Webley would have to be a bit beefier to handle the cartridge. Alternatively you could chamber it for 9mm Parabellum perhaps?

I've heard the C96 was like an intricate and diabolical clock inside so a modern repro would have to be simplified - I suspect most of the intented market really want the external appearance (because it is very cool) combined with modern metallurgy and firearms technology advances.

[browningautorifle]

the C96 was like an intricate and diabolical clock inside

It's artwork...yes, they'd need to simplify it. Then the gun was rust blued by hand outside only. The one I had was still in the white inside.