Stuck magazine catch pin?

[Woodsy]

Several years ago I purchased a .30 AN M2 Browning aircraft gun at auction that was listed as 'welded shut' but very good condition. I put an appropriately low postal bid and won the gun, and was very surprised (and pleased) to see that the 'weld' was hardened cosmoline. Kerosene and a hair dryer solved the problem and I now own a mint, unfired Savage .30 AN M2!

[browningautorifle]

I now own a mint, unfired Savage .30 AN M2

That would be gorgeous...got pics?

[Woodsy]

My gun is pictured on page 463, The Browning Machine Gun, Vol 1, by Dolf Goldsmith. If you want photos on this site I will have to re-photograph it as I have no pictures of it on the computer.

[Vincent]

My gun is pictured on page 463, The Browning Machine Gun, Vol 1, by Dolf Goldsmith. If you want photos on this site I will have to re-photograph it as I have no pictures of it on the computer.

I would love to see some good detailed pictures.

The one I have needs a lot of work.

Attachment 64926

[Woodsy]

Vincent, your gun appears to be a .303 Mk II. I have a tidy cut-away of that model as well so I will post pictures of both models. they are essentially the same dimensions but the .303 Mk II has a different barrel shroud and flash hider. Your .303 flash hider is the later version and mine is the earlier, but the gun is the same. Give me a day or so to get this sorted (I am busy laying bathroom tiles for she who must be obeyed!).

[browningautorifle]

I had a full set of parts for one of those a dozen years ago. They came from a trophy gun that was sitting in a conference room in an undisclosed camp I was posted to. The gun remains, but the full parts set left. They since found a home locally but I believe have not seen light since. Sad actually...they were in .303.

[Beginner]

Took some quick pics with my phone of the clearest markings, the gun has been refinished at some point. A quick google search told me the SLAZ-markings are for Slazenger. Didn't know they did BREN parts, cool!

Most interested in the markings under the barrel lock lever, looks like someone practiced making markings there! Any help in decyphering them (sorry for low quality pics)?

I guess the gun is a bog standard BREN put together from mismatched parts but it is a precious jewel to me regardless, heh.
Attachment 64976
Attachment 64977
Attachment 64978
Attachment 64979
Attachment 64980


Thanks!

[Peter Laidler]

MA/52/FTR = FTR at Lithgow in 1952. L-arrow-19 Lithgow Examiners mark. The persons name will be recorded somewhere in the archives? Arrow/crown/E/97, same but an Enfield examiners mark. SLAZ 4? pistol grip you know. Butt, SLAZ 1951 same but what is interesting is that contrary to what I thought, production of Mk1 butts recommenced after it was discontinued during the simplification programme of 43/44?

The 'S' on the barrel indicates that you have the second barrel fitted. There was a tacit instruction that we didn't mark the second barrel with a S because the dopey crunchies would think it indicated SPARE. They'd shoot the shxx out of the first barrel instead of using both barrels equally................

Just a bog standard Mk1 Enfield made Bren. What about the serial number? Probably taken to Australia by Aust Forces returning from the Desert. FTR'd there during the large rebuild programme after the fright inflicted on the UN by the N-Koreans in the early 50's where they fought the UN to a standstill

Next question?

[browningautorifle]

They'd shoot the shxx out of the first barrel instead of using both barrels equally................

Peter, I'm surprised at that statement...we did that anywayzzz.

[Beginner]

Thanks Peter, you really know your stuff! Serial is K.69XX. The barrel is not matching in number to rest of gun.