Berdan Rifle from Ethiopia

[Aragorn243]

Finished cleaning it. Soldiered the rear sight back on, just put some flux on it clamped it and melted it back in place with the existing material that was still there. Stock just has been wiped/polished with linseed oil to get the gunk off and some light steel wool for the persistent stuff. The exposed metal was pretty much all wire wheeled to some extent I decided so I cold blued it to get it back to near where the untouched areas are. Bore also cleaned out but I can never successfully take photos of that.

One thing bugs me and it's the butt plate. I don't like that it extends beyond the base by a good bit. Thinking of filing it back to match the wood line. Opinions on that?

[Anzac15]

I like it! Wonder if there are any more?

[Singer B]

It cleaned up pretty well! Did the stock swell up any after you hydrated it with the linseed oil?

[Aragorn243]

Royal Tiger had 14 left as of yesterday. I do not see the stock swelling yet. I have hopes but I doubt that the little bit I'm rubbing in will do much.

[Aragorn243]

13 available as of today. I did manage to find out the round/oval punches are common on these. Another fellow has one with brass rings still embedded in the stock. Not sure what they are. This is an Sestroretsk Arsenal rifle which is the least common of the Russian made rifles. Everyone that is communicating on these is reporting they are all wire wheeled, so if ordering one, expect it.

[Calif-Steve]

I think a few came out of Spain, like 1960?? Ammo always hard to find. You will see them at the big gunshows. Not big sellers at all. The Berdan I is rare or is the Berdan II the rare bird. Not sure. Likely ammo is still in Mother Russia, not coming this way anytime soon.

[Aragorn243]

I got some accessories for it yesterday. Ordered an 8 pack of fired bullets from Russia. they remind me of the Civil War bullets you see for sale only of a caliber about half the size. Just thought they were neat and the price was right. Guy probably has an old range in his back yard.

[Dannyboy53]

Fascinating, this is my introduction to these rifles. Thanks Aragorn243