# This old rifle! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 19, 2017, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018 "2017-05-19T18:23:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/21 "2017-05-20T03:17:51Z")
I don’t own a notable old rifle other than my grandad’s .22. It dates back to the 1930’s. I don’t know the brand. My most notable weapon is the Ruger single 6 revolver. My dad bought it around 1959. I inherited it after he passed away. [https://goo.gl/images/DO6Jkw](https://goo.gl/images/DO6Jkw) ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/22 "2017-05-20T04:10:09Z")
> [@Tranquilis](#): > > I’m a bit jealous of your carbine. That falls outside my current collecting bucket, so I’ve not bought one, but someday… > [@Scumpup](#): > > Ever since I was a wee lad I have coveted an M1 carbine. It was always my first pick from the footlocker when equipping my GI Joes. This was my Dad’s. I always knew it meant something to him (we always carried it in the camper whenever we went out), so I treasure it. Beautiful piece. But nobody “downstream” of me has any interest in it. Quite the opposite, actually. I’ll note your interest and maybe PM you some time in the future. I’d like to see it end up with someone who would appreciate it. I’m getting into “shedding” lately. Too much stuff, and nobody to love it. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/23 "2017-05-20T04:20:05Z")
I actually own an old rife that I’ve never seen. My grandfather owned dozens of firearms and after he died, quite a few cousins were given one by my grandmother. My family was excluded because my grandfather disliked my father. One cousin who had received a rifle died young. He was an only child and his mother offered it to me. Since keeping guns is illegal both in Japan and Taiwan, my aunt is holding the gun for me. This reminds me, I should find out what kind of gun I own. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/24 "2017-05-20T13:03:43Z")
I have a rifle and a shotgun that belonged to my grandfather. All I know about them is that they were made sometime between 1900 and 1910. I was surprised to be unable to find any kind of identifying info on them - these days just about everything has the manufacturer’s name stamped on it somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/25 "2017-05-20T14:26:31Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > This was my Dad’s. I always knew it meant something to him (we always carried it in the camper whenever we went out), so I treasure it. Beautiful piece. > > But nobody “downstream” of me has any interest in it. Quite the opposite, actually. > > I’ll note your interest and maybe PM you some time in the future. I’d like to see it end up with someone who would appreciate it. > > I’m getting into “shedding” lately. Too much stuff, and nobody to love it. I’ll give you book value and sing your praises on that day. I will also nickname my vintage GI Joe “Gatopescado” and display him with his carbine. ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/26 "2017-05-20T19:30:00Z")
Oldest I have is the red eagle Ruger Mk 1 I’ve mentioned here before. Shoots better than I do, and it’s not _that_ much of a PITA to clean. I do have a relative who’s gotten into the C&R thing head-first, with an entire bedroom filled with, (est) about 75 or so various military surplus bolt rifles. Nothing I saw too drool worthy at first glance, but I think he has fun with the whole thing. The M-1 carbine is about the easiest, most fun rifle to shoot in my limited experience. Something about the ergos just works with that gun. Easy for even newbs to pop cans within 25 yards, and they usually don’t mind the noise or recoil. Congrats on your new Mauser, **Tranquilis**. EDIT: **romansperson** , link a picture or two of the rifle/shotgun in question and post them here. We have a few knowledgeable firearms historians among the commentariat and I’ve been surprised before at what they can dig up with only the slightest of leads. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/27 "2017-05-20T19:34:40Z")
> [@Tranquilis](#): > > So, just have to ‘_glee_’ about something I’ve managed - I just recieved an antique rifle - 127 years old - in REALLY great shape. It’s a shooter,\*\*\*\*\* but I paid ‘wall-hanger’ prices for it. (It’s been in the works for a bit now - ground shipping can be slow) > > [Gewehr '88 “Commission”](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gewehr_1888) rifle, 1890 date of manufacture, Austrian Army issue. It’s in really good condition - The surface finish is about 70%, with some frosting and discolouration on the reciever, but no rust under the barrel jacket, and the bore is bright and clean with strong rifling. The stock is sound and clean, with only some mild storage and handling marks, and a small chip missing from near the bolt. I could swear it hardly was used at all. > > The biggest issue is that some helpful soul clipped the firing pin at some point, but it came with a replacement firing pin AND a replacement bolt - Turkish issue. Obviously, it’ll need a visit to teh gunsmith to check the chamber and headspace, but I expect those present no issues, and I expect to be shooting it soon. 🙂 > > It’s in actual better physical shape (other than finish) than my 1911-manufacture Mauser '93 (DWM, Peruvian contract), and that one itself is in beautiful condition. > What (shootable) old rifle have you? > > \*\*\*\*\*Bearing in mind its age, it WILL be checked carefully, FIRST! I’d make sure and slug the bore; those 1880s/1890s Mausers came in multiple variants of “8mm”, and beyond that, you’ll probably need to use the cooler M88 style ammo, not the spitzer bullet 1905 style rounds that most 8mm Mausers fire. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/28 "2017-05-21T00:32:48Z")
I believe I said in another thread but I have and shoot both a G-88 and a K-88 carbine. They are fun and both really good shooters. As for old, being into muzzleloaders since way before it became popular I’ve and and shot a lot of seriously vintage stuff. Back in the day all the international competition was required by the rules to be with originals since in some countries the ownership of repros is treated in the same harsh manner as ownership of modern firearms. The oldest in my safe right now is a fusil/fowler made in 1797 by a Hugh Rippy. It gets shot now and then and I carry it hunting now and then. Yeah – I know the risks. But between regular inspections (including x-ray) and all, I’m fine taking them. ---
**Author:** ![Dobbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Dobbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dobbs)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/29 "2017-05-21T01:20:15Z")
I’ve 4 worth mentioning (well, 3 rifles and a shotgun). 1903 Springfield Mk 1. The receiver is, anyway. It’s a CMP gun, so it was rebuilt. M1 Garand. Another CMP rifle. Yeah, there are millions of 'me out there, but mine has a 6 digit serial number, and the first digit is a 1. Built in Feb 1941 as near as I can tell, so likely saw action in WW2. Again, no other original parts. Serial #1 is at the NRA museum, and I’ve seen #99 at a gun show. I’ve not seen another 6 digit SN, but I’m sure they’re out there somewhere. Remington Model 12 .22, probably from mid to late 1920s. It was my grandfather’s, and is what I learned to shoot with. An old hardware store ‘your name here’ 12ga single shot shotgun. Belonged to my g granddad. Probably the cheapest gun I have, and the last I’d ever sell ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2017, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/30 "2017-05-21T01:30:33Z")
> [@Dobbs](#): > > M1 Garand. Another CMP rifle. Yeah, there are millions of 'me out there… ‘There are many like it, but this one is mine.’ 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2017, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/31 "2017-05-22T13:29:16Z")
> [@Tranquilis](#): > > _:: blink ::_ > Stumped me! I know _nothing_ about this rifle - must go google… 😛 > [@Chefguy](#): > > I have a '50s era JC Higgins (which may be what you meant) .22 bolt action, tube feed that my brother gave me for my 12th birthday. That was back when you could order them from Sears. Too funny - I was also looking up some auto parts when I typed the post and had JC Whitney on the brain! Of course I meant the rifle is a JC Higgins. My grandmother worked at Sears in the 50’s and bought it for my dad. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2017, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/32 "2017-05-22T16:03:10Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > Too funny - I was also looking up some auto parts when I typed the post and had JC Whitney on the brain! Of course I meant the rifle is a JC Higgins. My grandmother worked at Sears in the 50’s and bought it for my dad. Some of the Higgins/Ted Williams Sears stuff was pretty darn good. I’m pretty sure it was all major-brand-made just slightly clunkier/bulkier versions with less fancy finishes. I always liked it better than Western Field but that stuff wasn’t bad either. ---
**Author:** ![carlb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carlb/32/5930_2.png) [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/33 "2017-05-23T12:16:11Z")
Next time I drive to New Jersey to visit my folks, I’ll probably bring back my dad’s [Springfield Model 1896](http://www.nramuseum.com/guns/the-galleries/theodore-roosevelt-and-elegant-arms-1880s-to-1920s/case-31-a-splendid-little-war/us-springfield-model-1896-krag-bolt-action-rifle.aspx). I have no idea when it was last fired (certainly it’s been decades, maybe over half a century), but it seems (to this amateur) basically sound. It will definitely go to a gunsmith when I bring it home. At some point, the hardware for the sling was removed. Also, I think it might be a carbine (I’m going by the picture in my head), although I seem to remember looking up the serial number once and it was consistent with the full-sized rifle. So, who knows? ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/34 "2017-05-23T12:55:05Z")
> [@carlb](#): > > Next time I drive to New Jersey to visit my folks, I’ll probably bring back my dad’s [Springfield Model 1896](http://www.nramuseum.com/guns/the-galleries/theodore-roosevelt-and-elegant-arms-1880s-to-1920s/case-31-a-splendid-little-war/us-springfield-model-1896-krag-bolt-action-rifle.aspx). I have no idea when it was last fired (certainly it’s been decades, maybe over half a century), but it seems (to this amateur) basically sound. It will definitely go to a gunsmith when I bring it home. > > At some point, the hardware for the sling was removed. Also, I think it might be a carbine (I’m going by the picture in my head), although I seem to remember looking up the serial number once and it was consistent with the full-sized rifle. > > So, who knows? More than one old military rifle had the full-length stock cut down in an amateur attempt at sporterizing. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/35 "2017-05-23T13:17:40Z")
> [@kopek](#): > > Some of the Higgins/Ted Williams Sears stuff was pretty darn good. I’m pretty sure it was all major-brand-made just slightly clunkier/bulkier versions with less fancy finishes. I always liked it better than Western Field but that stuff wasn’t bad either. During and prior to the 70’s Sears was THE place to buy everything, including a [house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears_Catalog_Home). It’s sad to see how far they’ve fallen. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/36 "2017-05-23T13:57:08Z")
> [@kopek](#): > > Some of the Higgins/Ted Williams Sears stuff was pretty darn good. I’m pretty sure it was all major-brand-made just slightly clunkier/bulkier versions with less fancy finishes. I always liked it better than Western Field but that stuff wasn’t bad either. The guns were all made by [major manufacturers](https://www.amazon.com/Firecracker-Boys-H-Bombs-Environmental-Movement-ebook/dp/B00ZYL9QHI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1495462565&sr=1-1&keywords=firecracker+boys). Scroll down to “Models”. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/37 "2017-05-23T14:24:10Z")
> [@carlb](#): > > Next time I drive to New Jersey to visit my folks, I’ll probably bring back my dad’s [Springfield Model 1896](http://www.nramuseum.com/guns/the-galleries/theodore-roosevelt-and-elegant-arms-1880s-to-1920s/case-31-a-splendid-little-war/us-springfield-model-1896-krag-bolt-action-rifle.aspx). I have no idea when it was last fired (certainly it’s been decades, maybe over half a century), but it seems (to this amateur) basically sound. It will definitely go to a gunsmith when I bring it home. > > At some point, the hardware for the sling was removed. Also, I think it might be a carbine (I’m going by the picture in my head), although I seem to remember looking up the serial number once and it was consistent with the full-sized rifle. > > So, who knows? I LOVE Krags! I have several of the models, both full military and sporterized and they are fun shooters. The carbine is my favorite but I have a weakness for anything carbine. > [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > During and prior to the 70’s Sears was THE place to buy everything, including a [house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears_Catalog_Home). It’s sad to see how far they’ve fallen. Them and Monkey Wards. Our congregations first church came from the latter. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/38 "2017-05-23T16:57:43Z")
> [@Gray\_Ghost](#): > > EDIT: **romansperson** , link a picture or two of the rifle/shotgun in question and post them here. We have a few knowledgeable firearms historians among the commentariat and I’ve been surprised before at what they can dig up with only the slightest of leads. We’ve since figured out that the shotgun came from Montgomery Ward’s, which for some reason I find amusing. Don’t know much more than that at this point. The rifle is still a complete mystery. [Here’s some pics of that](https://goo.gl/photos/Ev6qw5tPkoFtaVKM7), including the serial number. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/39 "2017-05-23T17:24:34Z")
> [@romansperson](#): > > We’ve since figured out that the shotgun came from Montgomery Ward’s, which for some reason I find amusing. Don’t know much more than that at this point. The rifle is still a complete mystery. [Here’s some pics of that](https://goo.gl/photos/Ev6qw5tPkoFtaVKM7), including the serial number. Your rifle is a Savage model 99 with what are, I believe, aftermarket Lyman peep sights. The schnabel forearm does indicate a pre-WWII vintage. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018/40 "2017-05-23T17:28:48Z")
Ah…i see your pics can be zoomed. The aftermarket sight is a Redfield, not a Lyman. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-rifle/787018.md?page=3)