Today Ian is back with NFA specialist John Keene of the Morphy Auction Company to talk about US military machine guns. Specifically, how intact and original examples end up in the civilian market. Some models, like the Reising, as very easy to find in completely original condition (almost hard not to, really). Others, like the belt-fed Browning 1917 and 1919 models are very rare in original condition, and are almost always found as parts kits built on newly-registered receivers. What drives these differences?
Accessories
The Best Operational Briefcase: American 180 & Laser Sight
The “American 180 Security Briefcase” is the best execution of the operational briefcase concept that I have yet seen. The idea is simple; hide a submachine gun inside an ordinary looking briefcase so that it […]
Select-fire Rifles
Estonian R20L Designated Marksman’s Rifle in 7.62x51mm
Alongside their new 5.56mm R20 infantry rifles, Estonia has recently adopted the LMT 7.62x51mm MARS-H as its new designated marksman’s rifle; the R20L. These rifles were part of a single rifle contract, with the vast […]
Bolt Action Rifles
Remington-Lee Model 1899: A Final Smokeless Version
This is Lot #1230 in the upcoming December 2020 RIA Premier auction. The Model 1899 was the last pattern of the Remington Lee Military Rifle, following the models of 1879, 1882, and 1885. In this final […]
Ian, gust curious, it appears that you have a new Watch. What watch do you have?
It’s a Marathon arctic GSAR.
Thank you. Looks nice on you !
Nice watch indeed. Just a bit of experience with these things – not sure if you have a solid billet or one with pins to hold the band. If the latter, you can say “goodbye” at some point to your “rugged” timepiece. I wish Bertucci made a dedicated diving watch but, for the money, I have never done better.
The focus on “collecting opportunities” rings somewhat hollow to someone born in 1986 mere months after the Hughes Amendment. As it stands, I’ll never be able to afford ANY machine guns, and with the current derangement of the ATF and their harassment of FFL’s including family friends, I no longer want a C&R license nor ANY NFA-controlled items.
Interesting comments about 1911’s not returned from Vietnam. My father was combat veteran served in Korea. Was in the Army reserve into the 1960’S. Called up and went to Vietnam in 1968. He was aware of the pistol situation. He purchased two Argentine 1911’s and smuggled them into Vietnam inside th e doors on the two big and slow 10 ton 6X6 trucks they used in convoys. Drivers carried them in shoulder holsters. Used with good effect several times in VC convoy ambush attacks