PRD1
Member
A fellow member of the Historical Arms Society of Tucson (AZ) - HAST - passed this on to me with a request to help in identifying it (if possible). The tag which is attached says it is a Colt-Franklin experimental model: it certainly is a toolroom model in incomplete condition, but certainly is NOT a Colt-Franklin. That rifle is a bolt action type with a 'gravity-feed' magazine extending upward from the right side of the receiver. This specimen is a slide-action type and obviously intended to use a single-stack detachable box magazine. It is unlike any other rifle I/we have been able to identify.
It has features which make me think it is likely European in origin (perhaps 'liberated' from some museum or factory): It has a 32 3/8" barrel of true 8mm bore (.315" bore and .327" grooves) - 4 lands and grooves of about equal width and of pitch suitable for smokeless powder velocities. The barrel is obviously purpose-made for this experiment, since the breech incorporates integral rails/grooves intended to support and guide the operating slide rods. Also most of the dimensions of cuts and features are apparently metric, rather than inch-based. The only (apparently) contemporary detachable single-stack magazine I'm familiar with is the Lee, and the trigger guard and latch of this specimen are very much like the Lee, though the interior of the stock has not been opened sufficiently to permit insertion of a magazine, and the clearance slot in the bottom of the receiver is only 8mm wide; too narrow to permit passage of any known rifle cartridge of the dimensions appropriate to this action. The chamber is incomplete, having been drilled straight to a depth of about 1 1/4", and at about 11mm - 7/16" diameter.
There are numerous very evident file marks on the metal parts (see the photo of the tang behind the hammer), and the wood shows scraping and file work, as well. The stock is made of 2 flat planks joined longitudinally, and the seam is clearly evident for the full length of the stock. The buttplate is an unremarkable steel military type.
An unusual feature is the 'knob' sticking up behind the hammer. The hammer has a half-cock notch, and, when fully cocked, will not release until a small lever in the bottom of the receiver is depressed - evidently a safety feature.
The cutouts in the stock below the receiver, taken with the round bosses on the slide arms make it likely that the bolt tipped up to unlock and down to lock, with cam slots in dependent 'ears' on the bolt mating with the slide bosses, and the seats on the top of the receiver are reminiscent of the locking mechanism of the 1890 Winchester.
The purpose of the slot and cross pin hole in the receiver ring is not clearly evident, but is perhaps for a rear sight, not otherwise provided for on the model as is now exists.
All metal parts except the slide handle were originally in the white, and have acquired a patina except for that portion of the barrel breech which is normally covered by the operating slide 'handle'. The stock is also lighter colored where it was protected by the slide.
The 'handle' of the slide is smooth sheet steel, with a welded seam on the bottom, and is not likely intended as the final form, should the design prove workable - it would be too slick and cold for field use, I think.
There are no markings on any part of the rifle, except the white ink 'GLL' on the top of the butt. The tag could have been attached at any time, and may originate from a seller: the information is suspect. The 'GLL' marking could also have originated from a collection, a museum, or a seller.
I am attaching a number of photos, and apologize for their quality, but I think they convey as much information as possible about the rifle, and hope they prove useful.
Any input appreciated!
PRD1 - mhb - MIke
It has features which make me think it is likely European in origin (perhaps 'liberated' from some museum or factory): It has a 32 3/8" barrel of true 8mm bore (.315" bore and .327" grooves) - 4 lands and grooves of about equal width and of pitch suitable for smokeless powder velocities. The barrel is obviously purpose-made for this experiment, since the breech incorporates integral rails/grooves intended to support and guide the operating slide rods. Also most of the dimensions of cuts and features are apparently metric, rather than inch-based. The only (apparently) contemporary detachable single-stack magazine I'm familiar with is the Lee, and the trigger guard and latch of this specimen are very much like the Lee, though the interior of the stock has not been opened sufficiently to permit insertion of a magazine, and the clearance slot in the bottom of the receiver is only 8mm wide; too narrow to permit passage of any known rifle cartridge of the dimensions appropriate to this action. The chamber is incomplete, having been drilled straight to a depth of about 1 1/4", and at about 11mm - 7/16" diameter.
There are numerous very evident file marks on the metal parts (see the photo of the tang behind the hammer), and the wood shows scraping and file work, as well. The stock is made of 2 flat planks joined longitudinally, and the seam is clearly evident for the full length of the stock. The buttplate is an unremarkable steel military type.
An unusual feature is the 'knob' sticking up behind the hammer. The hammer has a half-cock notch, and, when fully cocked, will not release until a small lever in the bottom of the receiver is depressed - evidently a safety feature.
The cutouts in the stock below the receiver, taken with the round bosses on the slide arms make it likely that the bolt tipped up to unlock and down to lock, with cam slots in dependent 'ears' on the bolt mating with the slide bosses, and the seats on the top of the receiver are reminiscent of the locking mechanism of the 1890 Winchester.
The purpose of the slot and cross pin hole in the receiver ring is not clearly evident, but is perhaps for a rear sight, not otherwise provided for on the model as is now exists.
All metal parts except the slide handle were originally in the white, and have acquired a patina except for that portion of the barrel breech which is normally covered by the operating slide 'handle'. The stock is also lighter colored where it was protected by the slide.
The 'handle' of the slide is smooth sheet steel, with a welded seam on the bottom, and is not likely intended as the final form, should the design prove workable - it would be too slick and cold for field use, I think.
There are no markings on any part of the rifle, except the white ink 'GLL' on the top of the butt. The tag could have been attached at any time, and may originate from a seller: the information is suspect. The 'GLL' marking could also have originated from a collection, a museum, or a seller.
I am attaching a number of photos, and apologize for their quality, but I think they convey as much information as possible about the rifle, and hope they prove useful.
Any input appreciated!
PRD1 - mhb - MIke
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