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3 weeks ago | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
The Herstal, Belgium, firm of Anciens Etablissements Pieper was apparently expecting big things when, in 1908, it named its new semi-automatic pocket pistol “Bayard.” First mentioned in a 12th century French manuscript, Bayard was described as a highly intelligent magical bay horse that could change his size to accommodate up to four riders, was able to understand human speech and was capable of extraordinary feats of strength.
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1 month ago | 
gunsandammo.com | Garry James
Silencers have been used by law enforcement, military and civilians since the 19th century. Silencers were developed in Switzerland, and later improvements and modifications enhanced the device. Most notable was the design by firearms legend Hiram Maxim who patented his in 1909. With the relaxation in federal proscriptions, they are receiving a new renaissance with American shooters.
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Jan 16, 2025 | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
The old saw “never bring a knife to a gun fight” is somewhat moot when one is armed with a Rodgers knife pistol—a clever percussion-fired defensive arm composed of both blades and barrel. To be sure, by the mid-19th century when this particular piece made its appearance, combination arms were nothing new.
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Nov 25, 2024 | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
Montenegro, a moderately sized country on the Balkan Peninsula that today shares borders with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia, has a long, fascinating history that, unfortunately, is far too convoluted to be adequately covered in the space provided here.
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Nov 19, 2024 | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
Q. My husband owns an antique fowling piece, and we wish to establish a possible date range during which it could have been made. It is interesting to note that the barrel is from a Springfield Model 1816 smoothbore musket mated to a custom Atkinson lock and beautiful half stock. It seems doubtful that Atkinson is the maker of this piece, although it may be possible. We hope that you will be able to shed a little bit more light and knowledge about this gun. A.
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Oct 20, 2024 | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
Q. I acquired a revolver that I believe is missing some parts. Can you help me figure out what I’ve got? A. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate any diagrams or patent drawings of your Gross Arms Pocket Revolver, so I can’t confirm whether yours is missing any parts. I can tell you that the piece was manufactured by the Gross Arms Co. of Tiffin, Ohio (owned by Charles B. and Henry Gross), between 1864 and 1866. Apparently only a few hundred were manufactured.
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Sep 30, 2024 | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
Though Switzerland broke the ice by choosing the semi-automatic German Parabellum as its official sidearm as early as 1900, the accolade for the first major military power to adopt a self-loading handgun goes to Austria-Hungary and the Roth-Steyr Model 1907.
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Jul 23, 2024 | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
Q. Recently, at auction, I bought a “Savage Navy Revolver,” something I have wanted for a long time. It’s in good order and is a solid brute of a thing, but apart from the “Savage R.F.A. Co. Middleton, CT” stamp on the barrel, there are no other markings at all except for the serial number “1620” in three places: the frame; under the barrel; and on the sideplate. I’ve looked up what information I can find on the Internet and Mr. John F.
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Jul 15, 2024 | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
Though today the name “Webley” is the one that most often comes to mind when discussing British revolvers, James and Philip Webley’s premier revolver offering, their single-action “Longspur” percussion repeater first seen in 1853—while a creditable design—was largely eclipsed at the time by the double-actions of Robert Adams and William Tranter. The Longspur went through three variants, at least selling in enough numbers to keep the firm afloat.
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Jun 5, 2024 | 
americanrifleman.org | Garry James
Q. I own an unusual gun that is in the form of a key with a mechanism that is quite sophisticated and intriguing. The bore is .30-caliber, and the gun fires with percussion caps. Overall length is 8" and it is stamped Serial No. 27. I’ve had a lot of trouble finding information on this obscure piece of history. Can you help? A. Key pistols have been known since the 17th century and continued to be manufactured until the mid-1800s.
