Videos tagged with Rock Island Auction House

This video showcases a rare Winchester Model 61 smoothbore rimfire shotgun, a unique variant of the classic .22 pump-action rifle. Brownells Gun Techs Steve Ostrem and Keith Ford discuss its historical context, referring to such firearms as "garden guns" used for pest control. They explain the "Rutledge bore" design, where the barrel flares out after the initial .22 caliber section to improve shot spread. While originally practical for clearing small pests, this well-preserved example is now considered a collectible curiosity.

This "From the Vault" video from Brownells features Steve and Keith at Rock Island Auction House showcasing a highly customized Mauser 98 sporter rifle with a significant historical connection. The rifle was a Christmas gift in 1940 from Hermann Göring, commander of the Nazi Luftwaffe, to Franz Gürtner, the Third Reich's Minister of Justice. Despite its association with controversial figures, the Mauser is presented as a remarkable example of gunsmithing artistry, boasting features like a detachable scope, color case-hardened receiver, double-set triggers, express sights, a full-length barrel rib, a drilling-style safety, lever-released floorplate, engraved bolt handle, horn grip cap, and a popup cheekpiece. It's also a takedown rifle for easy transport. The video touches on the rifle's journey from Germany to Illinois and the brief ownership by Gürtner before his death in 1941.

This entry details the field modifications observed on a Mannlicher 1888 carbine, as presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The carbine was cut down, and a new bayonet lug was fabricated, likely to accommodate an Arisaka Type 30 bayonet, suggesting Chinese modification. The sling swivel was also repositioned for improved carry.

This review of the Dutch Police Revolver highlights its unique external safety lever designed to lock the cylinder, preventing accidental discharge. The video details the specific Dutch police loading protocol, which involved a blank in the first chamber and tear gas in the second, ensuring the safety mechanism always presented the blank first. Technical specifications include a 9.4mm caliber and Belgian manufacturing origin.

The Mauser 1918 Tank Abwehr Gewehr was the world's first purpose-built anti-tank rifle, developed in response to early tank warfare. Chambered in the powerful 13.2mm TuF cartridge, it could penetrate 20mm of armor at 100 yards. Despite its immense power and 41-pound weight, it was produced in large numbers and influenced later designs like the .50 BMG.