Gevarm A6: An Open Bolt Semiauto .22 Sporting Rifle

Published on May 26, 2018
Duration: 13:56

This guide details the simple field stripping process for the Gevarm A6, an open-bolt semi-automatic .22 LR rifle from France. Expert Ian McCollum demonstrates how to access the internal components, including the unique adjustable recoil weight, by removing a single thumb screw. The process highlights the rifle's mechanical simplicity and emphasizes crucial safety procedures for handling firearms with an open-bolt design.

Quick Summary

The Gevarm A6 is a unique French .22 LR sporting rifle featuring an open-bolt semi-automatic action. Its simple design includes a fixed firing pin, no extractor, and a field-strippable action via a single thumb screw. The rifle's internal recoil system has an adjustable weight to tune cycling for different ammunition velocities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Gevarm A6
  2. 00:43Gevarm Model Variations
  3. 01:50Open-Bolt Mechanism Explained
  4. 02:24Legal and Import History (ATF)
  5. 03:14Accuracy vs. Simplicity Trade-offs
  6. 04:27Mechanical Simplicity and Extraction
  7. 05:48Range Demonstration and Operation
  8. 06:37Safety Procedures for Open-Bolts
  9. 08:34Field Stripping and Internal Weights
  10. 10:26Bolt Face and Firing Pin Design
  11. 12:06Barrel Markings and French Proofs

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Gevarm A6 unique among .22 rifles?

The Gevarm A6 is notable for its open-bolt semi-automatic action, a design more commonly found in submachine guns. This means the bolt stays open until the trigger is pulled, then cycles forward to chamber and fire a round.

How is the Gevarm A6 field stripped?

Field stripping is remarkably simple. After ensuring the rifle is unloaded, a single thumb screw on the receiver is loosened and removed, allowing the barreled action to be lifted out of the stock for access to internal parts.

Why were open-bolt firearms restricted in the US?

In the early 1980s, the ATF classified certain open-bolt firearms as too easily convertible to full-automatic fire, leading to import restrictions. However, firearms legally imported before these restrictions were grandfathered in.

What is the purpose of the adjustable weight in the Gevarm A6's recoil system?

The reversible weight inside the recoil spring guide allows the user to tune the rifle's cycling action. It can be positioned to optimize performance for either standard-velocity or high-velocity .22 LR ammunition.

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