johnl
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Posts: 117
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Post by johnl on Mar 16, 2009 18:39:58 GMT -5
I've been looking for a 14 1/2 carbine (that I can afford) for years in vain. First there ain't a whole bunch of these out there and second they've gone up to the $2500-3000. Well, I lucked into this one in 38-40 on a smaller website for about 1/3 of what they've been going for. It's mostly plum with some fine pin-prick pitting here and there but the bore is very good and mechanically it is tight and seems to work as Remington intended. I'm happier than a pig in mud. John
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Post by Hardrada55 on Mar 16, 2009 19:35:20 GMT -5
Oh gee...! How could you be anything but happy with that? A 14 1/2 R is a holy grail for a lot of vintage rifle lovers. I think your gun looks real nice...! How many rounds does a 14 1/2 R hold? Have you shot this one? If so, how do they shoot? Hate to just ask a bunch of questions, but you don't run into these very often. Nice.
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johnl
Full Member
Posts: 117
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Post by johnl on Mar 16, 2009 19:59:46 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply! It really is a holy-grail of gun collecting - I've never seen one at a gun show or gun shop in this neck of the woods in the last 25 years. I was lucky to snag this one and I just received it today. So I haven't shot it yet and (embarassingly enough) I don't have any 38-40 ammo on hand so I'll have to get some after I clean it some more. It was filthy. The books says 8 rounds in the tube and 9 with one in the chamber. Should be fun.
John
John
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Post by koz5614 on Mar 16, 2009 20:26:18 GMT -5
Beautiful gun. I just happen to have two Remington "Green" boxes of 38-40 Win. laying around. They are 180gr SP. One box is missing 1 round. I was looking for a 14 1/2 but got sidetracked. If you are interested, PM me with an offer. Sorry if this should have gone in the other posting section, but it just fits so nicely here.
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Post by mule on Mar 16, 2009 23:02:49 GMT -5
I have shot one of these very fun to shoot thanks for sharing
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tbury
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Posts: 126
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Post by tbury on Mar 17, 2009 10:12:27 GMT -5
Love those 14s, I have one in 25 rem and another in 30 rem. I never had the jack to go after a 14 1/2. Congratulations. ;D
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johnl
Full Member
Posts: 117
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Post by johnl on Mar 17, 2009 14:57:19 GMT -5
I appreciate the comments. I've always like the 14 carbines - had a 14R in 30 rem that I foolishly let go a couple of years ago. The 14 1/2s are my favorites though. I can't imagine why they weren't more popular?
I never had the jack for a model 14 1/2 carbine either. For the first time in my life I was at the right place at the right time. Maybe I should play the lottery this week?
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Post by tnrifleman on Mar 17, 2009 18:56:29 GMT -5
johnl,
Congratulations on getting a fine old rifle that anyone on this forum would be very proud to own. Please let us know how she shoots!
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Post by imfuncity on Mar 17, 2009 23:41:35 GMT -5
What a great looking rifle!! And now another one that I've got to be on the look out for. Just when I think I'm there ... then you guys post another one. Sigh, what's a guy to do but get on the search wagon again! ;D And then have to go to those evil gun shows! Sure hope it comes in black too - just kidding on the black.
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johnl
Full Member
Posts: 117
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Post by johnl on Mar 19, 2009 9:37:52 GMT -5
I've nearly finished cleaning this gun - I've never had one so dirty - probably hasn't been cleaned in 50 years. Got some Black Hills ammo but it seemed that the mag spring was really weak. So I contacted Tom Hemphill and he sent me to Jim Peterson and with photos he came to some interesting conclusions.
First, the carbine is mostly original - excellent! Second the mag plug, mag spring, and follower are not - bummer! The plug is probably from a Winchester, but well-made, the spring is too short, and the follower is probably from a Model 14 - 35 caliber. The good news is that with a new spring this may all still work. I ordered a spring from Numrich. Tom and Jim are the best!
Other than that, I'm still working on the bore, which has no rust and very few pits but has a build up of powder fouling like you can't believe. Hoppe's No. 9 and approximately 50 patches later I'm still at it. The good news is that when I'm done the bore will be in the very good range at least.
As far as looking for one of these, patience is a virtue. There has been a couple on Gunbroker but they went for HUGE money. Luck will be a big factor in finding one but it will be worth it. The compact size of this carbine coupled with 8-9 shots quick is hard to beat.
John
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