johnl
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Posts: 117
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Post by johnl on Feb 19, 2010 11:45:34 GMT -5
Well it's been darn-near 8 months since I thought of it and decided that I wanted one but it's done. My replica of the Winchester 1907s prepared by Hyman Lebman of San Antonio for the Dillinger Gang (except not full auto), including Homer Van Meter and Baby Face Nelson. This is as close as I can come to the guns captured with Johnny D. and gang in Tucson - I sent every photo that I could find and a stock 1907 to Tom Wilkinson in Idaho (208-660-5135) and told him what I wanted - he came through beautifully cutting the barrel down to 16 inches and making a perfect replica of the comp and producing an unbreakable aluminum forearm for the vertical TSMG grip. I received the aluminum forearm raw and have been trying to paint it correctly - I'm still working on it but I can't wait any longer to share. I can't get to the range this weekend but I will be going next Friday to try her out - I've accumulated 6 of the 10-round mags and 350 rounds of 351 ammo. Thanks for looking! John
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Post by 81police on Feb 19, 2010 13:28:20 GMT -5
the only word that describes that is "awesome!". Thanks for showing us John, I love project guns. Let us know how it shoots, maybe you could make a video too?!
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johnl
Full Member
Posts: 117
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Post by johnl on Feb 21, 2010 10:20:49 GMT -5
Thanks - I'll see what I can do.
Also, I need to clarify that while there is no doubt that Mr. Lebman modified 1907s (and provided Thompsons and other modified guns), he apparently didn't know (cannot be proved) he was making them for criminals. He knew Baby Face Nelson and others by alias' and Nelson apparently distributed these to Dillinger, Van Meter, etc.
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johnl
Full Member
Posts: 117
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Post by johnl on Feb 26, 2010 12:06:50 GMT -5
In the meantime, ode to the mid-1930s :
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Post by Polock on Mar 2, 2010 21:15:06 GMT -5
Outstanding!! I also love project guns, and creating a clone of a gun that was was used by the "highway bandits" of the 30s is a great way to enjoy your 07--
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johnl
Full Member
Posts: 117
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Post by johnl on Mar 7, 2010 13:02:00 GMT -5
Took the modified 1907 out to the range and it was great. There were two problems. I spent more time talking to people and explaining what the rifle was and what the cartridge was (to very blank faces) than shooting and I had two cartridge cases split on me on two separate occasions jamming the action closed - a problem with using old ammo. The rifle was accurate and easy to shoot - the comp seemed to dampen recoil so there could be quick followup shots. I'll need to get my reloading of this cartridge up and running so I can take it out for a more thorough test drive but all in all I can see why the lawmen and bad guys of the day liked it. And no photos or video of me shooting it this time around but maybe next time . . . . ?
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