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Extremely Rare Prototype Smith-Condit/Standard Arms Bolt Action Semi-Automatic Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Extremely Rare Prototype Smith-Condit/Standard Arms Bolt Action Semi-Automatic Rifle
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Extremely Rare Prototype Smith-Condit/Standard Arms Bolt Action Semi-Automatic Rifle

This is an example of a military prototype rifle manufactured by Smith-Condit from U.S. patent #817198 granted to Morris Smith in April of 1906. This rifle uses a special .30/.40 short cartridge made by Frankford Arsenal. It features a gas plug located below the gas tube which permits use as a semi-automatic or by a manual slide action. This was the first appearance for this feature which was later incorporated into the short lived Standard Arms "H" and later "G" Models. This rifle is unmarked except for the number "2" stamped on the top rear and front underside of the receiver. It is believed that the number is probably not a serial number, but rather a model or parts control number to differentiate it as the military example. This rifle was designated the "Sporting Model" while the Military Model had a full length stock and handguard. This rifle has an unusual charging handle arrangement, otherwise the receiver and general configuration are that of a Standard Arms Co. Sporting Rifle. This example is one of a number of such types of rifles made by Smith and given trials at Springfield Armory on April 8 and June 16, 1910. The board declined the rifle as not sturdy enough for military use, also for needing a non-standard cartridge and as being too complicated. The metal surfaces were left bright and the rifle is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber forend cap and buttplate.

Manufacture: Standard Arms Co
Model: Prototype
BBL: 24 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30-40
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Very good in the white condition. The metal surfaces remain bright for the most part with some scattered discoloration. The wood is good with several minor cracks in the forearm and overall some minor dents and handling marks. The forend cap is cracked and is ready to split in half. The action functions well.