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LOT 1349
Rare U.S. Harrington & Richardson R14 Experimental “Guerrilla
Gun” Selective Fire Rifle, Serial Number “X95”, Class III/NFA
C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with ART Sniper Scope
and Extra Magazines - Serial no. X95, 7.62 mm cal., 18 inch round
bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock. Developed as the follow-up to
the famous M1 Rifle, the M14 was conceived as a multi-role universal
weapon in the same vein as the German FG-42, accurate and powerful
enough to serve as a main infantry combat rifle, maneuverable enough
to replace the sub-machine gun, and capable of acting as a squad
automatic weapon as well. This “everything to everyone” approach
hamstrung what was otherwise a perfectly suitable combat rifle,
leading to a relatively early retirement of the weapon. No longer
burdened with trying to be all things to all people, the M14 found new
life as a specialist weapon, finding an audience with special forces units
and snipers, as well as undergoing a renaissance in recent years with
the emergence of the “designated marksman” concept. This particular
H&R, serial number X95 and model designation “R14”, was part of
the firm’s “Guerrilla Gun” development program in the early 1960s,
an attempt to make an M14 more suitable for close combat, vehicle
crew and counterinsurgency roles, taking multiple steps to reduce the
weight and length of the weapon without sacrificing firepower. On
this example, a shorter profile barrel has been installed, and sections
of metal have been removed from the receiver, most prominently
trimming down the receiver at the scope mounting point and removing
sections of the magazine well, receiver legs, and the front left corner of
the receiver. The exact number of Guerrilla Guns made is unrecorded,
though it is believed that 13 were released from H&R’s inventory in
1985 as part of an asset reduction sale. Blade front and peep rear sights,
with the former installed on a short birdcage flash hider with bayonet
lug, the latter fitted with “WCE” and “HRA-W” elevation and windage
drums. Fitted with a “HRT” bolt (numbered “9978” in electric pencil on
the underside), “HRA” operating rod, “HR-N” trigger housing and a “DM”
hammer. A full set of selective fire components are present, with “A” on
the rear of the selector switch. The smooth pistol grip stock is unmarked
, with a green canvas sling and metal buttplate with flip-up shoulder
rest. Included with the lot are two extra magazines and a Redfield ARTel
3-9x scope numbered “0550” with a base numbered “5355” and an
“7.62NM/M-118 NM” marked adjustment mechanism.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 97% plus original parkerized finish,
showing minor wear and handling marks overall, along with some
minor scratches and dings on the furniture. The scope is very good,
with slight haziness to the optics, strong crosshair, the adjustments in
good order, and mild external wear; the base can attach to the receiver,
but the reduction in receiver material does cause minor play in the fit.
Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act
(NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as
a “Curios or Relic” as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still
subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
Estimate: 50,000 - 75,000