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LOT 380
Desirable Group Industries Model 1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle, Class III/NFA Fully Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no. 00105, 30 cal., 24 inch round bbl., packetized finish, walnut stock. Manufactured with a Group Industries receiver and military components, this is a commercial continuation of the Browning Automatic Rifle as used by US armed forces from World War II onward. First introduced at the tail end of World War I, the BAR was the forefather of the modern “squad automatic weapon” concept, a lightweight machine gun as an organic part of a small infantry unit, capable of maneuvering with the unit and of returning fire with a single operator without a field mount when needed. It would serve as a force multiplier for American infantry from 1918 up to the introduction of the M60 for Vietnam, serve with multiple American allies, and see less savory use during the “gangland” activities of the 1920s/1930s, including as a
weapon of choice for notorious outlaws Bonnie & Clyde. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with a “HSA/3-53” barrel, folding bipod, Group-marked receiver, hardwood forearm, and a synthetic buttstock with flip-up shoulder rest. The trigger group is configured for semi-auto, full-auto, and safe, with the traditional spring loaded stop between full and safe. CONDITION: Very fine, with 90% plus matte gray finish, showing some mild scratches concentrated on the charging handle, oxidized powder residue on and around the gas system, and mild handling marks overall. The repainted buttstock is very good, with numerous minor scuffs, scratches and dings visible under the paint. 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) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479. Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000
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