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Update 26th January, 2010—  

  • Wishing all our Friends and Visitors a Happy & Prosperous 2010! 

  • Larry Riling of Ray Riling Arms Books advised us in November that he had declared bankruptcy with prime assets such as his apartment in Bridgeport PA under foreclosure. This is a sad end to a fine tradition commenced by his grandfather, Ray Riling, decades ago, and carried on my his late father Joe. Larry was absent from the last Tulsa OK show.
    More recent news however is more concerning... revealing substantial unpaid debts to many publishers & booksellers. Larry's www.rayrilingarmsbooks.com appears to be closed down, a more recent Amazon site www.amazon.com/shops/buckscountybooks2893 seems to have much of Larry's stock, maybe set up in another name? Buyers need to exercise caution before sending funds to Riling, links have been removed from our Recommended Websites page. A Google or Yahoo search for 'ray riling arms books' will show many disgruntled customers who sent money and received no books or explanation. See the internet ripoffreport, complaintsboard, &c. for more details. Caveat emptor

  • Thai Burma Railway at Kanchanaburi is online now, just visit www.tbrconline.com
    The adjacent war cemetery is beautifully maintained, with the graves of so many British, Australian, Dutch and other servicemen who died as prisoners of war.

  • We are now back home after US new books promotions and a detour via Canada. See our Gun Shows page for schedule. New titles in Oz, Europe & North America... 2009 'Collector', SAIS #23 (Lee-Enfield Parts Catalogue), 6 new Handbooks (Carcano, MAS 36, US Krag, Beretta, Hi-Standard & Glock Pistols) and Graeme Wright's 3rd edition of  'Shooting the British Double Rifle'. A new title is 'Australian Antique Arms - The Best of John Swinfield',  314 pages with 8 colour plates, A$59.50 or US$49.50. SAIS & Handbook series are priced in line with previous issues at A$12 and $8 ea., or US$10 and $6.

  • John Swinfield's book launch was well attended, about 120 members at the AACSA meeting in late August. Ian Cummins, MC at the meeting, is shown introducing John, seated alongside the Shooters Party MP, Roy Smith, at far left.
     

  • New book... 'Military Sun Helmets of the World' - www.militarysunhelmets.com by Peter Suciu in the USA and Stuart Bates in Australia. A full-size A4 hard cover of 93 pages in full colour, this makes a welcome addition for the uniform collector. The British issue is well enough known, but Suciu & Bates add the French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Belgian, Spanish, American, Japanese, South American and Vietnamese models too! Reasonably priced at AUD$45 and $35 in the USA. To order, go to their website, although we have purchased some stock ourselves for Australia. Contact Ian at idskennerton@hotmail.com

  • Another new book of interest to many of us, even though it is not specifically about collecting... Ron Owen's 'The Range Officers Handbook' is much more than the title.
    On shooting, reloading, safe handling and general history of British guns. Over 530 pages with 1000 drawings & photos, full size A4 had cover. It is $75 Aust. and an enjoyable read because of Ron's renowned political bias and wry English humour. A great gift too. Check out the Owen Guns site at www.owenguns.com which offers much more too!

  • A New website of interest... www.karkeeweb.com for webbing, bandoliers, &c.

  • Another great new website on Aussie manufacture firearms... www.sportco.org.au 

  • John Wray, former Army inspection officer at Lithgow SAF and more recent curator of the Lithgow SmalI Arms Museum, passed away in early January. A keen ammunition, bayonet and militaria collector, his contribution towards keeping much of the SAF history alive will be an everlasting memorial. John died after a long battle with a brain tumor.

  • Another new website is Medals Gone Missing... useful for anyone buying medals.

  • New titles from International Military Antiques NJ, are available in Oz as well as from Grants Pass. Guns of the Gurkhas, German Makers Codes, Hotchkiss manual, German Bayonets (Carter), Treasures of Nepal, &c. See our Reprints & Miscellaneous pages.

  • Sizeable display of Lee-Enfields at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center at Cody, Wyoming. Two floors of firearms exhibits display 3,000 rifles & handguns, near the Buffalo Bill, Plains Indian and Draper Museum of Natural History. Near Yellowstone National Park and south of I-90 and I-25, the Cody Museum is certainly a reason to take a short detour to pay a visit. We saw a Marlin Model 1893 Musket fitted with British Patt. 1888 bayonet, Winchester Mod. 1904 musket and bayonet attributed to Australian Boy Scouts in 1912, and .351 Model 1907 Winchester self-loader with Springfield bayonet sold to France after the war.

  • New internet gun auction site, this time in Australia. Organizers, Michael & Nathan King are offering an initial 'free-of-charge' setup. Go to http://gunauction.com.au and see what is on offer. You might even want to sell some of your own firearms or militaria.

  • New book  'Blue Berg- Britain Takes the Cape', 207 pages of action-packed history, 18 colour illust. including battlefield map, early 1800s. Quality production, leather-bound edition also available. Inquiries: dominique@awsolutions.co.za or PO Box 11133, Blaauwbergrant Cape, Rep. of South Africa 7443. Tel. +27-21-557-6438 (work).

  • New sites worth saving to your favorites list... www.rifleman.org.uk/Site_Menu.htm  and www.thegarrison.org.uk  Thanks to Alan Carriveau and Dennis Darmanin for the tips.

  • For handgun enthusiasts, check out Hans Horst's site at www.horstheld.com

  • New pix of the wartime Long Branch factory are now posted on the internet. Just go to
    www.pbase.com/mrclark/long_branch_factory_production_photos : post a message to say thanks to Mr. Clark for posting them too!  And from Afghanistan, another hoard of guns... http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p296/rlanicek/CFD%2002-13-2008/?start=all

  • Brian Labudda, myself and a retired SAS regiment sniper did a shake-down in a range test of A.I.A. rifles on the long weekend, with some surprising results. In comparison, we used my .308 Savage Mod.10 FLP (tactical, heavy barrel, left hand action). Check out the Field Test page at www.australianinternationalarms.com.au  More out on video soon too...

  • New website for collectors arms on the east coast of the U.S.A.... David Prawdzik's new www.antiquegunroom.net is up and running now. Check it out for goodies.

  • BSA Shirley FTR'd and converted No.4 rifles after the end of WW2, utilising new parts dated 1954-58. Recently noted in the US, a keen observer logged a number of Mk 1/2 'hung trigger' rifles. The broad arrow mark and finish is a little different to WW2 and immediate post-war production, likely a War Office contract for another country, possibly in Africa.

  • L42A1 update... Seen in Iraq in both wars, some carried by security contractors now. The 6x power L13 Schmidt & Bender scoped L42A1 is confirmed at Bisley, courtesy of Fultons. Also confirmed, the 7.62mm Palma match 155gn bullet rather than 144gn service 7.62mm L1, L2, &c. & F4 cartridge. Ammunition is applied with L-prefix designations as are sights & other items. A recent 7.62mm L42A3 RG round is dated 2007. NATO packet and headstamp shown at top is RG 19 May 2004, with special bullet for sniper rifles. The L42A1 was issued in the 1st Gulf War; a UK collector has a chest with Marines Commando tags and regimental details, more proof of active service during the 1990s.

  • Simpson Ltd. at Galesburg IL now have one of the busiest websites and some Enfields are often on offer too. So list the www.simpsonltd.com site as a favourite.

  • The Lee-Enfield's superiority as a battle rifle: British Sgt. Snoxall recorded 38 hits on a 12-in. bull at 300 yards in only sixty seconds. Proficiency... the rifle was rapidly loaded in order to fire as many rounds as possible in one minute, dubbed by participants, 'the mad minute'. No other hand-operated bolt action service rifle can claim such a record.

  • Bisley shoot with Lee-Enfield Rifle Association in late June was named 'The Skennerton'. Others by the LERA include 'The Fulton' in recognition of the family's competition record and their gunshop at Bisley, along with 'The Reynolds' to honour Major E.G.B. Reynolds for the first 'Lee-Enfield' book way back in 1960. The new historical Skennerton shoot is held at 300m & 500m, restricted to No.1 and No.4 rifles. It is planned that ranges will be expanded to 1000m later. Ian is planning to present prizes at Bisley in the summer of 2008.

  • Our new 36 Handbooks ... .30 US Krag, Carcano, MAS 36, Beretta Pistols, Hi-Standard Pistols, Glock Pistols, .303 SMLE, British No.4 Rifle, M17/P14, Mauser Rifles & Carbines, Winchester 12 ga Mod. 97, Winchester 12ga Mod. 12, M1 Carbine, M1 Garand, 1903 Springfield, FN FAL, M14, AR15/M16, 9mm Browning Hi-Power, C'96 Mauser pistol, .45 Colt ACP, 9mm Luger, Walther P-38, 9mm Makarov, AK47, SKS, Mosin-Nagant, Mod. 70 Winchester, Mod. 94 Winchester, .22 Mod 61 Winchester, Jap Service Pistols, 6.5mm T38 Arisaka, 7.7mm T99 Arisaka, S&W Revolvers, Walther PP & PPK, .22 Ruger Mk I & II.

  • Check our website at www.enfieldcollector.com site; it will eventually have specific pages on .577 Enfield, Snider-Enfield, Martini, MLM & MLE, SMLE, Rifle No.4, &c.

  • Proofed Action Assembly numbers confirm the original fitting of a breech bolt & body on many SMLE actions, especially Lithgows. This number was stamped prior to the serial number, upon the body, barrel and bolt groups being proof fired. The PAA (Proofed Action Assembly) number was stamped in small engineers stamps underneath the bolt handle and on the corresponding area at the rear, right of the action body. However, not all SMLEs are PAA marked; this is yet another indicator for an overall picture in the markings scene.


L-E Parts Catalogue


SniperRifles


Buyer'sGuide


US Krag


CarcanoRifle


7.5MAS 36


HiStandard


BerettaPistol 


GlockPistols



NOW ~~~  Small Arms Identification Series   new releases ... $10.00 ea.
SAIS #21 .30 Browning Model 1919A4 covers US and Commonwealth issues of the Model 1919, L3A3 & L3A4 series from US, British, Canadian & Australian sources.
SAIS #22 British Empire Sniper Rifles with parts, line drawings, mounts & scopes.
New information on the Canadian, Australian & Indian conversions.


'Collector' # 27...  $19.50

'MP-The First In'...  $15.00  


Note: Serial numbers, &c. here are copyright, to be reproduced for personal reference only. To publish or post on another site, contact Ian.

Australian state firearms laws continue to differ significantly, and continue to tighten up ownership requirements, transfer fees, security, &c. We are advised that even percussion muzzle-loading muskets require registration in some states now. Should you have any inquiries on new purchases, particularly from interstate, contact appropriate registries via.
A.C.T.    02 6245 7405 www.afp.gov.au/act/firearms
Qld.       07 3364 4416 www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/weaponslicensing/default.htm 
N.S.W.  1300 362562   www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/firearms  
N.T.       08 8922 3543  www.nt.gov.au/pfes/police/services/firearms/index.html   
S.A.       08 8204 2495  www.sapolice.sa.gov.au/sapol/services/firearms_weapons.jsp   Tas        03 6230 2720  www.police.tas.gov.au/permits/firearms 
Victoria  03 9247 3142  www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=111 
W.A.      08 9223 7000 www.police.wa.gov.au/Forms/tabid/1093/Default.aspx#firearms 

Sporting Shooters Assoc http://www.ssaa.org.au
 


CURRENT BULLETIN—

 New MG Shoots north Arizona.
The range at the Wagonbow Ranch turn-off near Wikieup on state 93, 42 miles south of Kingman and I-40, 130 miles from Vegas or 150 from Pheonix. The high desert range in the Aquarius mountains has four shoots each year, the MG Shooters website is at www.mgshooters.com  Postal address is: MG Shooters LLC, PO Box 5672, Scottsdale AZ 85261. Or call Ed Hope in Flagstaff on (928) 527-9171.

The SAAACA (Southern Africa Arms and Ammunition Collectors Association) now posts Journals to members by e-mail pdf (Adobe Reader) files in color. Available anywhere. Back issues are also available. The range of topics from antique to modern, rifles, pistols, bayonets, machine guns, ammo, &c. Go to www.saaaca.org.za

 Website on Tranter and his guns at www.firearmsmuseum.org.au In mid-west NSW, see Kerry & Carol Guerin's museum near Orange.

Our new Humour page has some gem questions and hearsay advice! 


.303 converted Carcano M91 long rifles in a rack (6 of) noticed recently at the Lithgow SAF Museum along with an Italian M94 carbine with folding bayonet, similarly re-chambered and re-bored for .303 British. Contemporary Dutch 6.5mm Mannlichers converted to .303 at SAF  Lithgow for the Dutch East Indies, were reportedly sunk by the Japanese en route to the Dutch East Indies. These were the subject of an article which is now posted on our Archives page. The .303 Carcanos and .303 Mannlichers, both previously in 6.5mm calibre, are quite possibly related.

Lithgow SAF Museum campaign to buy their land and buildings from ADI (no longer Australian government). Our Lithgow page details how you can help preserve this fine record of Australian manufacturing history. 

US Army, Navy & Air Force bases with 'public' museums are off limits to foreigners without prior arrangement now, after 9/11 and ongoing threats. So Aberdeen, Rock Island, Dayton AFB and other fine museums are open only to US nationals as access to US bases is now restricted. Even if you are a British, Australian, Kiwi or Canadian ally and ex-serviceman!

 Small Arms Identification Series: exploded parts drawings, stripping, maintenance, &c.: 
SAIS #1  .303 Rifle No.1 SMLE rep.
SAIS #2  .303 Rifle No.4 reprint
SAIS #3  9mm Austen & Owen MC
SAIS #4  .303 Rifle No.5 Mk I rep.
SAIS #5  .303 Bren LMG  reprint
SAIS #6  British Sword & Lance Patt
SAIS #7  .303 MLM & MLE Rifles
SAIS #8  .303 Vickers MG Mk I reprint
SAIS #9  .455 Webley Revolver
SAIS #10  .303 Patt. 1914 & Snipers
SAIS #11  9mm Sten Mk I, I*, 2& 3 rep.
SAIS #12  7.62mm L1 & C1 FAL
SAIS #13  Special Lee-Enfield (deLisle)
SAIS #14  .303 Lewis Machine Gun
SAIS #15  .450 & .303 Martini rep.
SAIS #16  British Empire Cadet Rifles
SAIS #17  .45 Thompson SMG
SAIS #18  7.62mm L42A1, L39, 2A &c.
SAIS #19  Australian SMLE Variation
SAIS #20 .577 Snider-Enfield & Patt.53
SAIS #21 .30 Browning M1919A4 MG
SAIS #22  British Empire Sniper Rifles
SAIS #23  Lee-Enfield Parts Catalogue

Handbooks... we now have 36 in print.

'MP - First In' (Australian contingent to Saigon 1965)'Buyers Guide to Lee-Enfields' - 50 pages, 2 & 4 colour print, a pocketbook reference.

 Next on our print list is 'America's Enfield Rifle' and 'Rule Britannia' planned over the next few years. 

PREVIOUS LOGS  ...  are now being moved to the Archive  page for new site visitors

Some Computer Tips...
 
Good information, the latest on computers, technology, viruses, &c. is all on the internet for free. U.S. listeners can hear Kim Komando's great computer tips all around the country... her weekly newsletter is available into your inbox too which is easier to copy and download some of Kim's great tips. Check out www.komando.com/newsletter.asp
Pholix software have just announced the release of Photophilia 1.9 which we use regularly. Check out their site at www.pholix.com and for a free software download which you can use for 30 days before deciding to buy, go to www.pholix.com/download.htm  For photographers, digital camera users, website and e-mail pictures, &c., the album, slide show and storage facilities are great, and very user friendly compared with other Adobe, Microsoft and Corel products. 

 Search engines: Ever 'lose' a file on your computer? Copernic Desktop Search will find your files, photos, e-mails and everything else, when you just can't find it!!! Try www.copernic.com

 Viruses!!! Of serious concern to all internet users. Remedies can be almost as much of a hassle with complaints that Norton or McAffee programs take over your computer; their automatic 'fixes' can cost users sizeable sums for computer technicians to fix.
   Some good programs are available free, virus detection and firewalls. Search the web for Avast, Solo Antivirus, ZoneAlarm, &c. You will probably be surprised at the number of free programs out there that are not intrusive, effectively taking over your computer. We use AVG anti-virus but you must download new patches regularly (at least each week) to keep your protection up to date.

 

Graham Priest's comprehensive 'Spirit of the Pike' (20th century British spike bayonets) is now available...  graham@halofive.co.uk or write to Graham at 2 Little Challows, Biddestone, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 7DU, England.

  Prime references 'List of Changes in British War Material', were monthly issues, reprint in 5 vols. 1860-1926. [Reprints]. 'British Small Arms of World War 2'  lists makers & codes on small arms, edged weapons, MG's. An advantage to know more than fellow collectors!

  MOD Pattern Room custodian, Herb Woodend, passed away at the Welwyn Garden City hospital in July of 2003.
Thanks to those who contributed and brought him another year of life, and closer to friends, family and collectors. 

  South African Military History Society posts can be found at... http://rapidttp.com/milhist/index.html
Add them to your Favorites.

  Joe Salter's website offers lots of quality goodies, go and check out www.joesalter.com 

  Examination of proof & view marks gives valuable clues on origin and production. Inspectors viewed and gauged arms made under contract in foreign countries, Europe & America too. Check 'The Broad Arrow'.
    
Scrutiny of proof & relevant markings on turn of the century Cadet Martinis reveals that a prominent British maker did not necessarily make them all, even though they may be marked as such... WW Greener, Westley Richards, Braendlin Armoury and W.W. Greener distinctively marked cadet trainers which they sold, however stripping may reveal proofs and assembly marks which would indicate manufacture of some parts in Belgium or by other members of the Birmingham trade.

  Simpson Ltd. site has lots on offer to. Go to www.simpsonltd.com


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