Griffin & Howe Style T Rifle on GB

[The Wolf]

Interesting rifle on Gunbroker. Not mine, no one's bid on it, and the auction only has one more day left. Opinions on what this might be are welcome.

Best Regards from Virginia,

Chris

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=359622907

[Rick the Librarian]

Started out as a heavy barreled rifle, sold by the DCM in 1927. The stamped swivel and the lack of a lower band definitely reduces the attraction. It ain't cheap at $3995, starting bid, but I have no idea what one like that would go for. Michael Petrov??

[The Wolf]

The double set triggers and palm ball are interesting... possibly originally an International Match rifle of some sort?

Best Regards from Virginia,

Chris

[Dawelda]

I have a couple of "headless" cocking pieces floating around around my parts box. I was told by a gunsmith once that this was referred to as a "national match conversion" implying it was an armory modification. Don't know how much truth is in there, though.

I agree with Rick that the missing lower band is unattractive. I am surprised G&H would not have improved this. For example, I just built an '03 sporter on a GI stock and replaced the reduced section of the stock where the lower band/retaining spring were with a piece of African ebony. They could have easily used a piece of walnut!

[Michael Petrov]

Normally the G&H "Camp Perry" heavy barrel rifles don't bring a lot of money. As this one left the Armory as a "Heavy Match" I think the owner should have got a letter and found out who it was made for. The palm rest base and set triggers could have both been Armory, more research needed.

G&H could have been sent only the action to re-barrel.

[chuckindenver]

listed as a Heavy Match rifle in my book..nice..
iv noticed a pile of rare or copies of rare 1903 variants in the last few months at auction....some are genuine...some are not...
this is a nice rifle, and a good part of history..

[The Wolf]

So, more-than-likely the barrel was shot out and the owner sent the action to G&H for a new barrel. It's a shame that the lower band was not reinstalled, as it makes for such an unattractive appearance. Those double set triggers are, if original to the rifle or time period, rare.

Best Regards from Virginia,

Chris

[chuckindenver]

band may have made the rifle shoot flyers..and was removed...and likely tossed in the trash over frustration.

[The Wolf]

Good point, Chuck! I keep forgetting about barrel harmonics.

Best Regards from Virginia,

Chris

[dave]

It would have to have been a special barrel band to fit the heavy barrel. Were they fitted to begin with?