Serial 97 Pre-Model 8

[OpelGT]

I just picked up a super nice 1906 Model 8 with the serial number 97 at a gun show in Denton TX this weekend. Probably paid a bit too much for it, but I have no regrets. It’s a super cool rifle. I don't really collect rifles. I'm more of a pre-1945 semi-auto pistol guy, but this and its FN 1900 counterpart are the only rifles on my bucket list.
Here's some photos!

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The sight situation is strange.
It’s got a marble rear sight. With a "W.F. Sheard Tacoma wash." gold-tipped front sight.

It also has some kind of weird block-off plate on the rear of the barrel and a Lyman folding sight of some sort that looks like it’s missing a part.

It also has an aftermarket “blue line” recoil pad. It’s a shame it doesn’t have the nice early stock end, but my shoulder will be happy.

The only other strange thing on the rifle is a number hand scribed inside the foregrip and under the stock. 2905430-0L no idea what that is about.

Pretty neat rifle. I’m very happy to have it.

I do have a couple of questions though.

1. Are there any scope mounts that utilize existing screw holes?

2. Any idea what the block-off plate and folding sight were for?

3. With this low of a serial number are there any issues I need to be aware of, or any special maintenance that I should look into?

[OpelGT]

Photos part 2

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[OpelGT]

Photos part 3

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[Hibby83]

Welcome to the forum.

Congratulations on picking one of these up, real cool you snagged an early one.


I do have a couple of questions though.

1. Are there any scope mounts that utilize existing screw holes?

- There is a mount that a fella makes on this forum. It's geared more towards red dot sights. As far as in production scope mounts, there is nothing out there unless you drill and tap the receiver. Those mounts are also very hard to find and some can be pricey.


2. Any idea what the block-off plate and folding sight were for?

- i haven't the slightest idea what it's purpose was.


3. With this low of a serial number are there any issues I need to be aware of, or any special maintenance that I should look into?

- it's always a great idea to do a good once over on these gun inspecting the internals and giving a good cleanup. Especially yours, considering it's 116 years old. Be mindful that utmost care should be taken considering replacement parts are hard to come by, if available. Use tutorials and watch some videos if you decide to tear it down yourself.

There's a great group of people here that will help with questions that you have.

[Hibby83]

Replying to. ^
Not sure the best way to use the qoute feature.

The very early guns "all first year" had the caliber hand engraved. That stopped "to my knowledge" in 1907.

Yes the bolt handle has been modified.

The magazine on the first 2 years of production didn't have the side spring on the magazine. The feed lips were integrated in the magazine itself.

If any of the veterans of the forum see any error in my assessment, please correct me.

[OpelGT]

I have done some research and found that the early 1906 rifles do not have a stamped serial number on the jacket so mine appears to be correct on that front.

The bolt handle may not be original, but it’s a well done mod at least. The little pin is controlled with the screw instead of a spring like the one I typically see.

I’ve also read a post that says my serial number is in the John Henwood book. I’ll have to buy it and see for myself! My rifle did belong to someone with the last name Creamer. I’ve seen that mentioned in my research too.

[81police]

Congratulations your rifle is mentioned on several pages, and pictured, in John Henwood's The Great Model 8 book! Yes, your rifle was once owned by chief among 8/81 collectors, Bob Creamer.

#97 is pictured on page 16 and 73...

"this rifle has been fitted with a tang sight and, as shown below, an unusual block screwed to the barrel jacket" p.16

"underside closeup of Autoloading Rifle serial no. 97 (1906), showing assembler's and fitter's markings" p.73

[81police]

additionally, the safety lever is probably not original. All original early guns I've witnessed had "tear drop" safety levers.

[Hcompton79]

What an interesting and early rifle.

If it were mine, I'd be temped to remove the 4 screws that secure the cover plate on the barrel and see if it will pop off with some gentle persuasion. My guess would be that it is a repair to a damaged barrel jacket or inspection plate of some sort, and that there's probably a hole underneath. Though, if there's nothing unusual on the barrel jacket, I would take it to be a mounting plate of some sort, but as to what I have no idea.

[81police]

early "tear drop" style is the top one

[OpelGT]

Awesome! I ordered a copy off of eBay. Super cool that my rifle is in the book.

Yep, my safety is not original. I bet the original broke. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for the correct one to replace it.

Also, I will take a look under that cover if the screws aren’t overly tight.

[OpelGT]

My guess is a scope or sight mount was attached at the barrel shroud end. I see no sign of damage other than the obvious removal of the blueing.

My slide knob is really cool. Not sure if it’s from an FN, but it’s a nicely machined part.

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[Roger]

Sir, partial serial numbers are sometimes printed on the inside area of the barrel jacket extension. Where it meets the front of the receiver. However it appears to me,that this not a consistent practice. I’m lucky enough to know Bob Creamer and his sons. When I see them in Tulsa in 2 weeks I’ll try to remember to ask them about your rifle and how it ended up Texas.
Roger

[OpelGT]

It made it to Texas because one of his sons sold it to me at the Denton gun show. I just couldn’t remember his name. I’ll probably be at the Tulsa show too.

[Roger]

Well that would explain it. Maybe we could meet in Tulsa at the show. I’m always glad to meet collector’s. I had a good friend who lived near Denton,Texas for years. So that’s why I expressed an interest in your post.
Thanks for your time
Roger

[OpelGT]

I fired 10 rounds through it this weekend. Boy that .35 with the long recoil packs a punch on your shoulder! Fun rifle to shoot though. My aperture sight is about 2’ high at 100 yards so I’ve got some adjustments to do.

It failed to fully load on me 3 times. It ejects and feeds fine, but the bolt doesn’t slam closed quite hard enough to close all the way every time.

I’m going to try and lube it up a bit more and put some more rounds through it before I dig in too far though.