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Part of the intrigue of surplus weapons lies in the unusual stories. Without a doubt, most historical classic and military firearms represent brilliant design and manufacturing techniques. Who can argue with the sheer genius of John Moses Browning? Others, like the Arm Gun, leave later generations with riddles. From brilliant to bewildering, the latest Special Edition issue of GUNS Magazine Surplus Military & Classic Firearms highlights more than 25 guns that changed world history.
While all the credit goes to the fieldcraft and sheer guts of arctic warriors defending their homeland from the Soviet invasion of Finland during WWII, they were certainly helped to great measure with the outstanding performance of the Suomi KP/-31 submachine gun. Tom Laemlein reveals how the Finns, aided by the occasional assistant reindeer, gave the Soviet army the “what for” inflicting over 160,000 KIA and missing in just under a year.
Ever wonder what would happen if the genetic mutation of a Tavor, AK-47 and AR-15 was created? And before finishing the project, each end was stuck in a vise and the whole mess was twisted about 45 degrees? This may be what inspired the engineers at the USAF Armament Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base when they came up with what’s now known as the Bushmaster Arm Gun. For good measure, they also made it eminently “unshootable” by using ergonomic design principles ensuring it doesn’t fit the body … anywhere … as Will Dabbs, MD explains.
ADCO’s Best Arms Bullpup Model BA912 is the featured prize in this special edition giveaway. The semi-automatic, mag-fed 12-gauge BA912 boasts reliable performance and compact handling. The winner will also receive a TLR-RM 1 tactical light from Streamlight and a TOP Knives’ Mini Sling with leather sheath. The combined value of the package totals $884. Readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing by visiting www.gunsmagazine.com/giveaways.
Another old gun made history in a different way when Lee Harvey Oswald spent a modest $12.78 to purchase a Carcano 91/38 rifle and an additional $7.17 for a scope. That $19.95 investment changed the world in a tragic moment back in November 1963. Surplus shares the story of the man and the rifle.
This issue also highlights the ultimate FAL — the Austrian STG-58, guns of the “cocaine cowboys” of the1980s drug wars and America’s little-known submachine gun — the Reising Model 50. Even the merits of the Galil versus the AK are argued: Is there a clear winner? The collectibles market may be too steep for many a wallet, but now shockingly realistic and elegant reproductions of famous guns are available to the masses. Surplus offers a glimpse at air-powered pellet and BB examples of the German MP-40, P-08 Luger and Thompson M1A1 submachine gun that are exceptionally affordable — and fun to shoot.
GUNS Magazine Surplus Military & Classic Firearms is available for purchase at fmgpubs.com.
CONTACT: TOM MCHALE