Another Yard Sale "Treasure".

[Adam Helmer]

I saw a Yard Sale sign today and stopped and saw a Jap Carbine "sporterized." I asked the price and quickly paid the $15.00 asking price for what was a 6.5MM Jap with an interesting 2-flute muzzlebrake affixed to the muzzle.

Just as I was leaving, the old farmer sitting on the porch yelled, "I shot three deer with that gun." The farmer's daughter ran the yard sale closer to the road, but I went to chat with the old farmer. He is a fellow veteran and we discussed the rifle's history. He got it at the close of WWII from a returning Marine. He had it "sporterized" and "rebored" I asked what it was rebored to, but he could not remember.

I suspect this is a .257Roberts x 6.5Jap common post WWII because no American ammo companies were making 6.5 Jap ammo back then. I miked the bore and she is 6.5MM. I ran an empty .257 factory Roberts case into the chamber and the bolt closed. I got my first 6.5 X 257 Roberts in 1963 for $5.00. Now I have a matched pair; what is not to like?

Adam

[Dan Morris]

Due to Colorado new 'feel good' laws, I can no longer buy garage sale guns. They must go through a FFL. You just don't see them here any more. Only FTF
I can do is 'immediate family transfer'. This just adds more expenses to a purchase....taxes/transfer fees and back ground check fees......I have no problem with a 4473.....just a PITB! Same with gun shows. Glad my safes are full!
Dan

[Adam Helmer]

Dan,

The Universal Background Check is merely Backdoor Gun Registration. Criminals do not fill out 4473s; rather, they have their kin, girlfriends or friends do the paperwork and then hand the gun over to the Bad Guy.

The U.S. Department of Justice does NOT Prosecute "Straw Purchasers!" The paper trail is just REGISTRATION. Remember, Gun Control has nothing to do with crime and ALL about CONTROL!

Around here a gun going through a dealer is one price and one "off paper" is about five times more money. Welcome to 1984!

Adam

[Dan Morris]

Remember that from college days....you preaching to the choir.
Point was, they just don't have guns in garage sales around here any more.
Dan

[Adam Helmer]

Dan,

Does Dave Cook still have a gun store way out on West Colfax in Lakewood? I got a MkIII .303 there in 1964 for $18.50. I still have the .303. My girlfriend living on Balsam Street had a 1961 or 1962 Edsel convertible. All are Collector's items today, eh, wot.

Adam

[Dan Morris]

Nah, Cook sold out to Gart Bros in the 80's....which was sold to Sports Authority....which discontinued firearms in favor of spandex and running socks...
Dan

[Adog]

Never even heard of a .257 Roberts, but sound like a heck of a deal. Congrats on your find.

Still pretty relaxed buying here in AR. Got a lot of good deals from local classifieds and auctions. The county sheriff's department used to auction off all the seized guns to the public, got some sweet deals there. Just show ID and good to go.

[Dan Morris]

The roberts was a sweet lil cartridge.....flat/low recoil/easy load and a pleasure to load and shoot. Still have one in a pre 64.
Dan