My O/U Survival Gun . . .

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  • SAWMAN

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    First,a little history of this gun. - - - > In 1970 I was part of a rescue effort to extract a BUFF (B-52) crew out of a bad place on the maps.
    I stayed in contact with the planes pilot over the years. Before I retired we finally got together at a reunion in 1982. He brought me a under seat survival gun identical to the gun he used in his crews quest for survival and defence of himself and his crew.
    This gentleman was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in the air,and a Silver Star for his leadership and Valor on the ground.
    Again,this is not the gun that he used. It is "identical " to it according to him.
    The gun is an O/U 22LR and 410 shotgun. The bbls are 20 inches long and the 410 is choked somewhat more open than a "full". It has a rough "pebble" texture.
    The front sight has a set screw. Loosening it will allow the small blade sight to be both turned right or left,and screwed up or down. The rear sight has a small "U" notch and pulls up and down to select the upper or lower bbl for fireing.
    The forward "trigger" both cocks the firing mechanism and unlocks the forward bbls from the rear receiver and stock. Pulling this "trigger" and turning the bbls the two pieces slip apart for carry/storage. Together,they are 20 inches.
    There is a small safety close to the trigger that fires the weapon. It is a push through type with a small red dot when selected to the "fire" position towards the left side of the gun.
    The trigger pull is surprisingly light and crisp. The gun was stored in a two section fly rod case and has ridden thousands of miles in my truck when in Maine. I used it to kill red squirrels,chipmonks,and tons of ruffled grouse.
    Great little gun. Never seen another one like it. ---- SAWMAN
     

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    FLT

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    B33B1CCF-0DD7-4610-B3F0-89BF7CD152BD.jpg I had one of these for many years , I used it to kill snakes when I was fishing in the marsh. I bought it at Woolworths in the late 70’s It appears to be similar to the one you have.
     

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    indy1919a4

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    That is a neat little rifle.. It does look like a few turn up on Broker ever so often and seem reasonably priced.. Any one have an idea what they sold for in the 1970s...??
     

    FLT

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    I believe I paid around $40 for it back then .
     

    SAWMAN

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    The gun in the above pics are really close,with many of the same features.
    The front sight of my gun has a small difference in that it is a straight post.
    The bbls are also a measured 20 inches.
    My first pic shows the left side of the gun with: "F.I. Industries Washington D.C." is inscribed in small letters. Wondering what this indicates/stands for ?? --- SAWMAN
     

    FrankT

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    the "BRONCO" model, first made by FI Corp in 1967 in the old Beretta (USA) plant in Accokeek, MD. Garcia bought FI in 1970 and the .22rf was soon joined by .22mag; .410ga; and a .22/.410 combo.

    From Rebels reference link
     

    SAWMAN

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    The BUFF pilot had a close friend flying for Southern Air Transport out of somewhere in Thailand. I seem to recall that he got his original from him.
    For the time line thing . . . I do not recall how many years he flew with it before his crash. I do remember that he was holding on to it,sitting on the jungle penetrator going up through the trees,but before he got clear,he dropped it. ---- SAWMAN
     

    wildrider666

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    Respectfully disagree. FIrearms International (Corp) coded FIC, was a firearms Importer and Manufactuer. Refs state subj firearm was imported under the Garcia (Bronco) name and pre GCA 1968 examples don't have Serial numbers (Sawman doesn't mention if a Ser# is present). "Garcia" later bought "FI" Aka Garcia FI (coded FII) in 1970 and Garcia Corp, Washington D.C. was their name Stamp (on Star, Sako, Stoger...Imports). Bauer Rabbit was a 1980's re-branding like Sears on a Winchester shotgun. Name is correct, the actual manufacture and Country of origin remain in question.

    One sources says: "The Garcia Bronco, single barrel , introduced in 1968, dropped in 1978, Garcia Bronco, 22/410, introduced in 1976 and drooped in 1978." But does not provide a reference for that claim. Understandably, hard info is scarce.
     

    Stanley13

    I'm From AL and I Love to Shoot Shit
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    I do love survival rifle's an collapsible weapons. Thanks for sharing buddy
     
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