[GingerGuy]

I've had this rifle for a long time, actually forgot about it until recently. I have not had any luck figuring out exactly what I have here. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks...



http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm157/GingerGuy_photos/Old%20Rifle/OldRifle036.jpg
Very small caliber, looks like a .22.
The octagon barrel is just over 24" long.



http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm157/GingerGuy_photos/Old%20Rifle/OldRifle040.jpg
Many notches on the stock, could be markings to represent "kills."



http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm157/GingerGuy_photos/Old%20Rifle/OldRifle027.jpg
I have never seen any other rifle with an action similar to this.



http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm157/GingerGuy_photos/Old%20Rifle/OldRifle025.jpg
Certainly a issue with rust.



http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm157/GingerGuy_photos/Old%20Rifle/OldRifle002.jpg
There are not any markings or words shown anywhere on this gun. I have not broken it down to further check for identifying markings. Thank you for any comments about this rifle.

[SDC]

This is what's known as a "Warnant" action, and it's almost certainly Belgian; if you take the action out of the stock, you'll probably see several proofmarks, including "ELG" in an oval.

[GingerGuy]

Didn't find much with an internet search, one museum in the UK has one in their possession. You're info. is right on...Belgian Warnant Garden Gun. It's a 6mm.

Any thoughts on whether I should try to clean it up or simply leave it to continue to rust? Thanks again.

[Jim Watson]

The museum has ONE?
I went in a little shop in Mississippi a few years ago and they had them stacked up like cordwood, few any better than yours.
Value is low, strength is low. Treat it any way you want to.

[Jim K]

I would clean it and remove the rust just for my own self-respect. The gun is of little value or collector interest, but it is an interesting piece nonetheless and makes a nice wall hanger.

If it is 6mm, it is probably for an odd center fire cartridge that I don't think is made any more.

Jim

[Vaarok]

It's more commonly known as a "Flobert" rifle, after the type of cartridge fired. They are usually broken from misuse of .22 LR instead of 6mm, and priced sub-$100 as decorative pieces. An intact one can sometimes be worth as much as $200, but they are not terribly valuable.

You can find ammo made by Dynamit Nobel, RWS, and I think Aguila with a little hunting. Or look on gunbroker.

DO NOT use regular .22 CB, S, L, or LR in this, or you will most likely break it.

[GingerGuy]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info...