I didn't, and thank you!Not sure if you're saying you don't know, but in case you don't: https://www.classicfirearms.com/
Mack Bolan AKA The Executioner.I never heard of Mack Bolan until now .....
No other italian proof marks in the barrel, slide and frame?I picked mine up from the FFL today. It was the standard "Good" grade with no handpick.
Overall I'm happy with what I received. There's a few worn spots in the bluing that I suspect are holster wear - right at the start of the "scallop" at the front of the slide on both slide, and in the middle of the slide on the right hand side. On the left rear of the slide there's a small patch of surface rust but nothing too bad. The left grips are in good shape - right hand side they're a little scratched and worn at the top but not horrible. Overall it's about what I'd expect for a surplus pistol. It does feel really nice though - the single stack grip makes it a lot better than the 92 IMHO which was always a "thick" feeling pistol to me.
As to country of origin - I can't tell. The only proofmark I can find is on the right hand side on the beavertail, and looks a bit like a cursive "m" following by a print "M" in which the two share a line segment with a border around it. It's not exact, but I made an approximation of it: View attachment 850183
View attachment 850184View attachment 850185
I picked mine up from the FFL today. It was the standard "Good" grade with no handpick.
No other italian proof marks in the barrel, slide and frame?
I must be out of touch with the grading of guns from these places. I would grade mine Good+ and yours Fair to Good judging by the photos. Did you get yours at Classic too?
Parts is a problem, especially locking blocks.
Parts is a problem, especially locking blocks.
I received my "A" Grade 1951 today and I was surprised at how different it feels in the hand than a 92. So far I like it.
For whatever reason, '51 locking block failure is extremely rare. It could be the lighter slide puts less stress on it, or possibly better metallurgy/heat treating. It could be they are rarely subjected to the high round count of some service '92s. It could simply be that they represent a much smaller statistical sample since there were so few produced, relative to the '92.
Helwan locking blocks were well known for failing early due to poor materials.....
To me, the model 51 is just too expensive. For about the same price, I can get a NEW BERETTA model 92FS or 92Compact.
Jim
New 92sf for $349?
Where would one find such a deal?
Do you mean now, or four months ago, when Golden made his post?
... I've long learned that if you want something on the surplus market to go ahead and buy it now since they never seem to get any cheaper.
I don't know. I bought a Star BM YEARS ago (one of my favorite guns). Then magazines were nearly unobtainable. I bought 2 spares I found thru the years of eBay for $80+ EACH. Then they flooded the market a year ago...and magazines were available for $25 each...<sigh>