Help with a Western Arms Rifle

[Acera]

Trying to fill out my spread sheet and back story on this particular rifle. Don't see a lot on the internet about this company.

I think Dad purchased it in the 1970's. Would like to know the year when it was produced, and any other information regarding it.

It is marked .357 magnum caliber, also shoots .38 specials.

Has a 5 digit serial number.

Number of proof type marks on the barrel and receiver.

Case hardening on the receiver.

Brass cartridge lifter.

Model number on the tang behind the hammer.

Company name on the top of the barrel.





Thanks,



.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't know anything about Western Arms, but the rifle is plainly an Italian copy of the 1873 Winchester. I think Uberti was the only source at that time.

Somewhere among those "proof type marks" there should be a square with two letters or a Roman numeral inside which is the Italian industry date code.
http://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/IDC/idc.html

 

[Acera]

Thanks Jim, found it.

Had an AD surrounded by a box (1978), along with the Uberti mark of a U surrounded by what appears to be a gear, in a box with a hat on it. From looking, that is one of their marks.



That just helped fill in the blanks for two black powder revolvers I have from the early 1970s also. That date code chart is a good resource.





Thanks,

 

[Jim K]

Google "Western Arms Corp Santa Fe". A brief summary at:

http://www.answers.com/Q/History_of_the_Western_Arms_Corp.Santa_FE_NM

Jim

 

[Acera]

That is another interesting tidbit, that they eventually became Cimarron Firearms.

Thanks for that link.