Info Wanted - Plainfield Ordnance Mdl. 71&72

[45Broomhandle]

This is a .22rf semi-auto pistol with a matching .25acp conversion unit. It's the ONLY gun I've seen with TWO model numbers on the box, and on the instruction sheet.

It is rumored to have originated with an order placed by the CIA. They supposedly designed and furnished tools and dies for its manufacture. (I'm only repeating what I was told, I cannot vouch for the validity of these statements.)

Story goes that only around 1,000 units were produced because the CIA cancelled the order. Plainfield was said to have made and marketed the gun and then the CIA came in and destroyed the tools and dies which they had furnished.

Again, This is the story I heard. I bought this set pictured and have yet to see - or hear of - this gun again!!!

Can anyone shed any light on these guns. It's beautifully built and finished. Checkered wooden grips, very nice Parkerized finish. External hammer and great sights.

Please let me know if you have any further info on this particular little gun.

Thanks in advance. Best regards, ~~~45Broomhandle

 

[DogBonz]

sorry

I cant help, but this is pretty interesting...

 

[GRIZ22]

Plainfield made M1 carbine copies in Plainfield,NJ into the late 1970s Their carbines were originally made with mostly GI surplus parts and as time went on they started making some of their own. The nice part of this is GI parts will fit any Plainfield carbine. They also made the M1 carbine in some different calibers, 9mm Parabellum I believe and a necked down 30 carbine round (can't remember what it's called).

Plainfield dabbled in other guns and tried several handguns. Outside of carbines they never made much of any other kind of gun. The CIA story is one that I heard originated in relation to their carbines and most likely bull as Plainfield Machine was far from a covert operation. Plainfield was bought out by Iver Johnson who continued to make the carbines for awhile.

I remember seeing the larger version of the 22 which had a 10 rd mag I think. Attached are some links I found related to your gun. I don't know what the the production figures were but they were enough for Triple K to still make magazines and Toledo, Ohio and the Feds to try to ban it.

http://www.triplek.com/Pages/Magazines/index.cfm/gun_magazine_detail/1050
http://www.toledopolice.com/ord755-99.pdf
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/11/07/1036308421460.html
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=212665&page=3

 

[45Broomhandle]

Thanks For Info

Hi Griz22. Interesting comments by Triple K. On all their other models they give production figures of most guns in the thousands. On the little 71 they simple say, "few were made." All I know is mine is serial number 000802. Since I've never seen, or heard of, another, I have no references for higher serial numbers.

As for those other references, the Toledo one is pretty much part of history now. The Feds wanting to ban certain guns should read BAN ALL GUNS to be honest. The Libs are doing their best in that direction. The fourth URL came to a thread I had contributed to and my posting there was the only reference I could find to the Plainfield.

I've owned a couple of the Plainfield M1 .30 carbines. At the time I didn't care whether they were put together from surplus GI or new manufacture. When I got into serious collecting of the carbines - around 30 years ago - I wouldn't own anything but GI. Sold that collection back when a hundred bucks or so was a common price on them. Five of them I obtained for $20 each in the '60s through DCM. Friends who were NRA members but didn't wan the carbine so they'd order one for me.

This little Plainfield 71 is beautifully machined and finished, even though their design doesn't exactly cry out to be a carry piece, hunter, or item to take to the range, it's just a little fun gun for plinking - or collecting.

Best regards, 45Broomhandle

 

[Hummerguns]

I know this is an old post, but I was wondering if anyone has any additional information on this little gun. I am looking for a copy of the instruction manual (or anything else).

Thank you

 

[Cohiba7]

Plainfield Ordnance Model 71 Instructions Request

Hello: i have a really nice condition Model Number 71 in .25 with 2 mags in original box with instructions and a warranty card that was never filled out. It is s/n 001581. I am happy to send a copy of the instruction papers to you but do not know how to contact you.