Cowboy1939
Member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2008
- Messages
- 2
Answers to some of the above questions.
I have owned a 18-1000 for about 10 years, and previously had a Lahti L 39. They both fire the same 20x138B round of ammunition, which incorporates a case hardened steel projectile of 2310 grains. The muzzle velocity out of a Solothurn barrel is ~ 2750 fps. That number is for the original mustard brown projos in German manufactured ammunition. The Finnish dark blue projectile ammunition is a bit slower, with a muzzle velocity of 2650 fps. Also, there is some ammunition around that is headstamped P198, manufactured by Polte, Magdeburg. It was unpainted, and the projectiles show the case hardening nicely. The Lahti is capable of extreme accuracy when properly scoped, and the Solothurn is a more pleasant rifle to shoot, although neither is excessively brutal! A .55 Boys rifle is much more painful.
Both of these 20 mm rifles are classified by ATF as destructive devices, but also as curio and relics. One needs a C & R license from ATF to make a purchase across state lines. The usual fingerprint card and mug shot on a BATF form 4, signed by the local sheriff is needed.
Today, a decent Lahti will run $10,500 to 12,500 depending on how much (if any) ammo is included. The ammo can run upwards of $60 per round for the original German manufacture, and slightly less for the Finnish ammo.
A Solothurn S18-1000 will probably sell in excess of $30,000 for a bare bones rifle, and a lot more for a nicely maintained specimen. The 2 wheeled infantry cart alone is nearly $10,000.
I have owned a 18-1000 for about 10 years, and previously had a Lahti L 39. They both fire the same 20x138B round of ammunition, which incorporates a case hardened steel projectile of 2310 grains. The muzzle velocity out of a Solothurn barrel is ~ 2750 fps. That number is for the original mustard brown projos in German manufactured ammunition. The Finnish dark blue projectile ammunition is a bit slower, with a muzzle velocity of 2650 fps. Also, there is some ammunition around that is headstamped P198, manufactured by Polte, Magdeburg. It was unpainted, and the projectiles show the case hardening nicely. The Lahti is capable of extreme accuracy when properly scoped, and the Solothurn is a more pleasant rifle to shoot, although neither is excessively brutal! A .55 Boys rifle is much more painful.
Both of these 20 mm rifles are classified by ATF as destructive devices, but also as curio and relics. One needs a C & R license from ATF to make a purchase across state lines. The usual fingerprint card and mug shot on a BATF form 4, signed by the local sheriff is needed.
Today, a decent Lahti will run $10,500 to 12,500 depending on how much (if any) ammo is included. The ammo can run upwards of $60 per round for the original German manufacture, and slightly less for the Finnish ammo.
A Solothurn S18-1000 will probably sell in excess of $30,000 for a bare bones rifle, and a lot more for a nicely maintained specimen. The 2 wheeled infantry cart alone is nearly $10,000.
