Cape SAAACA



|[pic] |CAPE SAAACA |[pic] |

| |P O Box 2567, BELLVILLE, 7535, South Africa | |

| |39 First Avenue, Boston, Bellville | |

| |Telephone: (021) 9461712 Facsimile: (021) 949 0045 | |

| |capesaaaca@sfa.co.za – capesaaaca.co.za | |

| |CAPE SAAACA certified as a member of NAACCSA Ref No 2005/14 | |

| |SAPS CFR Accreditation No: 1300077 | |

JUNE 2011 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING JULY TALKS:

Our next talk on Thursday the 28TH of JULY 2011 at the Officers Mess of the Cape Town Highlanders Regt inside the Castle of Good Hope will be by...

SHOW AND TELL

The following talk will be held on Thursday the 25th of AUGUST 2011.

[pic]

CHAIRMAN:

What I wouldn’t give if for once we can dispense with these “boogie man” threats and focus on newsletters full of collector “fun stuff”!!

Once again we have to stand in the door and fight the good cause. But all is not doom and gloom, some good sense prevailed. It is further encouraging when one hears from Members who recently received all their re-licenses!! Unfortunately we also received notice of two members who were duly categorised private collectors, whose license applications were refused. Luckily in both cases they were very through in their original submissions which we approved, and we have no reason to doubt that their appeals would succeed. Against the consequences of what I explained below, it is only logical to assume that more might follow. Those we will support with all means at our disposal as they surface. Such members are requested to prepare copies of all their original license applications as “private collectors” and make an appointment with the Chairman to discuss further action.

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER:

Our apologies for the newsletter being late this month, our scribe only managed to complete last months’ notes very late waiting on everyone who part took in “Show & Tell”.

As our events grow, so does the size of the newsletter. I noticed that this copy is 4Mb big, and does not become any smaller when restricting the pictures and saving it in Pdf format. Perhaps someone has a better suggestion??

Those with old style dial up internet connections will find it very annoying. Those who would prefer to receive the newsletter instead in printed format snail mailed to them (B&W only), must please email me to that effect so that I can remove their names from the newsletter mailing list. I will still run a separate mailing list for emergency notices where everyone will be included.

INCOMPLETE PENDING RELICENSES APPLICATIONS STATUS:

As result of and due to immense pressure brought on the SAPS CFR through court case rulings and directives from the Minister and Secretariat of Police, all Provincial Commissioners were ordered to intervene on the issue of long outstanding license and in particular RELICENSE applications. The DFO’s were ordered to summarily submit ALL outstanding license applications forthwith to the Province CFR Offices for it to be processed within three months.

As commendable as this appears, it impacted two fold on us as Private Collectors.

(i) Some relicense applications were incomplete lacking accredited private collector supporting docs still under review to be categorised and approved. If incomplete license applications were steam rolled through, it was a foregone conclusion that it would result in refusals due to “insufficient motivation”. In most cases such cases had “Deferment Letters” substantiating their credentials, and those we could support and arrange some grace, but without that being in place would result in being refused on above grounds with very little prospects of succeeding any appeal process. Oh the other hand, processing incomplete applications would result in a legal administrative recourse and appeal, but only if it complied with due process supported by the required private collector categorisation and field of interest docs.

(ii) It transpired that more than 1,000,000 relicense applications were involved, raising serious questions from all levels, if it couldn’t be processed with all their resources spaced over 7 years, how it could be achieved in 3 months? It would be impossible to do so with any level of competency or efficiency. Yes, it was subsequently “efficiently” steam rolled through resulting in approximately 40% being refused, often on the flimsiest grounds. If an applicant had all his ducks in a row and submitted an appeal within the prescribed time after receiving the notice of refusal, he would stand a very good chance to succeed. To the best of my knowledge the appeal board currently consists of 3 pax, and that to date they already received more than 40,000 appeals and counting! I heard from reliable inside sources that if the more substantial “dedicated” applications of crossed their table, that it was considered and approved more readily than a casual firearm license application. The reason lying in the more through supporting due diligence that goes with preparing it.

(iii) Currently the position of OC of the Western Cape CFR is vacant and has been so since the departure of Director Jacobs, leaving three Colonels to run the show. This created a vacuum and loss of cohesion resulting in further procrastinations by the DFO’s at station level.

It was against that back ground that I engaged the Provincial Commissioner Lt. Genl. Lamoer beginning June to address these and various other concerns and related issues with the aim to achieve a mutual workable solution.

Various meetings followed. The most critical and immediate being (i) above, that of incomplete applications supported by Deferment Letters still lacking the supporting due diligence documentation.

The WC CFR agreed that we should submit a list of such identified cases, and that those applications would be pulled from the loop pending receipt of the appropriate supporting due diligence “private collector” certification docs. A very tight time limit grace period was agreed upon, luckily longer than the two weeks suggested by Col Van Lill !

We subsequently sent out notifications to our members to identify which of the list of those to whom we issued “Deferment Letters” were still an issue, to be able to draft a control list for the CFR to allow them to pull those from the loop before they were processed. Individual members identified were contacted and the Membership Committee will give this more urgent attention in order to assist them to make this absolute final and last dead line.

Should it happen that your application had a CAPE SAAACA “Deferment Letter” attached and has slipped through and ended up being refused on the grounds of “insufficient motivation”, then your recourse is to submit a summary appeal on the grounds of administrative incompetence, obviously supported by the required Private Collector” certification docs. However and hopefully we would have succeeded in catching it in time to allow you to obtain and the desired categorisation as private collector certification and approved field of interest letter. To ensure this it was further agreed that such issued certification docs would be submitted directly by this Office to Lt Col Visser’s Office to be added to those applications on the short list.

The rest is up to those outstanding relicense applicants so affected to make a serious effort to finalise and obtain their categorisation and approved field of interest.

I also strongly argued that we should use an endorsed dedicated Private Collector check list to ensure that applications were complete, as numerous cases existed where license applications lost vital motivating documentation being pulled apart, resulting in unacceptable refusals. It was agreed that CAPE SAAACA should submit a proposal, but they stated firmly that it would only be recognised if approved as a formal SAP CFR form.

On the issue of inexperienced DFO’s fouling the more complex private collector license applications, the SAPS were also very receptive of the proposed supporting network with dedicated experienced and trained private collectors being allocated to each DFO where possible. Arnold Beneke has been co-opted to convene this network and will meet with the Chairman shortly to plan the organising and management of such a network from amongst their members.

I proposed fixed regular meetings on Provincial level with WC CFR to discuss developments, concerns and to monitor Private Collector applications. This was agreed on and referred to Lt Col Visser.

The issue of inconsistent service and often ignorance on private collector matters at DFO level and the apparent high turnover amongst the staff was discussed. They agreed that further training would be required, at which point I raised the suggestion that we draft a working manual from our side to serve as reference for DFO’s on such applications. They welcomed it and suggested that we prepare a draft and submit it for their consideration.

WARNING FROM ONE OF OUR FIREARM DEALERS - SAPS CFR on Ammunition, primers, powder, "surplus military ammo"

 

A word or warning -- I am sure most of you have come to know that just about every Gun shop and Gunsmith in the Cape area has been "Raided" over the past few months by the SAPS Firearms control section.

 

Almost every one of the raids resulted in charges being brought against the owner / operator due to "Non Compliance"

 

These charges range from ammunition not stored correctly, (1 or 2 rounds found in a desk draw) to "unnumbered gun parts", and so on.

 

Now this has been happening at gun shops and will almost certainly move to "private individuals' being "raided" over the coming months -- the word is COMPLIANCE -- so you need to comply with the law and the type of issues are:

 

1. Correct storage of firearms SABS safe bolted to wall etc.

 

2. Correct storage of ammunition, primers and powder must be stored in a safe.

  

3. Military "surplus ammo" Very sensitive issue. You will have to explain as to why you have the ammo unless you have the original invoice!!

[pic]

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:

SAPS CFR NEWS:

PLEASE remember that for all practical purposes the SAPS CFR has actually already shut the door for outstanding relicensing applications, and it took serious horse wrangling to get them to concede to any further concessions under very limited strict conditions, We had to compile a list of member applications already received as under consideration, and only those will be allowed to add further outstanding applications. Furthermore we were allowed a very short time frame in which to finalise and approve outstanding docs. Col Van Lill in fact insisted on two weeks, but with Lt Col Visser’s support it was agreed that we would be allowed a short while longer. So it is up to each member with outstanding pending relicense applications to make a serious concerted effort to submit a valid well researched submission soonest to allow the Membership Committee time to put it through the evaluation process involving other subject experts in order to confirm the applicant’s credentials and confirm the submission as valid. No small task, but worth the effort for those who take it serious enough to consider it worth their while. Obviously it will place huge demands on everyone concerned, and our Members can rest assured that we will remain dedicated and assist each case on its merits.

If you have any queries, contact the Membership Convenor, Robert Nothhaft, at roronoma@.

Refer our web site for SAPS CFR related forms or go directly to;



[pic]

WEB SITE:

capesaaaca.co.za

Download application forms, refer to popular links, keep abreast of affairs as it unfolds, etc.

Part of our web site is to keep you informed of all CAPE SAAACA EVENTS and other related interest group activities. Members are reminded to submit information on any related activities and or events to be included on our web site calendar. Invite all those other clubs and associations with complementing interests to post their events for free to promote it as a site where everyone can go to see on one site what’s on when. Contact the webmaster at: webmaster@capesaaaca.co.za

To help YOU promote your own collection, we are going to create a “FINDERS CORNER” where everyone can post notices of such items they are still looking for. Mail a list with your direct contact details of what you are looking for to the Chairman.

The “MEMBERSHIP FORUM” is the space to post interesting subject topics or post questions on research matters you might be looking for some advice. Submit such information to web@capesaaaca.co.za or forward to the Chairman.

Our web site also offers an opportunity for anybody to advertise for free any firearm or general militaria or historical artefacts they wish to sell. See “TRADERS CORNER”. Visit our web site to view some excellent bargains! Contact our webmaster with the necessary information, a digital picture in Jpeg format and price and contact details. webmaster@capesaaaca.co.za

We suggest you refer anyone who decided to get rid of their firearms to place a free add on our web site and or to contact Andrew to have it put on auction rather than hand it in to the SAPS for destruction.

ACCREDITED DEALERS:

Visit our web site to support our accredited dealers.

CITY GUNS: cityguns.co.za ; info@cityguns.co.za ; 021 424 9030

CLASSIC ARMS: classicarms.co.za ; andrew@classicarms.co.za ; 013 656 2923

AUCTION 31 October 2009 – visit web site

SUBURBAN GUNS Plumstead: Charles Montgomery. suburbanguns.co.za ; 021 797 8787

PAROW ARMS & AMMO: parowarms.co.za ; Joe Da Silva at parowarms@mweb.co.za ; 021 939 8835

ELCAPRISCO ARMS & AMMO: Henk Mulder at sales@elcaprisco.co.za or elcaprisco.co.za

CFW: Specialist dehumidifiers at affordable prices. Visit cfw.co.za or contact Ralph at Ralph@cfw.co.za ; 021 931 3165

ZIMBI BOOKS: with a 5% discount to Cape SAAACA members, quote membership number.

THE MILITARY BOOKSHOP: Johan van den Berg at warbooks@mweb.co.za with a 10% discount ditto above

The “DEALERS MARKET” on our web allows Dealers to offer various items for sale to Collectors. More later, but let it suffice that we have to do everything we can to promote networking on all levels to ensure the big picture survival of all role players to allow us a place in the sun to pursue our interest as Private Collectors.

[pic]

CAPE SAAACA SHOOTING DISCIPLINES:

While we as collectors learn a lot from historical records about our collections, shooting them teaches us what was possible and how they performed. That certainly opens new insights around our interest fields.

COME AND TRY YOUR HAND WITH THAT CHERISHED PIECE IN YOUR SAFE THAT LONGS TO HEAR ITSELF ONCE AGAIN COME ALIVE FOR WHAT IT WAS MANUFACTURED FOR, AND TO SHARE IT AT A “SHOW AND TELL” MEETING WITH FELLOW COLLECTORS!

FUTURE SHOOTS:

DATES: TO BE NOTIFIED IN JULY NEWSLETTER

 

TIME: 09H30 for 10H00.

VENUE: NSADF Range at ATLANTIS off the R307 highway.

RANGE: Range 1

RANGE OFFICERS: Stephan Fourie

Graeme Smith RO in charge

Francois du Toit (Safety)

COSTS: R20,00

Shoots at Atlantis can unfortunately only be booked quarterly in advance and you will be advised of the next quarter’s dates in our next newsletter and it will also be posted our web site calendar.

Under real conditions one was under pressure to shoot as you were and normally enemy contacts happened at short distances. Out shooting details are designed to emulate that for the various firearm types, although we have the “enemy’s” (paper targets) permission to allow a somewhat more relaxed time-span to allow all the “old soldiers” to get their breath and to get our shaky watery eyes on target. So for those who believe in reincarnation for firearms, I dare you to dust off your old pieces and give them a second wind to show what they did when they were young, bold and in uniform! It also serves as an ideal opportunity to introduce a novice to collecting, possibly your own son or the neighbours’?

IT’S FUN AND IT SMELLS OF CORDITE!

RANGE OFFICER REPORT:

The June 2011 shoot:

As from the next shoot, all members will be required to sign an indemnity form and declare that they have read and agreed to abide by the Range Safety Rules.

The Range Officer in charge will also keep an attendance register which Members must please complete similar to that kept at the talks to count towards their annual “good standing” score.

Neil McIntyre brought along an AK47 which he had on a “weekend pass”  (Mod Type3 with socketless stock & machined receiver pre 1959) This firearm is of original Soviet/Russian manufacture denoted by the Cyrillic indicators on the selector switch and bolt carrier (As opposed to an eastern European or Chinese model). Unfortunately the temporary license was only valid for 1 week and had to be returned to the firearms dealer on Monday morning.  Many tears were shed during this handover.

Although he only had a very limited amount of ammo with him for the day, he still allowed almost everyone to have a go at it, which left everyone with an ear-to-ear grin on their faces. Thanks Neil.

Patrick Lynch had his trio of Mauser C96 Broomhandle’s in 7.63mm at the range again. These different models are known from left to right as the “Cone Hammer”, the “Flatside with Large Ring Hammer” and the “Short Barrel with new Safety”.

He has been experimenting with some reloads and after coming up with what works for him, brought some out to do some shooting for a change. Patrick made his own ammo for his Mauser’s by converting .38 Sp cartridges (some cutting and turning were involved) and moulding his own .30 Calibre 93gr bullets. He found 5 grains of MP200 to be more than sufficient for some serious shooting, without putting too much stress on the old Mauser’s for years to come. On the picture below left, one can see the home-made ammo on the left compared to the original ammo on the right. On the picture below right, one can see into the Mauser’s integrated 10-round magazine when loaded from the bottom with the magazine spring and end-cap lying on the side.

[pic] [pic]

[pic] [pic]

A very neat clip-loader was also demonstrated, which worked perfectly for fast top loading on the Broom Handle. As the Range Officer, I really appreciated his clever, cheap, nifty and very effective use of a piece of brightly coloured Weed-Eater gut to clearly and visibly show and proof that his firearm is unloaded and safe on the shooting range. Good tip there Patrick, thanks.

About our shoots:

Every Cape SAAACA shoot is a casual and open, shoot-what-you-bring day, until further notice.

If you feel that you want to shoot that nice collectors piece to get the cobwebs out of it, please feel free to contact us through our web-site capesaaaca.co.za or just pop in at Range 1, in Atlantis, normally every 1st Saturday of every month.

Graeme Smith – 083 301 8985

graemesmith@mtnloaded.co.za

[pic]

Notes on the monthly talks held on the 26 of May 2011 at the CTH Mess at the Castle:

(Where possible members submitted their own notes on the topics displayed)

30 Members and guests turned up for the meeting to be met by generous portions of steaming bean soup and buns to ward off the winter chills and fill hungry stomachs before enjoying some wine or beers. (Never a good idea to drive home on an empty stomach after drinking any alcohol!) This was sponsored by the Chairman as an experiment.

The Chairman welcomed everyone and explained that the refreshments followed after many members suggested something to that effect as many coming straight from home didn’t have time for dinner. He explained that the portions (500ml and a bread roll) cost approx R15,00 and asked whether the Members would like it as a fixed arrangement. The proposal was unanimously accepted by a show of hands and it was decided that future entrance fees would be R25,00 (R10 + R15).

Mike di Bona added to that by warning members that the Police were now also targeting shooters at Atlantis on weekends with roadblocks on all the exit roads surrounding the shooting range, and one member was already apprehended for driving under the influence after having had a beer or 2 after a hard days’ shooting in the sun. The Chairman explained that the margins between being caught above the legal limit were very slim, especially if one has not had any food or might be dehydrated. He also explained that it followed that one’s firearms would be confiscated if found driving under the influence, and that nothing was worth taking that risk for a Private Collector having invested heavily in his collection!

The Chairman gave feedback on the serious efforts of the national forums to force the Authorities to address the license administration back log to issue outstanding licences within a reasonable time. Serious efforts were pursued through court interdicts and other in negotiations through the Office of the Secretariat of Police. Critical reports to the Minister of Safety and Security followed by Supreme Court orders put the SAPS CFR under severe pressure to up its service delivery levels.

The Chairman further revealed that for some time now the position of the Officer Commanding the WC CFR SAPS has been vacant and that it was left to the three Lt Col’s to run the show, often with conflicting results. This was exasperated by the strict order from the National Commissioner to Provincial Commissioners to intercede in their Provinces and to resolve all outstanding license issues within 3 months, no doubt an impossible task with many DFO’s having 100’s of license back logs going back 2 to 3 years and that to force process that would inevitably result in refusals as the easy way out to reach the dead line. The Chairman reported that he received many calls from members with outstanding relicensing applications still lying at their local DFO’s pending outstanding requirements, that the DFO’s gave them short dead line dates to deliver outstanding requirements after they themselves received strict orders from the Provincial Commissioner Lt. Genl. Arno Lamoer to summarily forward ALL outstanding license applications regardless of its status to the WC CFR to be processed. He explained that in the case of outstanding Private Collector applications subject to pending categorisation approval by Accredited Associations, that it would be difficult if not impossible. He mentioned that he has written an urgent appeal to Genl. Lamoer’s Office explaining the issues involved and requested a meeting to consider options to allow both parties to meet its objectives within its required goals without compromising results. He will report back to Members as soon as he managed to achieve any constructive results to protect Private Collectors’ interests.

A discussion then followed on possessing ammunition per calibre and the fact that Private Collectors being limited to 200 rounds per license currently do not have the same benefits as Dedicated Hunters and Sport Shooters, who for instance do not have a restriction of 200 rounds per firearm.

On the question as to what constitutes ammunition he explained that it would only be deemed “ammunition” if it had either/or primers or propellant in the case. Cases or bullets on their own do not constitute ammunition.

Robert then mentioned that the Membership Committee were currently working on a template draft for ammo collecting which will explain and guide the applicant to prepare submissions to apply for their ammunition collection certificates from accredited bodies in order to apply to the SAPS CFR for an ammunition collecting permit. It was important to bear in mind that this only pertained to ammunition up to 20mm, above that being in the ambit of the Explosives and Ordinance Act. The Chairman indicated that he was pursuing SAPS channels to clarify heavier ammunition to ensure that ammo collectors could pursue their interests without fear. On that note it was important to remember that “INERT” ammunition regardless of size without primers/propellant or explosives were not affected at all and could be legally owned. The emphasis being that all ammunition of 20mm> had to have been deactivated and that it would be wise to have such a gunsmith certificate on hand.

The Chairman further cautioned the Members NOT TO DISPLAY life ammunition as the Act and Regs clearly states that life ammunition had to be locked away in a safe.

A question followed on whether an ammunition collector’s permit would be valid to purchase certain types of ammunition within their ammunition collection schedule for which they don’t hold firearm licences, as the Police currently seem to be unsure of this as well. The Chairman undertook to clarify this and report back.

A Discussion then followed on competency certificates and the reapplication thereof. Members were warned to diarise their renewal dates as they had to renew THREE months before the expiry date. Members, who still possessed competency certificates valid only for 5 years as casual firearm owners, should reapply as Private Collectors supported by their Private Collector Categorisation documentation issued by CAPE SAAACA to ensure that their competency certificates reflect “CATEGORY A/B/C” below the valid dates. Without that they wouldn’t be able to apply for further collecting licenses being limited to four firearms.

Members submitting firearm license applications were reminded to have the CAPE SAAACA Application Checklist signed off by their DFO’s to ensure a paper trail substantiating proof that all requirements were met and submitted, especially where private collectors were concerned, being more complex than any other firearm license application and less often encountered by DFO’s.

Next followed a discussion on the legality of black powdered revolvers. Apparently the jury were still out on this, but cap and ball revolvers will have to be re-licensed again.

Next followed an excellent PowerPoint presentation

by Pierre De Villiers on the current conflict in Libya.

[pic]

Here are some slides from his presentation – many which speaks for themselves:

[pic]

[pic]

Main areas of conflict are situated around Misrata in the West and Benghazi in the East of the country (controlled by the Rebels) while Gaddafi’s Government forces control the capital Tripoli and other area’s marked in green

REBEL FORCES:

[pic]

Artillery: AA and makeshift mortars.

[pic]

[pic]

Improvised armour

[pic]

Chuffed as hell! But it’s not a good idea to shoot down the only plane you have…

Dear Mum – War is hell!...

GADDAFI’S FORCES: (and supporters)

[pic]

Tank crews are mainly African (Tshadians)

[pic]

Gaddafi’s Artillery – and what’s left of it after NATO airstrikes …

[pic]

Gadaffa “supporters” receiving training in Tripoli

[pic]

The “Show and Tell” part of the evening started with Robert Nothhaft who brought two Ruger Black Hawk revolvers from his collection.

Robert explained the history and differences of Ruger “Old Model” and New Model single action revolvers, illustrated by an “Old Model” Blackhawk Convertible in .357 Magnum with an extra 9mmP cylinder and a New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt calibres. Obviously, there were no “Old Models” of the Ruger single action revolvers, they were simply called “Blackhawk or “Single Six”, etc. Nowadays one talks of “Old Models” to differentiate from the New Model Ruger single action revolvers.

After marketing their first product, the Ruger Standard Pistol, in 1949 and achieving a surprising success with it, Sturm, Ruger & Co. introduced their first single action revolver in 1953. The Ruger Single Six was a .22 LR model that outwardly resembled the traditional look of a single action revolver with adjustable rear and ramp front sight. On the inside however, Ruger used music wire coil springs which were unbreakable in normal use – unlike the - often problematic - traditional flat leaf springs found in all other single action revolvers up to then. Ruger also managed to significantly cut production cost while increasing tensile strength by perfecting and using investment casting as a means of producing most of their revolver parts.

In 1955 the Ruger Blackhawk was introduced, the company's first centre fire firearm. Initially chambered for .357 Magnum, it was followed in 1956 by a .44 Magnum model. Again, these sported a flat top frame with adjustable rear sight and a ramp front sight. By 1962 Ruger added protective ears to the top strap to protect the rear sight when it is set for long distance shooting. Many Blackhawk owners used them for hunting and the rear sight might be bent when one drops the firearm accidentally. Since then the earlier models are known as the “Flat Top Blackhawks” amongst Ruger fans and collectors.

The “Old Model” Rugers were built on the principles going back to the mid-19th century of pulling the hammer to half-cock for loading and un-loading. There is also the inherent danger of an accidental discharge if the firearm was dropped and would fall hammer first on a loaded chamber. In the 1900's and the early 20th century everyone knew that the only safe way to carry a single action revolver was with an empty chamber under the hammer. However, with the huge popularity of Western movies and TV shows featuring sixguns that never seemed to run out of ammo, a new generation of shooters was attracted to these firearms. These were mostly oblivious to safe handling practices and to avoid possible accidents – not to mention an increasingly litigation happy legal system – Ruger re-designed their single action revolvers in 1973 and re-introduced them as “New Models” The New Models no longer had a half cock notch. Instead the cylinder unlocked for loading and un-loading by merely opening the loading gate which also blocked the hammer and trigger. A transfer bar was fitted, making it impossible for the firing pin to hit a primer unless the trigger is held fully to the back. This would effectively prevent any accidental discharges while loading/un-loading or dropping the firearm. Since 1973 the previous models are generally known as the “Old Model” Rugers. At first glance one can distinguish “Old Models” from New Models by looking for the frame screws. “Old Models” had three frame screws while New Models have only two frame pins, not screws. Another (cosmetic) change followed in 1982 when Ruger started to have the following inscription stamped prominently on every barrel: “Before using gun - read warnings in INSTRUCTION MANUAL available free from Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Southport, Conn., USA” Post 1982 models are sometimes referred to as “graffiti models” amongst Ruger collectors.

The Ruger Blackhawks were manufactured in a vast array of calibres, like the .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .45 Colt, .30 M1 Carbine, .327 Federal, Convertible models with dual cylinders in .357 Mag & 9mmP, 38-40 WCF & 10mm Auto, .45 Colt & .45 ACP, etc. There was even a version in .357 Maximum with a lengthened frame to accommodate the extra length cylinder. This model was short lived though. Forcing cone and top strap flame cutting as well as barrel erosion from the extra-hot powder charges led to the early demise of this model.

“Old Model” Ruger single action revolvers came in good looking cardboard boxes, the convertible's extra cylinder in a red felt bag with gold draw string in a separate little cardboard box. An instruction manual, devoid of today's bold-print, red underlined safety warnings, as well as a guarantee card and an advert for cleaning products completed the package. New Models come in a grey plastic box which is lockable and contains an instruction manual many times the size of the old one, swelled by pages of legalese.

When handling an “Old Model” and a New Model Blackhawk in similar condition, it becomes obvious that – in spite of the safety advances of the New Model – the older firearms were assembled with a greater degree of workmanship and care. While all the New Models have exceptional strength and reliability, the feeling of old-time quality and “running-like-on-ball-bearings” has made way to functionality. There is certainly another dimension of sensual pleasure in handling an “Old Model” Ruger single action revolver. This is also borne out in the degree of desirability of the various incarnations. For Ruger collectors older is better (equal condition assumed). The Flat Tops are highest on the wish list, followed by the later “Old Models”, then the New Models and finally the “graffiti models”

Any “Old Model” single action revolvers sent to Ruger for repairs or to retro-fit those to the New Model specs will get this reversible treatment. However, Ruger does return the parts they took out to turn your Old Model into a converted one. From a collector's point of view these converted models accompanied by the old parts are not lower valued than un-converted ones. If the extra parts are missing it does detract from the value, though.

It is with good reason that Ruger single action revolvers are the most common focus of Ruger collectors. They are strong, reliable, well priced, and accurate and evoke an era that is shrouded in romanticism. Shooters, handgun hunters and collectors just can't get enough of these firearms.

Next was Mike di Bona who brought a beautiful modern version Billinghurst which he had custom made.

Mike did not want to say what he has paid for it but it must have cost him a small fortune. He said its accuracy speaks for itself as is the pleasure of shooting a true masterpiece!

[pic]

William Billinghurst

Born 1807 in Monroe County, New York and died in 1880. Many of his apprentices later became well known gunsmiths in their own right. He was one of the most famous gunmakers of those days.

[pic]

.44 calibre percussion mule-ear target rifle, 30 3/3" octagonal barrel.

[pic]

.50 calibre percussion underhammer target rifle.

[pic]

An Outstanding William Billinghurst...Cased Underhammer Target Rifle, with accessories Magnificent Figured Walnut Stock.

Billinghurst is the most famous of the New York rifle makers; born in 1807 he worked at different Rochester locations until his death in 1880. The accuracy and quality of his percussion rifles was without peer. Billinghurst-Requa battery gun predates the Gatling Gun, used in the Civil War. These gun was invented by Dr. Josephus Requa (1849 to 1853 apprentice of Billinghurst and later changed to become Dentist) and Billinghurst in 1862. The gun had twenty-five barrels, each twenty-four inches long. The spacing between the barrels could be adjusted for concentrated fire or a wide broadside. A single cap fired the 25-shot volley.

(August 2, 1841) William Billinghurst of this city received an order from Don Pedro d'Alcantara, the young Emperor of Brazil, to make an under hammer rifle for him.

Mr. Billinghurst is regarded as one of the best rifle smiths in this country and will, we doubt not, execute the order as satisfactorily to the Emperor as creditably to himself. The rifle will cost $400.00.

Last on the list was Arnold Beneke who brought a well cared for sample of a M1 Garand which he managed to save from certain destruction by buying it from the previous owner who wanted to hand it in at a Police station!

The M1 Garand (officially designated as United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 and later simply Rifle, Caliber .30, M1, and also abbreviated as US Rifle, Cal. .30, M1), was the first semi-automatic rifle to be generally issued to the infantry of any nation. Called "the greatest battle implement ever devised" by General George S. Patton, the Garand officially replaced the bolt-action M1903 Springfield as the standard

service rifle of the United States Armed Forces in 1936 and was subsequently replaced by the selective fire M14 in 1957. However, the M1 continued to be used in large numbers until 1963 and to a lesser degree until 1966.

The M1 was used heavily by U.S. forces in World War II, the Korean War, and, to a limited extent, the Vietnam War. Most M1 rifles were issued to Army and Marine troops, though many thousands were also lent or provided as foreign aid to America's allies. The Garand is still used by drill teams and military honor guards. It is also widely sought by the civilian population as a hunting rifle, target rifle, and military collectible.

It was this design on which the later popular Ruger Mini 14 rifles were designed on.

[pic]

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP:

1. Ordinary Member (Firearm Collector) R650,00 p/a

2. Fellow Member (Non Firearm Collector/Enthusiast) R250,00 p/a

3. Student Membership R100,00 p/a

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORMS ON WEB SITE: capesaaaca.co.za

FEES PAYABLE:

Joining fee R150.00

Annual subs for Private Collectors (Firearms only) R650.00

Categorisation and fee per Field of Interest application/review. R250.00

Subsequent Collectability applications R100.00

Annual subs for all other secretariat collector categories R250.00

Student membership subs R100.00

Associated Dealers subs R500,00

APPLICATION FORMS ON OUR WEB SITE:

WWW.CAPESAAACA.CO.ZA

Greetings,

Stephan Fourie

Chairman

CAPE SAAACA

PO Box 2567, Bellville, 7535

Ph: 021-946-1712 Fax: 021-949-0045

capesaaaca@sfa.co.za

"The home of the discerning Private Collector"

-----------------------

MUAMMAR GADDAFI

• Over threw King Idris I in 1969

• 42 Years in power

• Tribal and family members in all top positions

• Armed Forces officered by Gaddafi loyalist and troops mostly Tshadians.

• Oil revenue 58% of GDP

• Small population high living standard

• 87% Literacy rate

• 21% Unemployment

• More than 1 mil immigrant workers

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download