Gee I posted a question here about mine 2-3 months ago, asking if should fix it up or honorably retire it, and everybody thought I should shoot it.
Mine was born in 1907, s/n 2XXX, and lived a long hard life on a ranch in South Texas, before it wound up with the good friend of my Grandad, who in turn gave it to my Dad, and he to me. No finish left, but the 20-30 shots I fired in it were reliable, and not terribly inaccurate, despite old ammo and poor sights.
Mechanically, they are rather interesting, an early semi-auto rifle with a blowback action. They are surprisingly heavy, and complex in design. Here's a photo of one apart:
Mine is still a project in progress. I have it apart, but need to make a new recoil spring for it, as the old one is well worn. Setup charges being what they are for springs, I'll likely get a few made up.
Random comments, from what I've learned so far:
1. They have more power than a .30 carbine or .357 mag, but less than a .30-30. IIRC 180's at ~1800 fps.
2. Hawk Bullets does make .352 dia jacketed bullets for them.
3. Redding dies are much cheaper than RCBS, and Midway had them in stock.
4. Old Western Scrounger had some ammo, but it would likely be expensive.
5. Quality Cartridge does make brass, if you can't find the original ammo with brass in good condition. $65 per 50 at Midway.
6. There were 10 round mags made for them; if you find one now they may cost half what the rifle costs
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7. I think
Cartridges of the World had load data - I have never seen it anywhere else. Need to dig out my copy to confirm.
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Worth $350? In good shape, I think so, but you'd better be ready for a challenge to load or find ammo. They aren't bad looking rifles when they are in good condition. Power and accuracy ? - I'll know after mine is shooting again, hopefully with a tang sight