Beckerhead firearms

[Tanker 1/66]

Oh yeah. Those have been on my short-list for years! Or at least the VZ52/56 in 7.62x39. But I’m afraid I’ve missed the boat on the nice ones. Seems like only a few years ago they were going for under $1000, and I’ve recently seen some close in the $2500 range. Absolutely nuts! I remember seeing various flavors listed for $200 in ShotgunNews back in the day, when I was barely old enough to buy them. And I’ve never actually held one. On paper I think they’re around a pound heavier than a Soviet SKS rifle, and with that side-folding bayonet, I’d imagine they feel a bit unwieldy? Have you ever handled one? Fired one? What did you think? I didn’t know the Cubans used them against us!

Couple of Czech weapons. Early D-Technik VZ58 and VZ61 Skorpion. CAI-imported CZ52.

I don’t shoot them often, but they’re all a lot of fun. I love the clever, tool-less takedown, and I’m a sucker for those early phenolic stock materials.

What a great looking collection. Nice examples. Is the CZ52 chambered in 7.62x25 or 9mm? And I’d love to have that scorp with a suppressor and a wire stock lol .
Yes I’ve fondled and shot the VZ52 and it’s pretty much like shooting a Yugo SKS. I grew up with the owner of a well known gun shop in FL. I worked a 4 on 4 off 12 hour schedule at a Power Plant. So on my 4 days off I’d spend two of those days working the shop. I did this for years. Any thing that we ordered used or took in on trade was fair game to shoot. We took a lot of ammo in on trade also. The policy was not to sell used ammo. But we could shoot it. They had a short 50 yard shooting lane outback so the gunsmiths could test fire and we could function fire trade in firearms. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting hundreds of different firearms. I even shot a 4 bore punt gun. Not a pleasant experience But not as bad as one might expect.

 

[NWFRS]

What a great looking collection. Nice examples. Is the CZ52 chambered in 7.62x25 or 9mm? And I’d love to have that scorp with a suppressor and a wire stock lol .
Yes I’ve fondled and shot the VZ52 and it’s pretty much like shooting a Yugo SKS. I grew up with the owner of a well known gun shop in FL. I worked a 4 on 4 off 12 hour schedule at a Power Plant. So on my 4 days off I’d spend two of those days working the shop. I did this for years. Any thing that we ordered used or took in on trade was fair game to shoot. We took a lot of ammo in on trade also. The policy was not to sell used ammo. But we could shoot it. They had a short 50 yard shooting lane outback so the gunsmiths could test fire and we could function fire trade in firearms. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting hundreds of different firearms. I even shot a 4 bore punt gun. Not a pleasant experience But not as bad as one might expect.

Thank you!

The CZ52 is chambered in 7.62x25.

Lol, you and me both! It would probably be a lot more useful with a wire folder. I used to be way more into various SMG/pistols than I am now. Among the classics were an IMI micro Uzi pistol and Sites Spectre HC, both in .45acp, but the Spectre wasn’t very reliable, and the Uzi felt weirdly top-heavy, so I let them go. But the VZ61 has remained one of my favorites. I like the clever engineering, build quality, and diminutive .32acp cartridge. I also like to see continuity in my small collection, and I’ve really gravitated toward CZ in the last few years.

Nice! That’s what I’ve heard as well, kind of a Czech SKS. Those were some of the first I ever got into, when I was just starting out, right on the tail end of the time when you could fish SKS out of a barrel. My first was an unissued 1954 Tula Arsenal from a local gun show. There were probably VZ52 present at those shows, but they just flew under my radar.

Holy cow that’s some amazing experience! I can’t imagine what must have been on the shelves of a place like that in those days. Pretty neat that you got to try them out. What would you say was the most interesting firearm you ever got to fire at that time? (Or during your service, for that matter!)

I’ve always done metal fabrication/machining, sometimes as many as 60hrs/week, but I used to find time to take weekend jobs doing things that I loved. One year I did weekends at an antique gallery that was right next door to WestCoastArmory. Lance was an inspiration to me. He did his best to talk me into one of those 250 cobbled 551 rifles when they were stacked in boxes on a palate in the middle of the showroom. Of course I had to pass. The money was too dear to me. There was another year I did weekends at a local gun store, although I probably spent more than I made! And of course I didn’t get to shoot anything.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

Thank you!

The CZ52 is chambered in 7.62x25.

Lol, you and me both! It would probably be a lot more useful with a wire folder. I used to be way more into various SMG/pistols than I am now. Among the classics were an IMI micro Uzi pistol and Sites Spectre HC, both in .45acp, but the Spectre wasn’t very reliable, and the Uzi felt weirdly top-heavy, so I let them go. But the VZ61 has remained one of my favorites. I like the clever engineering, build quality, and diminutive .32acp cartridge. I also like to see continuity in my small collection, and I’ve really gravitated toward CZ in the last few years.

Nice! That’s what I’ve heard as well, kind of a Czech SKS. Those were some of the first I ever got into, when I was just starting out, right on the tail end of the time when you could fish SKS out of a barrel. My first was an unissued 1954 Tula Arsenal from a local gun show. There were probably VZ52 present at those shows, but they just flew under my radar.

Holy cow that’s some amazing experience! I can’t imagine what must have been on the shelves of a place like that in those days. Pretty neat that you got to try them out. What would you say was the most interesting firearm you ever got to fire at that time? (Or during your service, for that matter!)

I’ve always done metal fabrication/machining, sometimes as many as 60hrs/week, but I used to find time to take weekend jobs doing things that I loved. One year I did weekends at an antique gallery that was right next door to WestCoastArmory. Lance was an inspiration to me. He did his best to talk me into one of those 250 cobbled 551 rifles when they were stacked in boxes on a palate in the middle of the showroom. Of course I had to pass. The money was too dear to me. There was another year I did weekends at a local gun store, although I probably spent more than I made! And of course I didn’t get to shoot anything.

Awesomeness Brotha!!! The most interesting shoulder fired weapon had to be the Gewehr 43 and a Stg 44 purely from a historical point it was fantastic. In the military I’d have to say the 105mm rifled. The 120mm was less enjoyable because the only thing that was ejected was the base into a basket. When we sent the 105s down range they would eject from the breach, hot, smoking from cordite, clanging around the turret the polish on our tanker boots would melt. After about 9rds (A good crew could send 9rds down range in about 30 seconds) The gunners was kicking empty’s out of his station and the loader was tripping trying to load. Good Times for sure.

 

[NWFRS]

Awesomeness Brotha!!! The most interesting shoulder fired weapon had to be the Gewehr 43 and a Stg 44 purely from a historical point it was fantastic. In the military I’d have to say the 105mm rifled. The 120mm was less enjoyable because the only thing that was ejected was the base into a basket. When we sent the 105s down range they would eject from the breach, hot, smoking from cordite, clanging around the turret the polish on our tanker boots would melt. After about 9rds (A good crew could send 9rds down range in about 30 seconds) The gunners was kicking empty’s out of his station and the loader was tripping trying to load. Good Times for sure.

Neat!

You’re right-those are some of the most historically interesting firearms I can think of. What an incredible opportunity!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a G43 or STG44 in person, but they were the stuff of video game legend in my later school years. The Swedish Ljungman was the similar-but-less-expensive object of my desire for a time, back when I owned that model of 1896. Larry of Vickers Tactical has some great history and slow-motion video of the STG44 and FG42.

I’m unfamiliar with those enormous military shells. You’ve given me something to research today. Can’t even imagine the shock, fume, heat, and noise! I’m a giant wuss.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

Neat!

You’re right-those are some of the most historically interesting firearms I can think of. What an incredible opportunity!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a G43 or STG44 in person, but they were the stuff of video game legend in my later school years. The Swedish Ljungman was the similar-but-less-expensive object of my desire for a time, back when I owned that model of 1896. Larry of Vickers Tactical has some great history and slow-motion video of the STG44 and FG42.

I’m unfamiliar with those enormous military shells. You’ve given me something to research today. Can’t even imagine the shock, fume, heat, and noise! I’m a giant wuss.

Larry and his slow motion videos are epic. Also check out the Egyptian Hakim Rifle and the FN49

 

[1066vik]

I would love to shoot a Swedish Llunjemann for the win.

 

[NWFRS]

Neat!

Larry and his slow motion videos are epic. Also check out the Egyptian Hakim Rifle and the FN49

Yeah! Both very cool. You ever have opportunity to fire those?

 

[Tanker 1/66]

I would love to shoot a Swedish Llunjemann for the win.

That’s one I never got trigger time on.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

Yeah! Both very cool. You ever have opportunity to fire those?

My buddy had a 8mm Mauser Hakim that I shot quite often. I had a Venezuelan contract FN49 chambered in 7mm Mauser. It was expensive to shoot. When my son was 8 or 9 he wanted an AK so I traded it to my friend with the Hakim. I got a Russian contract Egyptian Maadi and a pile of East German magazines.

 

[NWFRS]

My buddy had a 8mm Mauser Hakim that I shot quite often. I had a Venezuelan contract FN49 chambered in 7mm Mauser. It was expensive to shoot. When my son was 8 or 9 he wanted an AK so I traded it to my friend with the Hakim. I got a Russian contract Egyptian Maadi and a pile of East German magazines.

Nice!

Those Maadi have done well in recent years. Sounds like your son had good taste, and got started early!

I was drawn to AK fairly early as well, although embarrassingly, I mostly went for the CAI products, as they fit my budget. Of those that I tried, I’d say about three-quarters of their stamped guns had serious issues, or were effectively inoperable. But those were all from that strange late-90’s/early 2000’s period of kit importation and cobbled domestic construction. Everything was weird then. CAI could be better now for all I know. Once we started importing Saiga and Vepr again, I sold-off the last of the CAI guns. More recently I got bored and sold those as well.

The only one I couldn’t bring myself to sell is a Bulgaria Arsenal SLR-104UR. I’d wanted one for so long, and we were looking at the last batch a few years ago. I was also collecting the Tula AG4 “Bakelite” mags for many years, and just generally emotionally invested in it. I’ve only recently finished tinkering. Really looking forward to hitting the range!

 

[Tanker 1/66]

Nice!

Those Maadi have done well in recent years. Sounds like your son had good taste, and got started early!

I was drawn to AK fairly early as well, although embarrassingly, I mostly went for the CAI products, as they fit my budget. Of those that I tried, I’d say about three-quarters of their stamped guns had serious issues, or were effectively inoperable. But those were all from that strange late-90’s/early 2000’s period of kit importation and cobbled domestic construction. Everything was weird then. CAI could be better now for all I know. Once we started importing Saiga and Vepr again, I sold-off the last of the CAI guns. More recently I got bored and sold those as well.

The only one I couldn’t bring myself to sell is a Bulgaria Arsenal SLR-104UR. I’d wanted one for so long, and we were looking at the last batch a few years ago. I was also collecting the Tula AG4 “Bakelite” mags for many years, and just generally emotionally invested in it. I’ve only recently finished tinkering. Really looking forward to hitting the range!

Back in my day the major importer was Blue Sky lol

 

[Tanker 1/66]

NWFRS if you already don’t have your 03 license you should get it. Deals still pop up from Places like Sarco

 

[NWFRS]

NWFRS if you already don’t have your 03 license you should get it. Deals still pop up from Places like Sarco

I appreciate that. Thank you. I may look into that. It’s not the hobby that it once was for me though. I’ve been slimming things down for several years, trying to make time to shoot more trap with my friend and business partner (He’s way better than I am). I haven’t made any big purchases for several years. Lots of “wants” but I’m not sure my heart is in it. We also had some new laws pass in WA state recently that sort of took some of the fun out it.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

NWFRS You broke me down. I reached info the safe and grabbed the first two that was easy. Now I'm going to post a crappy picture lol

 

[Tanker 1/66]

I appreciate that. Thank you. I may look into that. It’s not the hobby that it once was for me though. I’ve been slimming things down for several years, trying to make time to shoot more trap with my friend and business partner (He’s way better than I am). I haven’t made any big purchases for several years. Lots of “wants” but I’m not sure my heart is in it. We also had some new laws pass in WA state recently that sort of took some of the fun out it.


Tell me about it I moved from Florida to NY

 

[NWFRS]

NWFRS You broke me down. I reached info the safe and grabbed the first two that was easy. Now I'm going to post a crappy picture lol

I knew it! I knew you’d have super clean examples! Those stocks look factory-fresh. What’s the story there? Were they refurbished at some point? I absolutely love that aesthetic. Great colors and stock finish.

I did some minor refurbishing of my 1905 SMLE earlier this year. I knew it had a little surface rust and caked cosmoline/dirt under the stocks, and it was eating at the back of my mind for ten years (It could be trench dirt!). I was glad I did it afterward. All that minor unseen caked cosmoline/rust is gone and everything is clean and oiled. I just gave the stocks some tinted oil applied with extra fine ScotchBrite. 99% of the character is still there, but it helped to disguise some of the larger blemishes, and even-out the colors a bit. A few light wipe-downs with boiled linseed oil, spaced weeks apart, and then Renaissance microcrystalline wax to finish.

So that’s your K98K and Mk4 then? I’m not very knowledgeable at spotting the differences. Around what years were those made in? They really do both look absolutely mint. I’m completely ignorant of K98 variants and desireability. I’ve never been in the market myself, and frankly there’s just so much to know. Same with Lugers. What’s the story of the K98K?

 

[Tanker 1/66]

I knew it! I knew you’d have super clean examples! Those stocks look factory-fresh. What’s the story there? Were they refurbished at some point? I absolutely love that aesthetic. Great colors and stock finish.

I did some minor refurbishing of my 1905 SMLE earlier this year. I knew it had a little surface rust and caked cosmoline/dirt under the stocks, and it was eating at the back of my mind for ten years (It could be trench dirt!). I was glad I did it afterward. All that minor unseen caked cosmoline/rust is gone and everything is clean and oiled. I just gave the stocks some tinted oil applied with extra fine ScotchBrite. 99% of the character is still there, but it helped to disguise some of the larger blemishes, and even-out the colors a bit. A few light wipe-downs with boiled linseed oil, spaced weeks apart, and then Renaissance microcrystalline wax to finish.

So that’s your K98K and Mk4 then? I’m not very knowledgeable at spotting the differences. Around what years were those made in? They really do both look absolutely mint. I’m completely ignorant of K98 variants and desireability. I’ve never been in the market myself, and frankly there’s just so much to know. Same with Lugers. What’s the story of the K98K?

The K98K is actually a Zastava M48 Yugo Mauser. This one was completely restored by Michell’s Mausers. Unfortunately they are no longer in business. There restoration work on WW2 weapons was Superb.
The Mk4 is a WW2 arsenal rebuild from 1949. An old gentleman came into the shop many many years ago. He had these as trade. 4 of them still in a wooden crate wrapped in some type of wax paper, packed with straw and in cosmoline. Absolute pristine example. Thanks

 

[NWFRS]

The K98K is actually a Zastava M48 Yugo Mauser. This one was completely restored by Michell’s Mausers. Unfortunately they are no longer in business. There restoration work on WW2 weapons was Superb.
The Mk4 is a WW2 arsenal rebuild from 1949. An old gentleman came into the shop many many years ago. He had these as trade. 4 of them still in a wooden crate wrapped in some type of wax paper, packed with straw and in cosmoline. Absolute pristine example. Thanks

Yeah those both look fantastic! Great acquisitions. I personally prefer those professionally refurbished weapons to absolute 100% originality. That Enfield really looks special.

Yeah I can’t spot the difference between the German 98K, Yugoslavian, Czechoslovakian, etc, so I’ve just stayed away from them. There’s so much to learn, and I know from experience that I don’t shoot those types of rifles very well. Values are pretty firmly established, and climbing all the time. Mitchell’s Mausers does sound familiar.

Years ago, a buddy of mine brought a crate over to my place. He thought it contained an Arisaka rifle that his grandfather had mailed home to himself from Japan where he was stationed after the war. There’s a chance we may even have been the first to open it since it was mailed. It actually contained two Arisaka. At first they appeared to be painted black but it was probably just a very solid layer of protective cosmoline. One had a cracked stock wrist and the other had a badly over-stamped ‘mum. I don’t think we stripped the cosmoline, but we did swap the nice stock onto the rifle with the better ‘mum. The spare parts were gifted to some other Arisaka enthusiast that he knew. Pretty fun just to have that experience, although I’d probably be more hesitant to do that now, with values being what they are.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

Yeah those both look fantastic! Great acquisitions. I personally prefer those professionally refurbished weapons to absolute 100% originality. That Enfield really looks special.

Yeah I can’t spot the difference between the German 98K, Yugoslavian, Czechoslovakian, etc, so I’ve just stayed away from them. There’s so much to learn, and I know from experience that I don’t shoot those types of rifles very well. Values are pretty firmly established, and climbing all the time. Mitchell’s Mausers does sound familiar.

Years ago, a buddy of mine brought a crate over to my place. He thought it contained an Arisaka rifle that his grandfather had mailed home to himself from Japan where he was stationed after the war. There’s a chance we may even have been the first to open it since it was mailed. It actually contained two Arisaka. At first they appeared to be painted black but it was probably just a very solid layer of protective cosmoline. One had a cracked stock wrist and the other had a badly over-stamped ‘mum. I don’t think we stripped the cosmoline, but we did swap the nice stock onto the rifle with the better ‘mum. The spare parts were gifted to some other Arisaka enthusiast that he knew. Pretty fun just to have that experience, although I’d probably be more hesitant to do that now, with values being what they are.

Really nice find. A Arisaka with the mum is definitely a great find. The Japanese were ordered to grind off all mums from the rifles. Complete and total defeat

 

[NWFRS]

Really nice find. A Arisaka with the mum is definitely a great find. The Japanese were ordered to grind off all mums from the rifles. Complete and total defeat

Oh yeah! That would have been amazing. I stated that badly. They both had overstamps, but one was really bad, and the other was so light it was barely present, as well as symmetrical. It was much nicer to our eyes. But they were shockingly crude rifles in general. I think that may have been the only time I ever examined one up close. I remember that we had trouble with the stock wrist/tang screws, but I can’t recall why.