Inherited a pair of WTF .22's, help???

Frank2357 · 11-05-2007, 01:35 PM

I recently inherited a collection of rifles that contains a pair of .22's that I can't find any info on anywhere. Any info/assistance would be greatly appreciated.

If I should post this in different forum please let me know

#1 is a military (I think) rifle with no model number. Barrel stamping is:
G.F.Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
New Haven, Conn. U.S.A.
44 U.S. 22 L.R.
U.S. Property

#2 is a sweet little single shot. Stamping near the bolt says "Modele 1912 Brevete SGDG". Along the barrel it reads "Belgium The Improved New Century Rifle"

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

K75RT · 11-05-2007, 04:32 PM

The first rifle is a Mossberg Model 44US, it was a training rifle as you surmised. Here is a link that deals with .22 caliber Mossberg Rifles. These rifles were made by O.F. Mossberg in New Haven, Conn.
1Openingpage

Sorry but not familiar with the Belgian .22; perhaps if you post a picture I can help.

Big Dog · 11-05-2007, 04:48 PM

K75RT is exactly on target with the fine old Mossberg. These rifles are very popular with Mossberg and GI Training Rifle collectors.
Another good site is HavlinSales.com - they have any parts you may need.

Be careful with the old Belgian rifle - they were popular users of the early Flobert cap loads, very similar to today's BB and CB Caps, but slightly different bore diameter. These were often "gallery rifles". Is there any caliber marking on it?
You may want to show it to a good 'smith to be sure of it's chambering before trying to shoot it. Even if it is .22LR, NEVER use high velocity or hyper velocity loads in any very early .22 rifle - they weren't designed to handle that pressure.

In any case, you have a couple of interesting rifles, for sure!

Frank2357 · 11-06-2007, 05:54 AM

Thanks to both of you for the quick answers and the website links.

As for the warning on the Belgian, the entire pile of rifles will be going to a gunsmith for a good clean/inspect and probably a proof firing (if I can find a good gunsmith on Long Island). The Mossy needs a new trigger guard and a magazine, but those don't look too expensive. The "pile" also includes a Glenfield Model 25, a Ruger 10/22, a J. Stevens single shot, a United Arms Company single shot, and a Remington Model 512. It seems that my father in law was serious .22 shooter (or at least gatherer). It also seems that I've gotten a big-time introduction to a new hobby

Thanks again for the assistance!

ArkansasHunter · 11-06-2007, 07:45 AM

Frank2357 You'll enjoy your new hobby and if you do go out and shoot your new guns let us know how you did.
Welcome to Gun and Game too ! feller...A.H

Frank2357 · 11-06-2007, 03:28 PM

Thanks for the welcome, ArkansasHunter.

I plan on shooting every one that I can get into shooting shape. I actually bounced around a half dozen gunshops today and I found a few gunsmiths that didn't turn me off. Since I've got a total of 13 rifles in the "collection", I can run 1 past each of them as a test to see how they do business before I bring in the ones I really like. Once I get them a clean bill of health on as many as I can, I've already found 3 ranges. I can hardly wait

gunney_m · 11-06-2007, 03:49 PM

Welcome To G&G.

Big Dog · 11-07-2007, 05:38 PM

Frank, congrats! You have found an excellent hobby. Twentytwos are great guns - decent prices, an amazing variation in styles and actions, and fairly cheap to shoot.
That Remington 512 and your Mossberg 44 will likely be your best shooters. If you have kids, it can be very rewarding to start them in on shooting too.

madcratebuilder · 11-08-2007, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank2357

Thanks for the welcome, ArkansasHunter.

I plan on shooting every one that I can get into shooting shape. I actually bounced around a half dozen gunshops today and I found a few gunsmiths that didn't turn me off. Since I've got a total of 13 rifles in the "collection", I can run 1 past each of them as a test to see how they do business before I bring in the ones I really like. Once I get them a clean bill of health on as many as I can, I've already found 3 ranges. I can hardly wait

Nice collection Frank. Sounds like you have been bitten by the bug, It's an insidious disease, I hope I never find the cure.

11-05-2007, 04:48 PM	#3
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,020 Trader Rating: (0)	K75RT is exactly on target with the fine old Mossberg. These rifles are very popular with Mossberg and GI Training Rifle collectors. Another good site is HavlinSales.com - they have any parts you may need. Be careful with the old Belgian rifle - they were popular users of the early Flobert cap loads, very similar to today's BB and CB Caps, but slightly different bore diameter. These were often "gallery rifles". Is there any caliber marking on it? You may want to show it to a good 'smith to be sure of it's chambering before trying to shoot it. Even if it is .22LR, NEVER use high velocity or hyper velocity loads in any very early .22 rifle - they weren't designed to handle that pressure. In any case, you have a couple of interesting rifles, for sure! __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

11-06-2007, 05:54 AM	#4
Frank2357 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 4 Trader Rating: (0)	Thanks!!! Thanks to both of you for the quick answers and the website links. As for the warning on the Belgian, the entire pile of rifles will be going to a gunsmith for a good clean/inspect and probably a proof firing (if I can find a good gunsmith on Long Island). The Mossy needs a new trigger guard and a magazine, but those don't look too expensive. The "pile" also includes a Glenfield Model 25, a Ruger 10/22, a J. Stevens single shot, a United Arms Company single shot, and a Remington Model 512. It seems that my father in law was serious .22 shooter (or at least gatherer). It also seems that I've gotten a big-time introduction to a new hobby Thanks again for the assistance!

11-07-2007, 05:38 PM	#8
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,020 Trader Rating: (0)	Frank, congrats! You have found an excellent hobby. Twentytwos are great guns - decent prices, an amazing variation in styles and actions, and fairly cheap to shoot. That Remington 512 and your Mossberg 44 will likely be your best shooters. If you have kids, it can be very rewarding to start them in on shooting too. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

11-05-2007, 01:35 PM	#1
Frank2357 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 4 Trader Rating: (0)	Inherited a pair of WTF .22's, help??? I recently inherited a collection of rifles that contains a pair of .22's that I can't find any info on anywhere. Any info/assistance would be greatly appreciated. If I should post this in different forum please let me know #1 is a military (I think) rifle with no model number. Barrel stamping is: G.F.Mossberg & Sons, Inc. New Haven, Conn. U.S.A. 44 U.S. 22 L.R. U.S. Property #2 is a sweet little single shot. Stamping near the bolt says "Modele 1912 Brevete SGDG". Along the barrel it reads "Belgium The Improved New Century Rifle" Thanks in advance for any assistance.

11-05-2007, 04:32 PM	#2
K75RT Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 260 Trader Rating: (0)	The first rifle is a Mossberg Model 44US, it was a training rifle as you surmised. Here is a link that deals with .22 caliber Mossberg Rifles. These rifles were made by O.F. Mossberg in New Haven, Conn. 1Openingpage Sorry but not familiar with the Belgian .22; perhaps if you post a picture I can help.

11-06-2007, 07:45 AM	#5
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,466 Trader Rating: (0)	Frank2357 You'll enjoy your new hobby and if you do go out and shoot your new guns let us know how you did. Welcome to Gun and Game too ! feller...A.H

11-06-2007, 03:28 PM	#6
Frank2357 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 4 Trader Rating: (0)	Thanks for the welcome, ArkansasHunter. I plan on shooting every one that I can get into shooting shape. I actually bounced around a half dozen gunshops today and I found a few gunsmiths that didn't turn me off. Since I've got a total of 13 rifles in the "collection", I can run 1 past each of them as a test to see how they do business before I bring in the ones I really like. Once I get them a clean bill of health on as many as I can, I've already found 3 ranges. I can hardly wait

11-06-2007, 03:49 PM	#7
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931 Trader Rating: (0)	Welcome To G&G.