FN model 1912??

[shiloh87]

Hello, hope to find some insight on a newly acquired 22. Its a youth/boys .22l single shot, by virtue of design. I was told it was a Model 1912 FN.
How ever, while trying to research this rifle all the 1912`s I`ve seen are marked as such. The one I have is not, it is roll marked on top of the barrel with Fabrique Nationale etc, but no patent info.
The barrel knox has the FN logo, marked as .22L, and all the usual other FN proofs. Serial no. on the under side of the barrel where the forestock ends. There is an R stamped beside and below the rear sight on the right side. The rear sight is sort of like a Cooey except with a screw elevation adjustment. The stock is one piece walnut no butt plate and a simple steel loop trigger guard. Those green triangular embelishments are obviously not original(Maybe?) The extractor is unique, sort of like a sliding tray.

Others have suggested it may be an FN made Winchester model 1901, but the rear sight is wrong and the bolt is a different design.

Is it maybe an early 1912?, or some other model of FN, no way really to tell with out any markings. If it is the serial no. would suggest first part of 1912 production, big assuumption there???
So if anyone here knows or could help that`d be awesome. It`d just be nice to be able to tell someone what it is if asked, looks good hanging with all my other vintage youth rifles.

Oh and I should note that it shoots, and shoots well, 1/2" groups at 50 yrds...

 

[HuskyDude]

I believe that is a FN M1912, same as the one I have. Although both our rifle has the same rear sight, I'm not sure they are OEM.

The Winchester 1902
Has a different rear sight, trigger guard exposed stock thumb screw and butt plate.

I believe the Win 1901 .22 is a pump.

Rifle FN model 1912

 

[shiloh87]

My bad 1901 1902, I knew it was one of those..lol
A lot I`ve seen so far of the 1912`s, have 1912 on the knox form and serials and cartouche on the stock, thats why I post this queery.
But I guess that`s what they be. Only paid a buck fifty could resist and its a shooter to boot.

Thanx for the reply.

 

[HuskyDude]

The FN M12 is a fine start to a collection of Junior Rifle.

Here's a few examples.

Don't have them all, but most.

 

[shiloh87]

Only 2 youth guns so far, probably more before I go.
The FN 1912 and a Savage model 1908 .22 short only, 20 round butt feed tube mag, hard to shoot being so small.

 

[HuskyDude]

Post pics if you get a chance.
Stevens are sought-after by a few members.
Some have and impressive collection to say the least.
Favorite, Little Scout, Crack Shot, and Marksman.

Have a unique 1921 Page & Lewis Model A target
Groups fairly well.

 

[shiloh87]

The Savage is a model 1911 made around 1909 as I was told, the patent date is 1908. Only paid $75, bought the rifle not the story told..lol.
Its a cool little gun heavy one piece barrel/action, early production butt plate, and a crude adjustable rear site, shoots very well. Shoots .22 short low vel only. Walnut stock, lovingly repaired with what looks like carpet tacks and horse hoof glue.

 

[HuskyDude]

That's an fine looking Savage !
Weiss a member on here does a very nice vid on the 1911, worth the watch.

 

[shiloh87]

Great video thanx for sharing. I`ve seen quite a few of his vids but not this one.
One thing he didn`t mention was loading, if you notice the mag tube has two openings, you put 10 rounds in the bottom opening then reinsert the tube leaving the upper opening exposed, then put 10 rounds in the upper then close up the tube. 20 rounds, fire 10, open the tube pull part way out and the upper 10 will slide into the lower part of the mag, close up and ready to go with another 10 rounds. Pretty slick.
There is two distinct production runs of these, early and latter, and can be distinguished by the butt plate. Mine is early denoted by the inlet square around the loading tube and plane flat area on the later ones.
Also to note, the only ammo that should be used is the low velocity shorts 800ft/sec or less, cci make the quiets at 710, that`s what I use, a lot of shorts are in the 1000ft/sec range and should not be used in these.
Mine shoots really well considering its age, though it is small and a little awkward for my big bear paws, 3/4-1" groups at 25yrd plenty good enough for rabbits and squirrel.
Cheers

 

[HuskyDude]

Very cool design, I'll have to keep this one at the top of my "Wanted" list.
Only one I have that uses shorts exclusively is my Husqvarna Model 21 (1877-90).

 

[shiloh87]

Nice rifle, always been fond of the old Husky`s

Took this FN to the range again today what a hoot, put some SK plus through it this time at 25yrds, crazy accurate. Definitely something to be said about how things were made a 100+ yrs ago. Not to be cliche but, they sure dont make things now the way they used to.