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Thread: Help Identifying Repro Zuoave

  1. #1
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    Help Identifying Repro Zuoave

    Picked up a Zouave for almost nothing at a Gun show recently... Thought it might make a good gun for new team members.

    I don't recognize the Maker nor do I have any knowledge regarding its safety/abilities.

    Any info anyone might share on this gun would be helpful.

    Description:

    Marked FIE. Also Marked PR with year AD (in the box) so its a 1979 (light stamping, but definitely AD). Italy with two Italian proof marks...

    The breech is an offset patented breech. Meaning that there is a hole (about 1/8") offset from the center of the bore that goes to the flash hole at the bolster.

    Stock is two piece, comes apart at the lower band.

    Lock is odd (as compared to Zoli). Coil springs instead of leaf.

    See photos

    Let me know what you know!!

    Thanks

    -Boots

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    Mike 'Bootsie' Bodner
    Palmetto Sharpshooter's, Commander
    9996V

  2. #2
    ms3635v's Avatar
    ms3635v is offline
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    The year of manufacture mark "AD" indicates that is manufactured in 1978.
    Mike Santarelli 03635V, Adjutant
    Member since 1979
    Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, #229
    National Inspector General
    Small Arms Committee

  3. #3
    RaiderANV's Avatar
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    FIE is Firearms Import Export which was in Florida. They imported 100’s of different models of everything on the planet that went bang. The only other “Zouave” lock I’ve seen with that coil spring was made in Spain.
    Never squat with yer spurs on!!!

    Pat "PJ" Kelly #5795V
    Virginny & Texas
    540-878-8024

    MAYNARDS RULE!! & starr's DROOL!
    Hence the rust. MAYNARDAE LAUS DEO!

  4. #4
    Muley Gil is offline
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    But is it N-SSA approved? I don't see FIE listed under Zouaves.
    Gil Davis Tercenio
    # 3020V
    34th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry
    Great, great grandson of Cpl Elijah S Davis, Co I, 6th Alabama Inf CSA

  5. #5
    bones92 is offline
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    I have had a few repro blackpowder arms (revolvers and rifles) with the PR mark.

    I asked about this maker mark here...

    https://forums.gunboards.com/showthr...ver-PICS-added

  6. #6
    John Holland is offline Moderator
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    The N-SSA Small Arms Committee (SAC) has no knowledge of which company made this rifle or barrel. It was never submitted for approval, which is why you do not see it on the Approved Arms List. Since the barrel manufacturer can not be identified this rifle can not be allowed for use in the N-SSA's competitive matches. In addition, because of the lack of identification of the barrel manufacturer it can not be submitted to the SAC for review. This is true of any arm submitted to the SAC, because if the barrel maker can not be identified the SAC is required to reject the arm.

    John Holland
    Small Arms Staff Officer

  7. #7
    CAGerringer is offline
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    It appears that PR was the trademark for "Fabbrica d'Armi Esterina Riva". The importer was FIE. Documenting that and having Italian proofmarks, would surely qualify it for at least a look by the SAC...wouldn't it?
    Respectfully,
    Charlie Gerringer
    Old Dominion Dragoons

  8. #8
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    Charlie,

    You beat me to it. The barrel is marked with a capital PR logo.

    As you said, this seems to indicate
    Fabbrica d'Armi Esterina Riva

    Also has two Italian proof marks...

    Not on the list, but able to evaluate??

    Thanks John!!

    -Boots
    Mike 'Bootsie' Bodner
    Palmetto Sharpshooter's, Commander
    9996V

  9. #9
    MR. GADGET's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PapaRob View Post
    John if the barrel were relined could it be submitted then? Just curious...

    Thanks,
    Can't really be relined. That's implying it was lined already.
    MR. GADGET
    NRA LIFE BENEFACTOR MEMBER
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    Just remember!
    When a pot needs stirring, someone needs to do it...

  10. #10
    John Holland is offline Moderator
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    Adding a liner to a barrel that may have a brazed on bolster does nothing for the integrity of the bolster. This barrel is 40+ years old and has no specific information available as to how it was constructed. Look at the stock and lock construction, which does not give me a good feeling about the quality of the barrel. In my opinion, it was dirt cheap for a reason.

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