Ohio Ordnance Works 1918A3 Browning .30-06 BAR Self Loading SLR Semi-Auto Rifle, Bipod & Sling

SOLD FOR: $4,975.00
LSB#:
 190403TA09

Make: Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc.

Model: 1918A3 U.S. Cal. 30 Self Loading Rifle (BAR)

Serial Number: 2394

Year of Manufacture: Modern

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Detachable Magazine Gas Piston Operated Semi-Automatic Rifle

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “MOD. 1918A3 U.S. CAL. 30 / SELF LOADING RIFLE / OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC. / CHARDON, OH / PATENT NO. 5614691 / S/N – 2394”. The left of the magazine guide assembly is marked “ROT” in rectangle, “6535470”, “6”, with two round markings and “ARMASTEEL”. The right of the bolt’s locking wedge is marked “P”.

Barrel Length: 24″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a banded base at the muzzle. The rear sight is a folding aperture sight, with dials that allow click-adjustment for windage and elevation. The sight is graduated from “1” to “15” in odd numbers on the right arm, “2” to “14” in even numbers on the left. When folded down, the sight presents a “U”-notch to the shooter The sight is mounted in a base with protective ears which is dovetailed and screw-set to the top-rear of the receiver. The top of the raised portion of the receiver for the bolt’s locking block has a .9625″ groove on top, presumably for mounting a sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The forend is walnut, the buttstock is black bakelite. The buttstock has a parkerized steel buttplate with flip-up shoulder plate and a sling swivel mounted in the belly (the other is mounted to the bottom of the piston tube forward of the forend). The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the shoulder plate, 13 1/8″ to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a couple of light marks in front of and behind the front sling swivel on the piston tube, and a small scratch on the left of the raised portion of the receiver which houses the bolt’s locking block. There is light operational wear on the charging handle’s guide-rail. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a bipod, carring handle, green canvas web sling, and two 10-round magazines. The magazines have light operational wear with intact feed lips and strong springs, in about Fine condition. The sling, bipod and carry handle are in Excellent condition, showing little to no wear.

Our Assessment: Though not particularly light at more than 15 pounds, the Browning Automatic Rifle, officially the “Rifle, Caliber .30, Automatic, Browning, M1918” and colloquially known as the BAR, was America’s first domestic light machine gun. John Browning demonstrated the rifle to the United States Government shortly before America joined WWI and it proceeded to see service all the way through the Vietnam War with some improvements and modifications along the way. More recently, Ohio Ordnance Works has reintroduced the rifle as a Self Loading Rifle or SLR, a semi-automatic version which fires from a closed bolt but retains the appearance of the 1918A2. Designated the 1918A3, Ohio Ordnance’s rifle uses the same tilting-lock, gas-pison operating system as the original and this example is in Excellent condition with only a few light marks, little operational wear and a great bore. It comes with a pair of 10-round magazines, a bipod (which you will appreciate when you heft this rifle), a carry handle and a sling. This rifle would make a great addition to any safe in America, but will be particularly appreciated by collectors of US military arms and fans of John Moses Browning and all of his contributions to firearms development. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle can be transferred/sold in California.

Ohio Ordnance Works 1918A3 Browning .30-06 BAR Self Loading SLR Semi-Auto Rifle, Bipod & Sling
Ohio Ordnance Works 1918A3 Browning .30-06 BAR
Self Loading SLR Semi-Auto Rifle, Bipod & Sling