Rebarreled Howco

[dash]

I thought all the Howco marked FNC's were 16" barrels with a short FH. Looks to be wrench marks on the FH flats. What's up with this one, rebarreled? Definitely not a Green Mountain barrel, because those are parked only right?

Rear sight isn't a big deal. You can get the spring disc and pin on RTG. Dust cover has the updated spring. Could be a high round count.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/856528083

 

[AGG]

Good eyes on the barrel (and rear sight assembly)--- that barrel is not factory--- unknown manufacturer--- may be a TBA (or other) replacement and refinish!!!

Tony

 

[dash]

I think it probably is a real FNC barrel. Seems to have (on the exposed portion) the right profile, just a 17.7" on a Howco receiver with a short FH. Might even be a 1/7 twist. Saw a few for sale 10 years ago.

Guess I could send the seller a request for more pics.

 

[AGG]

I think it probably is a real FNC barrel. Seems to have (on the exposed portion) the right profile, just a 17.7" on a Howco receiver with a short FH. Might even be a 1/7 twist. Saw a few for sale 10 years ago.

Guess I could send the seller a request for more pics.

Cannot think of a reason to do that!!!

tony

 

[xotech]

Yes, would love to see a "TW" picture, if you can get the seller to pop the clip off and remove the hand guards.

http://www.uzitalk.com/forums/showthread.php?18286-FNC-Twist-Rate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnVVqTGNCYo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JorIZjLcYE8

 

[deadduck]

I'm just here for the naked FNC pictures. :shocked

 

[Gracie]

Keystone Arms states in its posting of the FNC on Gun Broker, "extremely rare and sought after side folding stock." Ahem, 90% of FNCs imported were side folders. I own two F/A FNCs, one side folder and a NIB with fixed stock. Both courtesy of Mr. Higgins.

 

[dash]

No response about pictures without the handguards. Thinking they don't care to either, but there are 9 days left. They'll get their money anyway.

 

[fuatos]

Very strange example. From my understanding, all Howco's were the 16" build for the NJ Police contract that failed. The barrel profile is indeed correct for the full length build, not the 16" carbine. The finish wear on the left side is the most concerning to me and would indicate a re-barrel. The finish wear on the ejector edges and rivet heads is a little concerning. The finish on the barrel doesn't seem to match the receiver's wear. It's almost pristine on the barrel. It could be a green mountain and was painted? Truth will be in the barrel markings, if they will look and hopefully photograph.

I've had 2 stripped barrels over the years. Both were from rifles that were broken down for parts. I believe the picture above was from one of my barrels(TW 7) that I had made back into a Dutch trial rifle. There were a few examples of 1-7 barrels that came in as assembled rifles, very few.

If you request more pictures from them, I'd also include a request for the bolt condition. Sure looks like that rifle has seen some use. The rifle sure looks odd with the Belgian short hider on a rifle length barrel...

Interesting example.

 

[dash]

Those shiny rivet heads caught my eye too, but like the spot on my head, it's only the top. The paint seems to be intact around the edges of the heads and ejector.
The flaked off paint in front the ejector and the ridge at the top makes one go hmmm through. Seems to be a small pucker where the flaked area is too...like the ejector was bent in/out. Could be because that's where corner of the cutout is too.

I'll ask for pics of the bolt/carrier and inside the lower...We'll see.

 

[CAR]

It also appears that this rifle has a later 2 groove charging handle. All of the Howcos I have seen have the earlier knurled charging handle.

 

[AGG]

Keystone Arms states in its posting of the FNC on Gun Broker, "extremely rare and sought after side folding stock." Ahem, 90% of FNCs imported were side folders. I own two F/A FNCs, one side folder and a NIB with fixed stock. Both courtesy of Mr. Higgins.

Well--- the HOWCO's are somewhat rare!!!

Tony

 

[AGG]

It also appears that this rifle has a later 2 groove charging handle. All of the Howcos I have seen have the earlier knurled charging handle.

More discerning eyes!!!

Tony

 

[dash]

last, middle and first type FNC charging handles.

 

[sweersa]

I'll be the first to point out the commercial Romanian AK sling installed on that FNC.

It is an odd bird, indeed!

You can even see a little exposed threads where the flash hider meets the barrel.

 

[AGG]

View attachment 35478 last, middle and first type FNC charging handles.

Thanks--- I was hoping that someone would post this!!!
Would this be correct (?):

First (HOWCO)
Second (Gun South)
Last (newer replacement)

Tony

 

[dash]

Pretty sure the Howco's were the earliest FNC's to come in since they have such low serials. It makes sense all would have the knurled handles. Not sure when FN made the switch to the grooved or lipped handles respectively.

 

[catinthefurnace]

I'll be the first to point out the commercial Romanian AK sling installed on that FNC.

It is an odd bird, indeed!

You can even see a little exposed threads where the flash hider meets the barrel.

I think the exposed threads are normal on Howco's with their 16 inch barrels, and short hider. At least that is how it is on mine, and any pics I can find of other ones on the net.

 

[CAR]

I think the exposed threads are normal on Howco's with their 16 inch barrels, and short hider. At least that is how it is on mine, and any pics I can find of other ones on the net.

This is correct.

 

[CAR]

Pretty sure the Howco's were the earliest FNC's to come in since they have such low serials. It makes sense all would have the knurled handles. Not sure when FN made the switch to the grooved or lipped handles respectively.

The change over to the grooved charging handles came about the same time as the transition to the teardrop shaped selector switch, on the semi-auto sporter rifles at least.

The third style handle was for the Dutch military trial rifles, I am not sure if they were used anywhere else. Paco would know.