Early American Industries Calico M-100 .22 Long Rifle LR Semi-Automatic
SOLD FOR: $1,475.00
LSB#: WY250117TR007
Make: American Industries
Model: Calico M-100 (M-100S configuration, possibly not marked as it is an early version)
Serial Number: 005809
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1986 (introduced 1986, receiver marked patents pending, produced before letter suffix on serial numbers)
Caliber: 22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Blowback Operated Helical-Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: The barrel proper is 16″, approximately 18″ to the end of the muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation set in an A-frame with protective ears pinned to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a notch adjustable for windage in a raised base over the chamber.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with thumbhole pistol grip, monte carlo comb, serrated plastic Calico buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has a few scattered light marks but no notable wear or damage. The LOP measures 18 1/4″ from the front of the trigger (missing its shoe) to the back of the plate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is some edge thinning and scattered minor marks. The trigger is missing its shoe. The action shows light operational wear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine 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. Uses patented Helix 100 rd magazines that feed through the top of the receiver and must have both mag release levers pressed on each side to release the magazine. Has ambidextrous safety.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a total of four 100-round magazines. One is an early magazine marked with American Industries and patents pending. The other three are later production Calico M-100 magazines with patent numbers.
Our Assessment: If you serve under the power and authority of Lord Helmet, then you should be very familiar with this aesthetically futuristic rifle. Featured in the iconic and hilarious spoof Star Wars parody “Space Balls”, this Calico M-100 rifle was perfect for its lead role in the film as a Lord Helmet minion’s blaster and the trusty escape weapon of princess Vespa, Lone Star, and his sidekick Barf. Unusual styling combined with the quirky-yet-revolutionary 100-round helical feed magazine indeed make this gun look like something from space rather than Bakersfield, California. This meant the M-100 was a favorite prop for hollywood for several additional movies including (RoboCop or Space Truckers anyone?) during the 90s. While reliability was a slight problem for this firearm, mostly related to proper loading of the magazine, the high volume of ammo at one’s fingertips make for a fun shooting platform.
This is the rifle version of the Calico series, and a fairly early one still marked patents pending on the receiver and one of the four magazines. The M-100S Variant is the sporter version of the M-100, with beautiful thumbhole wood stocks. Given this rifle’s early markings, it may be that it was marketed as a 100S but assembled on an M-100 marked receiver. In any case, it is a beautiful example of the model needing only a replacement trigger shoe.
This is a wonderfully rare find and would bring that extra pizazz to any collection. Whether you are a first time buyer or long time collector, this rifle is dying to make it into your arms and be put through its paces downrange. With the weight of a full magazine and the upward vented flash suppressor – rapid and accurate fire of this firearm is made easy. Collectors will also know that finding one with four magazines (four!) is not at all common. So if you want to be the center of attention, wielding a movie icon, show up at the firing range with this firearm and make 100 plinks in a single go!
