Gevarm Model A3 .22 Short Open Bolt Semi-Automatic Rifle, 1960s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,326.00
LSB#: LSB250726AJ005
Make: Gevarm
Model: A3
Serial Number: 18790 (marked on bottom of barrel, concealed by stock when assembled)
Year of Manufacture: 1960s
Caliber: .22 Short
Action Type: Open bolt Semi Automatic Rifle fed by a Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 19 5/8″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe-style sight that accepts interchangeable inserts, currently with an aperture post installed. In a compartment on the bottom of the grip there are two post inserts, one crosshair, and one with a solid bottom portion and straight horizontal top. Note: The cap of the compartment is quite tight and turning it tends to turn the entire compartment in the stock. The rear sight is a “U”-notch tangent sight graduated from 1-3 in hundreds of meters in a base screwed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver has an integral rib for mounting an optic (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth wood with a schnabel-tip forend, pistol grip with a compartment for the front sight inserts, straight comb and bare butt. The stock has some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few light marks and infrequent very minor surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots/sockets. The markings are clear. 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a single 5-round magazine.
Our Assessment: As true in guns as it is in cars, the French copy no one and no one copies the French. This Gevarm A3 rifle is a neat example of this as an open-bolt rimfire rifle. These rifles saw fairly limited sale in the United States, limited more extensively after it became all but impossible to import an open-bolt semi-automatic. This example shows signs of responsible use, but should be ready for a lot more. Chambered for .22 Short, it will be fairly quiet with negligible recoil, perfect as a garden guardian. It will also make a nice addition for collectors focused on Gevarm or French guns more generally. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
