RIA M1919 A4 30 Cal. 22” Semi-Auto Rifle Excellent WWII Repro w/ Tripod
SOLD FOR: $4,200.00
LSB#: WY240726JS004
Make: RIA /Rock Island Armory
Model: 1919 A4
Serial Number: HB11032
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Right side of the receiver is marked “No. HB11032 U.S. INSP. RDL /BROWNING SEMI AUTO GUN / U.S. CAL 30 M1919A4 /MANFD BY ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL”. The right side of the receiver is also marked with an acceptance ordnance wheel. Rear sight is marked “YDS CAL 30 M1” and the numbers “2-24” in intervals of two. The Traversing and Elevation mechanism accessory is marked with numbers in intervals of 50 on its center rod and the dial is marked in intervals of 5. The TNE is sealed in a bag. Top of the tripod is marked “B” &the leg sleeve “C-B106206” while the traversing bar is marked with numbers in intervals of 100, starting at zero in the middle and going left and right to 400. There is a plaque mounted to the pentel base, it is marked “NO. 66860 HMR/ MOUNT, TRIPOD/ CAL.30, M2/ THE BINGHAM STAMPING CO.1942” The mount is painted light green.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a flip up blade and the rear sight is an adjustable aperture on a sliding leaf with a backup “U” notch for backup rear sights. Rear sight is marked “YDS CAL 30 M1” and the numbers “2-24” in intervals of two.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol grip is checker metal grip with zero surface wear. The single trigger is found on the back plate, just in front of the pistol grip with a safety nut that one turns to impede firing. The threads on all parts are sharp and adjustable. The grip rates in about excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.10/10 bore rating on both barrel in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no wear. 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: One custom, wooden crate for shipping and storage, olive drab color. The crate is for the 1919A4 firearm, its T&E, and a period 1919 tripod. This package also consist of,
An extra 30-06 barrel, In a canvas sleeve marked “COVER SPARE BARREL M9 D30674”
The Traverse and Elevation mechanism, a sealed copy of the Browning 1919A4 Overhaul Manual,
A beautiful copy of the book “The Browning .30-Caliber Machine Guns” by Gordon L. Rottman,
A sealed copy of the DVD from the American Gunsmithing Institute, titled “Browning 1919-A4 Machine Gun”
A Spare Parts Roll /Tool Pouch marked “SPARE PARTS ROLL M13” and also each pouch is numbered 1-9.
A Leather and Green Canvas Muzzle Cover marked “C–10297”
A Green Canvas Tripod Cover marked “HOOD /MOUNT TRIPOD/ CAL.30MG/ 6591428
A Green Canvas Bag marked “ BAG METALLIC BELT LINK/ D34338
Our Assessment: No one wants to lug around 103lbs of metal, water, and ammunition on a battlefield, but that’s what many US GI’s in World War I were stuck with: the 1917 Water-cooled Browning Machine Gun. Unfortunately for our forces, the much improved and much lighter M1919 wouldn’t come to fruition until after the Great War ended but it would see long term use throughout World War II, Korea, and into Vietnam.
This RIA 1919 A4 is built with a new right side plate, the part legally considered the “firearm” under US law, but use original, vintage US GI parts on a new receiver made in a semi-auto configuration. Just like the original 1919’s, these firearms are hefty, durable, and reliable, three things that make for an excellent range day experience.
With the accompanying tripod and Traverse & Elevation accessory, and plethora of extras you could get some of your friends together and recreate the historic 5-man crew needed to run this platform. Throw in some olive drab uniforms and you’re on your way to every military historian’s dream reenactment. This 1919’s parts still have their like-new stiffness and is just begging to be taken out and put through its paces. You just need to bid on it and add it to your arsenal! If your in the market for a 1919 A4 bet you would find it hard to get one in nicer condition then this! So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
