Unique France Model L Combo .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol-Carbine Conversion, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,725.00

LSB#: WY250324AJ039

Make: Unique

Model: Modele “L”

Serial Number: 588025

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1960-1968 (no import mark)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Blowback Operated Semi-Automatic Pistol/Carbine Combo Set

Barrel Length: 3″ (pistol), 18″ (rifle)

Sights / Optics: The pistol barrel has an integral blade front sight, the slide has a dovetailed square-notch. The rifle barrel has a tall blade front sight fixed to the front, the rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight mounted to the top panel. The panel has an integral rib for mounting an optic (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol grips are two-piece checkered brown synthetic with Unique logos. The grips have minor handling wear with a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the pistol grips are in Fine-plus condition.

The carbine unit is two-piece smooth walnut with a handguard built around the charging plunger on the bottom of the forend, straight grip, straight comb and serrated black plastic buttplate. The stock has a patch of wear on the left above the handguard. There are some scattered light nicks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 16 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined serrations. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, the rifle barrel is Black Gun Paint

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The rifle barrel, slide and frame have matching assembly numbers. The pistol barrel is non-matching.

Bore Condition: The pistol bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are a few spots of minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the pistol bore rates 9 out of 10.

The rifle bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the rifle bore rates 8+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol/carbine set retains about 95% of its metal finish. The frame has light handling wear in the grip areas and a few small marks. The rifle barrel has thinning at leading edges and the top plate has some scattered small nicks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this set is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly both as a pistol and as a carbine. We did not fire this combo set. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A single 10-round magazine is included.

Our Assessment: This is a fascinating combo set from French manufacturer Unique. Based on their Modele “L” pistol, included is a caribine stock and barrel. With the slide locked back, the pistol barrel can be easily removed and the slide and frame mounted to the rifle barrel. A plunger in a bottom-mounted handguard allows the slide to be operated when in a carbine configuration. Interestingly, the carbine barrel, slide and frame have matching assembly numbers, while the pistol barrel is non-matching. The set is in Fine condition retaining the great majority of its original finish, strong bores, good mechanics, and light wear in the carbine stock. This ought to make for a very fun plinker, but these sets are also quite scarce and we’re sure there are collectors out there who have been waiting to find one. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud