VOW M1919A4 30 Cal. 22” Semi-Auto Rifle Excellent WWII w/ Tripod & More
SOLD FOR: $5,480.00
LSB#: WY240804MY026
Make: VOW/ Volunteer Ordnance Works Cleveland Tennessee
Model: 1919 A4
Serial Number: 072455
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .308 / 7.62×51
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Right side plate of the receiver is marked “No. 072455 U.S. INSP. MY /BROWNING MACHINE GUN / U.S. CAL 30 M1919A4 /MFG SAGINAW STERING GEAR DIVSN. GENERAL MOTORS CORP.” Beneath that the plate is stamped “VOW CLEVELAND TN”
Rear sight is marked with the numbers “1-18” Underneath the rear sight is marked “SG”
The left side of the receiver is marked “7.62n”, also on the bottom edge “BA”.
The bolt of the rifle is marked “B147299-RIA” & 7.62
The top cover near the belt port is marked 603111
The muzzle is marked “nn3.15”
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 with the numbers “1-18” on the rear flat. Underneath the rear sight is marked “SG”
Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol grip is checkered 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. There is light fouling inside the bore.9.5/10 bore rating in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little wear. This item was fired very gently and well kept. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The feed paul arm needs to be tightened up a bit. It wants to come loose from storage. 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: A Green canvas Cover for the rifle itself. The cover fits well and is in fine condition . It is marked “COVER GUN M13/ 6531749/MRT/2/54”
The headspacing and timing gauges with instructions
The Department of Army Technical Manual
The Carry Handel
One White Cloth ammo Belt
A Traverse and Elevation mechanism / T&E
A Spade Grip
A Pental Mount painted Green
A blank firing Muzzle device
A Multi cartridge loader for loading cloth belts, 20 rounds at a time.
An ammo can
An extra barrel in fine condition
And of course the tripod and tripod cover.
Our Assessment: No one wants to lug around 103 lbs 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 VOW 1919 A4 is built with a new right side plate, the part legally considered a “firearm” under US law, but uses 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 outstanding and memorable day at the range.
With the accompanying tripod and Traverse & Elevation accessory, and plethora of extras you could get some of your friends, or even total strangers at the range, together and recreate the historic 5-man crew needed to run this platform. Throw in some 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! 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.
