I came across a rifle that has the brand Firearms International......FI. Its a 270 Win. that's made on a FN action 24" barrel sporting rifle. It has a nice walnut stock with ebony forend tip. The date on the rifle is 1950. It's not drilled and tapped but has a Williams receiver sight and a nice front sight.
I've looked through all of my gun books but can't find any info on it. I was wondering who made the rifle etc.
Any info would be appreciated. I figure the action would be worth $400-$500.
Thanks,
Terry

FI was an importer based as I remember in Washington, DC back in the 1950's and early '60's. I remember seeing reference to it in Gun Digest as late as the early '70's. Their stuff was pretty good and I think they imported Star at one time as well as some of the Spanish shotguns. They had lots of FN action rifles. I'll lok back at my old Gun Digest.

Hey'
Dr.Duc is correct.FI imported shotguns and Pistols,located in DC.I think that the rifle in question,might be a Fabrique Nationale,if it's stamped FN,but I'm not sure.
1geejay
www.shooting-hunting.com

I have a couple of early 70's Gun Digests but I can't find any reference to FI.

I remember them and I think their "hay day" was during the 1960s. I think Terry may be considerably over-estimating the value of the action but I'm no authority on this subject so will disqualify myself from guestimating.

Firearms International was actually located in Alexandria, Virginia, but used the D.C. address. They imported a number of high-quality lines, including Sako up until 1972 when the Garcia Corporation took over Sako.

F.I. marketed rifles made by FN, the most common being the "Musketeer" on an FN Supreme action (I think), but this was in the 60's and early 70's, some years after Terry's 50's model. The gun Terry has is essentially the commercial Mauser like FN manufactured and sold in Europe.

Rifles like this, and other private-label guns with FN actions, can often be purchased for around $250-$350 and are excellent rifles for the money. Nothing beats an FN commercial IMO.

I believe an FN actioned military 30-06 in "good" shape just sold for $65 on one of the auction sites. I wouldn't pay anywhere near $400- 500 unless it was a higher grade rifle in excellent shape w/ nice wood.

If you're thinking of buying, don't be rash, but shop around a little (or a lot).

Best,
Todd

Way, way off topic, but Mr. Getzen, do you have any recomendations in gun shops out your way?

Regards,

Chad

I haven't found too many (any?) good, full service gun shops in my area. Most have little stock, and snarly counterpeople. Cabela's and Gander Mountain are pretty close, so at least you can browse a bit; the Dundee Cabela's Gun Library usually has a good stock of high dollar bolt actions and double shotguns.

Numerous pawn shops up and down Ford Rd. and Michigan Ave., heading into Detroit, also yield some interesting finds -- count on big $$$ if they happen to realize just how 'interesting' their piece is to you, though. Never betray your interest! The best thing to do is look, then act disinterested and start to turn away; this will often prompt a lower price offer. I have only purchased a couple of guns this way, none recently, but have had some great tool deals.

Todd

I forgot, there is a huge gun dealer up in Fenton ("Guns Galore!"), haven't been there in years but it was nice. There is also a place way up in NW Detroit near Farmington Hills, on Grand River Ave., "North(something) Gun Shop." They offer some gunsmithing services as well. The people there seemed friendly, and went out of their way to try to locate Baikal 45-70 inserts for me, but no luck. This place is the only positive experience I have had in Detroit.

HTH,
Todd

thanks for the info...Farmington Hills is close to here, I think I'll swing up that way. The few I've found up here (near Mt. Clemens) haven't been terrible, but not all that great, either. Michi-gun's prices are good, but their shop is tiny and always packed, and it takes forever to get waited on (not their fault that they're busy, I guess, but they've already crammed as many people behind the counter as they can get...maybe time to find a new shop location?) and Brown Bear mostly acts like they want to get you in and out as fast as possible. Williams up in Davison is outrageous, price wise (plus they gave me a really rough time when I brought in a pre war M70 to be drilled and tapped) so I won't bother going there again. Anyway, I guess I'll go try Guns Galore out and see what happens. Thanks again.

Regards,

Chad

Gruvinbass,

On your way to Guns Galore, stop at White's Gun Shop (Union Lake). It's a "unique" hole-in-the-wall place, but they do get some interesting stuff through the door. Most of the good stuff is in the back and they have to warm up to you a little before they will drag it out. The coffee is good there too. (Don't mention my name or where to find me while you are there as we're still negotiating on how much I currently owe them). Then you can stop and browse at the Gun Barn in Highland, on M-59 north of Milford. A bit high priced but will negotiate. Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare has a gun section that is worthwhile to peek at, just don't go there on weekends or during the hunting season as the place is packed. Another place I'm going to spend more time at is Bob's in Hastings, Michigan. I finally made it there about a month ago, walked in the door and instantly spotted some neat stuff. Then they turned most of the lights off and announced it was closing time.

I think the place on Grand River was called Northwest Gun Shop.

Over in Rochesters is a place called Jerry's Gunshop, and some good stuff shows up there from time to time.

Another good place to make a road trip to is Jaquas in Findley Ohio, particularly for shotguns. They do get some interesting rifles in on consignment.