Are you one those odd people like us who saw yesterday’s post on the Charlton rifle/machine gun and thought it would be really great to own one of them despite (or, let’s be honest, because of) how ungainly they look? Are you a resident of New Zealand? If yes, you’re in luck – in Christchurch NZ there is a pretty big shop called Gun City, and they have a beautiful and fully functional reproduction Charlton LMG available for sale!
It’s not cheap at $9,999, but then again nothing awesome ever is. Considering the amount of work necessary to make a gun like this by hand (and our understanding is that this is the only one made; the builder having unfortunately passed away recently) it’s a screaming deal. An original example would probably bring ten times as much or more, and you’ll never have the opportunity to buy an original even if you had that kind of cash in hand and ready to spend. We aren’t really up to speed on New Zealand’s gun laws, but if you’re interested in becoming probably the only private individual in the world to own a Charlton, you should call up Adam at Gun City (+64 3 379 8888). You can see all their photos on their web site listing of the Charlton, or right here:
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Apparently with the right license you are allowed to own a machine gun in NZ, but you aren’t allowed to ever fire it!
http://www.ssanz.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55:firearms-laws-in-new-zealand-2009&catid=57:law&Itemid=89
Now to figure out how hard it would be to make a semi-auto version of one of these things, maybe off a cheap Ishapor.
Until just recently in Washington State it was legal to own suppressors but a Gross Misdemeanor to discharge a firearm equipped with one.
Where would one even come across drafts and engineering drawings for something that obscure? Patents are one thing, but properly dimensioned sketches to make a fully working item are another completely.
Anonymous,
I think you would be amazed at the amont of technical information that can be found if you are determined to find it. Next comes the near addiction of wanting to own the impossible and having to just build it yourself. Several members here thrive on tje challenge and are constantly reverse-engineering obscure guns.
It’s a somewhat maddening hobby but so wildly rewarding when you finally get to hold and fire that truly unique piece. I stongly encourage everyone to scratch the itch and explore some of these obscure pieces in depth. Foreign museums are amazingly receptive to knowledgeable people and even simple correspondence on the subject can yield that critical fact that helps you get the work done!
Rgards
Joe
Very well said Joe. It is a passion that will drive you a little crazy.