BRONCO .22RF started it all

[FloridaFialaFan]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mauser/ADVERTISEMENTS/HAMILTONNO7AD_edited.jpg

Along with the above little oddball, the No. 7 from Hamilton Rifle Co., marketed back at the turn of the century, the FIREARMS INTERNATIONAL CORP. BRONCO was the forerunner of several VERY similar .22rf rifles which featured the unusual "twist to load" type of action.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mauser/FirearmsIntlCorp/1FIREARMSINTL22LRSURVIVALRIFLESNB28.jpg

It was a very handy "takedown" model and considered something of a "survival rifle."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/mauser/FirearmsIntlCorp/3FIREARMSINTL22LRSURVIVALRIFLESNB28.jpg

FIC first made their "Bronco" in 1967 in the old Beretta (USA) plant in Accokeek, MD.. By 1970 FIC had sold out to Garcia Products, the fishing equipment folks. Garcia added a .410ga version and an over under 22/410.

After Garcia shut down making the odd little rifle, the Bauer Company up in Fraser, MI offered it as the BAUER RABBIT. It too was short lived and shut down in 1984.

Next in line was the Rau Wildcat 500, followed by Precision Industries Division Wildcat. Both of which I've written about in other threads of this forum. There are more photos at both of those articles.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF

[ubu]

FFF,

I own a Garcia 22 and a Bauer 22/410 and recently purchased a Precision Wildcat. I would appreciate any information you may have.

Thanks
UBU
drbr.1@comcast.net

[FloridaFialaFan]

UBU, about the only new thing I've learned about this group since I wrote all the info in the various threads here on SOL, is that it wasn't called BRONCO by FIE. It was only after Garcia bought the rights that it was then called the BRONCO.

For info on the Wildcats, I've posted info about them already in other threads here. I may not have listed the last one obtained which was a MOUNTAIN ARMS marked Wildcat - which now gives me all three names connected that particular gun.

I'm still looking to add a Garcia and a Bauer to the collection, both in 22rf only rather than the combo 22/410. Missed a nice Hamilton No. 7 at auction this past Saturday. Stayed at a gun show too long and by time I got home the No.7 had already sold for about half what I would have been willing to pay for it!!!

Oh well, next time.

Best regards ~ ~ ~ FFF