Fully Automatic Colt R80 Monitor BAR Machine Gun
$69,999.00
Description:
This is an exceptionally rare early Colt Model R80 Monitor, fully automatic, C&R registered machine gun. This was an early 1920s version of the Colt Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) that was produced and sold in very limited numbers to various law enforcement agencies, mainly out East. It was basically an improved and slightly redesigned version of the original Browning design that incorporated a small pistol grip on the rear of the lower receiver for better handling, in lieu of a pistol grip type buttstock, a shorter forend, and a slightly shorter barrel (only 18.5 inch) making it easier to handle as well as a redesigned three position gas regulator/plug and a completely new and redesigned muzzle break/flash hider. As noted, these were marketed to law enforcement agencies, especially the early FBI and sheriffs for use in combating the various gangsters terrorizing the Midwest banks. Their main value was that the police and sheriffs eventually realized that the standard Thompson SMG in 45 ACP could not always penetrate the heavy steel fenders and car bodies used by the auto industry in the 1920s and 30s. However, this model was chambered in the considerable more powerful 30-06 caliber which made it extremely effective in combating the various criminals elements in the US. The top of the receiver is marked: “COLT AUTOMATIC MACHINE RIFLE/MODEL R 80 CAL. .30/BROWNING PAT FEB. 4. 1919/APR. 14. 1925, AUG. 4. 1925/COLTS PAT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A./NO. C-103110”. With the raised area behind the ejection port marked “COLT/MONITOR”. It is fitted with a blade front sight with an integral front sight protector and a tangent rear sight, similar to the Lyman/Thompson SMG sight, that is graduated 2-6 (200-600). It has an all blued metal finish with a walnut stock, forend and pistol grip plates. It is complete with one all blued 20 round magazine and an original black leather sling. Colt manufactured only 125 Monitors with the majority being sold to the FBI. According to the consignor, this Monitor came from the Custer County, Montana Sheriffs Department, which makes this gun one of only 24 guns Colt sold to state prisons, banks, security companies and city, county and state police departments.
Exceptionally Rare Early Original Colt Model R80 “Monitor” Fully Automatic Class III/NFA C&R Registered Machine Gun
This is an exceptionally rare early Colt Model R80 Monitor, fully automatic, C&R registered machine gun. This was an early 1920s version of the Colt Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) that was produced and sold in very limited numbers to various law enforcement agencies, mainly out East. It was basically an improved and slightly redesigned version of the original Browning design that incorporated a small pistol grip on the rear of the lower receiver for better handling, in lieu of a pistol grip type buttstock, a shorter forend, and a slightly shorter barrel (only 18.5 inch) making it easier to handle as well as a redesigned three position gas regulator/plug and a completely new and redesigned muzzle break/flash hider. As noted, these were marketed to law enforcement agencies, especially the early FBI and sheriffs for use in combating the various gangsters terrorizing the Midwest banks. Their main value was that the police and sheriffs eventually realized that the standard Thompson SMG in 45 ACP could not always penetrate the heavy steel fenders and car bodies used by the auto industry in the 1920s and 30s.iHowever, this model was chambered in the considerable more powerful 30-06 caliber which made it extremely effective in combating the various criminals elements in the US. The top of the receiver is marked: “COLT AUTOMATIC MACHINE RIFLE/MODEL R 80 CAL. .30/BROWNING PAT FEB. 4. 1919/APR. 14. 1925, AUG. 4. 1925/COLTS PAT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A./NO. C-103110”. With the raised area behind the ejection port marked “COLT/MONITOR”. It is fitted with a blade front sight with an integral front sight protector and a tangent rear sight, similar to the Lyman/Thompson SMG sight, that is graduated 2-6 (200-600). It has an all blued metal finish with a walnut stock, forend and pistol grip plates. It is complete with one all blued 20 round magazine and an original black leather sling. Colt manufactured only 125 Monitors with the majority being sold to the FBI. According to the consignor, this Monitor came from the Custer County, Montana Sheriffs Department, which makes this gun one of only 24 guns Colt sold to state prisons, banks, security companies and city, county and state police departments.
Excellent with 95% of the original blue finish overall with the sides having browned out from handling over the years. The barrel, muzzle break and gas tube retain bright original Colt blue finish. The wood components are all in very fine condition with their nice original matching medium brown color overall showing only minor handling marks. There is a slight stress/age crack visible on the right side of the buttstock starting directly at the center section of the receiver and extending back for approximately 3 inches. A super nice high condition and very rare early Colt Model R80/Monitor BAR type machine gun. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a “Curios or Relic” as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.
16 reviews for Fully Automatic Colt R80 Monitor BAR Machine Gun
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Rob R –
I have owned many of the 1918A3 and still have a 1918 and 1918A look semi BARs. They work great and wonderful to shoot.
George Pantos –
There are not enough superlative adjectives in the English language to describe my 1918A3 SLR. I simply love it. It is a masterpiece of technical engineering and meticulous execution. John M. Browning would be very satisfied with this copy of his original BAR. It functions flawlessly and exudes high quality workmanship and incredible attention to detail. Its full complement of accessories and fitted Pelican case augment the overall value and attraction of this iconic firearm. This rifle is most definitely worth its price as well as the special place it occupies in my collection.
umd103 –
Incredible weapon, my uncle carried one in the Korean War and still had the bipod which he gave me for the one I purchased. Definitely an eye catcher at the range.. would recommend to friends to get one.
5William Adams –
I own one I love it very well made.
alexmoon –
I got mine almost 10 years ago….. Back when they were able to be shipped to California.
Every time I shoot it, I feel like I am experiencing history. I am, quite literally, a product of this rifle. I am the son of parents who were liberated by American forces and the men who carried this rifle into battle against Nazi Germany and Communist North Korea (my father is Korean, my mother is Hungarian).
Yes, every time I bring it to the range, it draws a crowd. Interestingly, I get the most questions and comments from the younger generation which makes me happy to see they are interested in historic weapons.
Hip-firing a full magazine while laying down “walking fire” will surely put a smile on anyone’s face.
nick –
Outstanding reproduction of a WWII great and the weapon used by Steve McQueen in the movie”The Sand Pebbles.” I have owned mine since 1998 and it has functioned flawlessly. The gas port will adjust for different types of ammo or when the gun is new / unbroken in. Accuracy is very good. The sight is designed for area firing on full auto and not for precision shooting just as Uncle Sam intended. If you are a fan of US military weapons you will not be disappointed with the purchase.
Joe Bergeman –
I brought one several years ago. Great gun beautiful workmanship. Accurate and fun to shoot.
Matthew –
It is a quality built piece of Art. I love mine. It functions without a flaw. I think it’s well worth the price.
Gary Jones –
I got mine in 2005. Has performed flawlessly through many thousand of round. One of my favorite and greatest weapons.
Mark Kosevich –
Owned this rifle since 2007. Heavy duty well built rifle. Accuracy is very good. Shot at targets 440 yards away with iron sights and with minor adjustments was on the paper. Had minor problem with one pivot pin breaking and had the action get jammed once, sent in for repair. Other than that, no problems. My favorite rifle
David Hess –
Rifle is a work of art purchased total 1918 packages years ago but the staff are A holes. Just don’t understand a company depending on customers purchasing their product and paying salaries act the way they do. Surprised they are still in business after all these years.
Brad Bishop –
Been wanting one of these for over 20 years but always decided to hold off due to expense. The one I just bought exceeds ALL expectations, it is as others have stated, a work of art. Arsenal new, flawless in operation and true to the origianal (which I’ve fired numerous time via friends who own them). My only regret is I waited so many years to acquire one!
Scott Smith (verified owner) –
I got mine in January of this year. Gorgeous rifle that is a dream to shoot! I was the center of attention at the “toy store” when I picked mine up. Every single person that has done a mag dump has had a smile so big you could count every tooth in their mouth! The ladder sight works fantastic. No problems reaching out and hitting a 2 liter bottle at 300 yards. I did get a longer sling to match the length of what was used in the field for walking fire. The rifle hags down around my waist now instead of the center of my chest. It makes carrying this monster much less awkward. Several of my friends have mentioned that they have never seen a firearm with a 4 digit serial number.
Luis Guilbe –
Just pick up mine today. Very well made. Going to take it to the range as soon as I can. It was on my bucket list for awhile. Now finally own one. Thanks guys.
Andrew –
Got mine as a gift to myself and was helped immensely by all of the staff. The gun its self is a dream. I find some older surplus ammo on the lightest gas setting has issue ejecting. But the regulator can be turned up easy. Its sturdy, accurate as you can shoot it, and is something that no one else has. A nice high end AR-15/10 is something that has its place and can be appreciated by a fine eye. But this firearm draws in a lot more
Richard Alley –
I love mine. While the price is high, the quality is outstanding. It fires accurately and functions flawlessly. It always attracts a group when I take it to the long range. It took some usage to get used to the flip up peep sight for distances, but again it works great.