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April 30, 2023
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Gun Jesus posted this youtube video today….had not heard of linethrower 1886s before this video, although probably not new to some of y’all…very interesting.
At the very least someone can add the serial of the gun in his video to their survey!
November 9, 2008
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I’ve seen a few of those 86s at shows over the years. John Madl found 498 of them in his records search. A cool variation of the 86
April 15, 2005
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cj57 said
I’ve seen a few of those 86s at shows over the years. John Madl found 498 of them in his records search. A cool variation of the 86
Actually, it was (299) and they are all (thus far) in the 153391 – 154942 serial number range (shipped in September & October 1918). We have them all documented in the late production Model 1886 survey. They were made for use in WW I.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 30, 2023
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I should’ve figured they were already in there! 😉
April 15, 2005
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Jeremy P said
I should’ve figured they were already in there! 😉
It never hurts to ask though 
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 28, 2016
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What caliber “blank” cartridge did they use?
Erin
April 15, 2005
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Erin Grivicich said
What caliber “blank” cartridge did they use?Erin
45-70
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 30, 2023
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Erin Grivicich said
What caliber “blank” cartridge did they use?Erin
Erin, you can see an example on the box of cartridges he has in the video, can’t remember if he references them or not ….
February 17, 2022
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Bert H. said
cj57 said
I’ve seen a few of those 86s at shows over the years. John Madl found 498 of them in his records search. A cool variation of the 86
Actually, it was (299) and they are all (thus far) in the 153391 – 154942 serial number range (shipped in September & October 1918). We have them all documented in the late production Model 1886 survey. They were made for use in WW I.
Bert
Seems there is quite a disparity on the count on these guns. Nearly 45% less than stated in Madl’s research. Makes it hard for collectors to determine who’s correct.
November 19, 2006
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oldcrankyyankee said
Bert H. said
cj57 said
I’ve seen a few of those 86s at shows over the years. John Madl found 498 of them in his records search. A cool variation of the 86
Actually, it was (299) and they are all (thus far) in the 153391 – 154942 serial number range (shipped in September & October 1918). We have them all documented in the late production Model 1886 survey. They were made for use in WW I.
Bert
Seems there is quite a disparity on the count on these guns. Nearly 45% less than stated in Madl’s research. Makes it hard for collectors to determine who’s correct.
I didn’t think the “count” is of rifles that have been “found” but rather a count of rifles in the records count? I’m aware of maybe five in my 50 years + year of paying attention to M86’s that have come up for sale. Maybe a whole lot more have been located than I was aware of?
November 7, 2015
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Steve-
Been collecting a much shorter time than you but I seem to recall seeing one at the Cody show a few years back. As a result I researched them a bit. Given their characteristics and method of use I suspect the survival rate is very low. As far as I know I haven’t seen another.
Mike
April 15, 2005
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As it turns out, I just hung up the phone with John Madl. He is sending me the complete list of the Line Guns that were found in the factory records (both he and John Hawke researched them). He did mention that the number of them is close to (500). Keeping in mind that these were used during WW I, I would not expect a high survival rate.
Stay tuned… I will update this post after I get the list he has.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 9, 2008
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As I stated, I got the information from Madl’s booklet
November 19, 2006
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If I understand it, the Model 1886 survey that was done focused on those rifles that didn’t appear in the (existing) factory records. Given these rifles are listed in the factory ledgers, that would mean existing specimens haven’t been surveyed?
February 17, 2022
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Sorry to say I am thoroughly confused now. First is the fact John lists 2 different numbers in both of his books, 1 under 14.5″ barrels at 498 denoting line guns, then 392 on the next page noting line throwing guns and Bert Hartman is saying 299. I am sure some one is about to lose it on me, but I would love to know what I’m missing here.
November 9, 2008
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Sorry to say I am thoroughly confused now. First is the fact John lists 2 different numbers in both of his books, 1 under 14.5″ barrels at 498 denoting line guns, then 392 on the next page noting line throwing guns and Bert Hartman is saying 299. I am sure some one is about to lose it on me, but I would love to know what I’m missing here.
That next page, John has 492
April 15, 2005
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As mentioned, and spent about 45-minutes on the phone with John, and he is steadfast in his 498 number. He is sending me the complete list for my research records. I apparently have a really old copy of his booklet (before he and John Hawe finished the detailed survey of the records). When I get the complete list from him, I intend to create an Excel spreadsheet with all of the pertinent information and will make it available to any interested WACA member.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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