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Post by Peter Wells on Feb 25, 2009 8:43:08 GMT 1
Is there any interest, amongst this diverse group of collectors/enthusiasts, in putting pressure on Richard to start a dedicated area for these guns? I personally would like to tap into, and add to, the pool of knowedge on the subject, not only their WW2 use but also post war into the late 1970s and early '80s here in SA and Rhodesia. The Collector Grade Publications set on the Brownings is fantastic (as usual), volume 2 covers the .303" aircraft guns, but there is lots of stuff not covered. Anybdy out there of like mind?  |
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Post by woodsy on Feb 25, 2009 10:41:25 GMT 1
Hi Peter. I am also keen on all things Browning and have a 1939 .303 Mk II by Vickers Armstrong which has been an RNZAF instructional cutaway. It has three windows cut in the right side and the lock frames nickelled but is otherwise in full working order. I also have some RNZAF WW2 Armourers Notes and photos.
NZ use of the .303 Mk II was only during WW2 and then on a limited basis as our planes were mostly American in origin and used .30 & .50 BMG's (I have examples of them).
I look forward to your more recent info.
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Post by Peter Wells on Feb 25, 2009 13:01:12 GMT 1
Hi Rod Pleased we share this interest as well. The SAAF used Hawker Hartebeest, Gladiators & Hurries in the East African campaign and Hurries and Spits during the North African and Italian shouts and Spits post war. Unlike our fighters, all our bombers were US. Our 2Sqn in Korea used Mustangs and Sabres so we had the full gamut of Brit and US armaments - Vickers (MMGs & Ks) and Brownings in .303, .30 and .50 plus the 20mm jobs. I too have a cutaway Mkii* with correct chest ("acquired" yesterday!) marked "FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY", in addition to the usual markings, in a light blue/grey paint (NATO trg colour) rather than usual O/D. More recently the .303" guns were used by SAAF in our "K Cars" (Allouette 3 helo gunships) in both single and twin mountings, fitted with twin spade grips (I have added a set to my cutaway for fun). That was into the very early 80s and they did much slaughter in the Infantry Support role in our bush war before being replaced by the short 20mm. Our K Cars also did sterling work in Rhodesia, also in the Inf Supt role, before we pulled out of there but the Rhodesians had .303" Brownings left over from WW2 which the Army used in a twin pedestal mount on the back of pick-ups doing civvy convoy duty between Salisbury and Beit Bridge. I'm sure there's much for our fellow nuts to chat about on this subject - you reckon Richard will give us a dedicated slot? 
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Post by woodsy on Feb 25, 2009 21:00:20 GMT 1
A twin gun set-up would be pretty devastating in a ground support role! That would be something to see! ;D If a spare spade grip back plate is floating around I would be a very happy buyer!  I was contemplating making a set for my .30 AN M2 but would much prefer originals. |
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Post by Peter Wells on Mar 6, 2009 9:14:08 GMT 1
Hi Rod I will try for you but don't rate the chances good. The others are under 'State Control' so - tricky! The spade grips are not attached to the back-plate but attached by 4 short bolts in the threaded holes at the rear body and are non-standard Browning bits. Made in the SAAF workshops but nicely done, with safety catch etc. Let me have your e-mail addy and I will send you pics. Mine is my full names seperated by "." followed by '@mweb.co.za' - all lower case. |
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I was contemplating making a set for my .30 AN M2 but would much prefer originals.