EXTREMELY RARE, FULLY TRANSFERABLE MARINE CORPS CADILLAC GAGE STONER 63 MACHINE GUN

EXTREMELY RARE, FULLY TRANSFERABLE MARINE CORPS CADILLAC GAGE STONER 63 MACHINE GUN

03-2013 | Cal. .223. | S# 001461 | Bbl. 20”

Mfg 1963-1966. An incredibly rare & collectable piece of US military designed by former Marine Infantryman, Eugene Stoner, who learned after serving in World War II, & understood exactly what our military men really needed in future designs. Very few firearms have the mystique of the Stoner 63. It is as rare as it is desirable and very few ever come to the market, let alone examples as nice as this. Of the few that were actually manufactured, even less made their way to the NFA registry to be later owned by collectors & historians. Though it was loved by the Special Operations community, who had the ability to make weapon care and maintenance a top priority, it wasn’t favored by the top brass for general infantry because it was believed that the average soldier would not have the time to properly maintain it. The Stoner Model 63 was part of a weapon project known as the “Stoner System”. The Stoner System consisted of a common receiver that originally boasted 15 different assemblies & configurations that could be rearranged to accomplish different tasks. These consisted of the following; The Stoner Model 63/63A Rifle, Model 63/63A Carbine, Model 63/63A Automatic Rifle (often referred to as “The Bren Configuration”), Model 63/63A Light Machine Gun, Model 63/63A Medium Machine Gun, Model 63/63A Fixed Machine Gun, Model 63/63A Commando & Model 63 Survival Rifle. These were fed, utilized and configured in several different platforms including; box fed, top mounted box fed, left-hand belt fed, right hand belt fed & solenoid fired, w/ several configurations including vertical foregrips, tripod mounted, 30 rd. magazines, 75, 100 & 150 rd. drums and more. In some configurations the receiver was actually inverted to build the desired platform. Since it utilized a quick-change barrel system, it was easy to change configurations or just maintain the system by swapping barrels during heavy use to avoid catastrophic failure. The Stoner 63 is gas operated and utilized a rotating bolt w/ forward locking lugs which is very familiar today w/ our most popular modern sporting rifles. This particular gun is a rare, original Cadillac Gage. All parts are original, uncut and absolutely beautiful condition. NFA Registry lists manufacturer as “Stoner, Eugene”. It appears to have been purchased by the United States Marine Corps in their December 1965 order of 1080 Stoner rifles. It was manufactured 11/18/65 and shipped to the US Marine Corps on 1/12/66. It was one of 286 Stoners returned to Cadillac Gage on 08/30/66 before being shipped to the St. Clair Shore Police Department, before ending up in private hands. The vast majority of these returned rifles were destroyed, making this one even more special. It is set up in the magazine feed configuration. The quick-change barrel is threaded, and terminated w/ the appropriate flash hider. Sights consist of a protected post front sight which is integral w/ the gas block of the QC barrel assembly. The rear sight is a 2-position, folding peep at the rear of the receiver w/ a 21.5” sight radius. Left side selector controls, marked “Semi-Safe-Auto”. Left side charging handle. Fixed shoulder stock has sling swivel on bottom, at rear. Front sling swivel is located just forward of handguard. MAGS: 4 original Stoner 63, steel 30 rd. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: early model bayonet in scabbard, Green canvas mag pouch, marked on back: “POUCH, MAG STONER A-1 MOD”. NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE. PROVENANCE: Military Museum Collection of Shooters Outpost, Hooksett NH. (03-2013/JZ). STATUS: CURIO CLASS III.