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Vickers Pedersen (Part 1)
Vickers Pedersen "Selfloader PA" Rifle - Serial #185
(Mfg by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd., Crayford, Kent, England)

Caliber: .............................. 0.276 in.
Rifling & Twist: ................... 6 Grooves, 1 turn in 9 in.
Rifle Barrel Length: ............. 24 in. (610 mm)
Carbine Barrel Length: ........ 22 in. (560 mm)
Rifle Overall Length: ............ 44 in.  (1118 mm)
Carbine Overall Length: ....... 42 (1067 mm)
Rifle Weight: ...................... 9 lbs. (4.08 Kg)
Carbine Weight: ................. 8.5 lbs. (3.86 Kg)
Magazine Capacity: ............. 10
Qty Mfg: ............................ 200+ rifles and a few carbines

Source... "The Gas Trap Garand", by Billy Pyle 1999
Source... "Handbook of the Pedersen Self-Loading Rifle, Model P.A.", by Vickers Armstrong Limited
Source... "Guns of the Empire, Firearms of the British Soldier 1837-1987", by George Markham 1990
Source... "Automatic Arms, Their History, Development and Use", Melvin M. Johnson Jr. and Charles T. Haven, 1941
Source... "Hatcher's Book of the Garand", Major General Julian S. Hatcher, 1948

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Album by Terry Hawker. Photos by Terry Hawker. 1 - 20 of 51 Total. 4619 Visits.
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Pedersen pertinent parts. Left to right...Rifle, with web sling, (or in U.S. use, leather M-1907), empty non-reversible clip, 3 loose rounds, 20-round box of original .276 ammunition, filled 10-round en bloc clip, Pattern 1913 bayonet and scabbard, (or in US use, M-1917 bayonet and scabbard).

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The Pedersen compared to the rifle it was to replace, the No. 1 Mk. III*, (in this case a 1945 Lithgow). Although the Pedersen's elegant lines make it appear longer, actual comparison reveals it to be 1/2" shorter than the S.M.L.E.

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Beautiful trim lines of serial Number 185. Note unusual placement of safety in front of slide handle, requiring more hand movement than usual to get into action from "SAFE" position.

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Elegant, but beefy, rear sight with precise range and windage adjustments, which are actually adjustable in 1/2 minute increments at 100 yards.

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Luger-like toggle-lock mechanism in open position illustrates the possibility of the shooter's helmet taking a beating.

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Can't help but admire the level of  machining skill and creative genius behind the design of this semi-auto action.

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Visible through the large holes in the metal handguard are the spiral cooling fins machined in the barrel.

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Vickers-made Pedersen markings. US-made markings will be, "U.S. SEMI AUTO RIFLE T1    CAL. .276 PEDERSEN PATENTS"

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One of very few visible inspection or proof marks. This mark on top of the bolt. Perhaps a London commercial proof?

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Second visible inspection or proof mark, on top of receiver, in front of bolt. Possibly inspector two at Crayford?

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Safety. Interestingly, the Pedersen handbook states, "Spelt "REDY" on the rifle owing to lack of space". No one thought to change it to "FIRE"?

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Compact, but solid, rear sight. The elevation drum bears, "v" over "84". If this is an inspection mark, it is completly different than the few others present.

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Except for the protruding 10-shot mag perhaps, as sleek and pretty as any sporting rifle.

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Wonder how long it would take to get used to having all that metal jumping in front of your eye on every shot?

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This view of the complicated action also shows, on the upper- right corner of the receiver, a faintly struck proofmark that is probably the same as the one on the bolt.

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Area of fore-end, directly below the barrel cooling fins, drilled and slotted to assist cooling.

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Large slots below un-finned barrel section provide more cooling capacity.

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This rather odd front sight configuration presents an excellent sight picture.

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Although strong, the front sight blade lacks protecting ears, like its contemporary US and Mauser patterns.

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A front sight not usually expected on a military rifle.

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