1
Top - Autoloader PB, Rifle, Serial # 5. Middle - Selfloader PA, Rifle, Serial # 185. Bottom - Selfloader PA, Carbine, Serial # 243. Shown with correct P -'13 bayonet, en-bloc clips and slings.
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2
Probably the the first occasion since manufacture that this extremely rare group of firearms have been brought together for photography.
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3
Classic Pedersen question answered at last. "Which clip goes in which rifle?" Autoloader PB uses the non-reversible clip. Selfloader PA models use the reversible clip.
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4
Another question answered, "Are the clips interchangeable?" No. Clips from U.S. Pedersen models probably won't work in the Vickers models either.
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5
Inscription on a previously almost unknown Vickers-Pedersen model, the Autoloader PB Rifle, Serial # 5. One of a total of only 13 rifles and carbines made.
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6
Inscription on a Vickers-Pedersen Selfloader PA Rifle, Serial # 185. This the most "common" of the group and the subject of Part One of this article.
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7
Inscription on a Vickers-Pedersen, Selfloader PA Carbine, Serial # 243, one of the world's rarest carbines.
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8
Autoloader PB, Rifle, Serial # 5. Pedersen's first model to be produced by Vickers.
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9
Selfloader PA, Rifle, Serial # 185. The second, improved, Vickers-Pedersen model that went into limited production.
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10
Selfloader PA, Carbine, Serial # 243. Shorter fore-end and barrel, otherwise identical to the PA Rifle.
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11
Autoloader PB, Rifle, Serial # 5. Utilization of non-reversible clip a major drawback.
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12
Selfloader PA, Rifle, Serial # 185. Ability to eject a partially filled, now reversible clip, were big steps forward.
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13
Selfloader PA, Carbine, Serial # 243. Actual production numbers unknown at present, but seems to be considerably rarer than the rifle.
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14
Autoloader PB, Rifle, Serial # 5. Rarest model rifle of a very rare breed of Vickers manufactured arms.
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15
Autoloader PB, Rifle, Serial # 5, an almost forgotten variant of the Pedersen until Mr. Magee brought it to light with his submission to the American Rifleman magazine
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16
Autoloader PB rifle above the next rifle in the model sequence, the Selfloader PA, with their distinctive, non-reversible and reversible , en-bloc clips.
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17
Apart from the slings and clips, the Autoloader PB is almost identical to the Selfloader PB below it, but there are three external differences.
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18
Other than wear, the right side of the receivers of these PB and PA models are the same.
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19
The stock bolt is in a higher location, with a different type of nut, on the Autoloader PB rifle.
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20
The lower band retaining spring was switched from the left side on the Autoloader PB model to the right side on the Selfloader PA model.
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21
Autoloader PB, Rifle, Serial # 5, shows evidence of extensive firing.
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22
Top of conrod, (middle flat section), shows the results of many ejected cases bouncing off it during testing. Also visible is notch in fore-end not found on PA models.
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23
Two rectangular wear marks on slide are evidence of many stops against the receiver bosses that also support the rear sight.
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24
Well-used condition of rifle, as received from the Vickers Museum, supports theory of its use for function tests. Groove in fore-end receiver well obvious.
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25
Selfloader PA, Carbine, Serial # 243, a refined version of the cavalry carbine originally required for the U.S. trials.
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26
Selfloader PB, Carbine, Serial # 243, beautiful, but, surprisingly, only two inches shorter and a scant half pound lighter than the rifle.
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27
Selfloader PB, Carbine, Serial # 243, arguably as elegant as any commercial sporting arm.
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28
Selfloader PB, Carbine, Serial # 243. Like all the Pedersen models, simple controls, sophisticated design.
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29
Selfloader PB, Carbine. Serial # 243 almost struck a bit too low on the receiver.
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30
Shortening the fore-end on the carbine required the band retaining spring to be relocated behind the band.
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31
The Pedersen carbine continued a classic, bare barrel, short fore-end configuration that is still popular today in commercial products.
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32
Selfloader PA, Carbine, Serial # 243, with top of action showing the wear of occasional use and lack of notch in fore-end. (Compare to pic 22.)
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33
Selfloader PA, Carbine, Serial # 243, an odd exercise in arms production, considering the military had already decided on an intermediate length rifle for all services.
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34
Selfloader PA, Carbine, Serial # 243, with receiver markings exactly the same as the rifle.
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35
Only known specimen of a possible trials bayonet that fits both the Pedersen and P-'14 rifle.
Unmarked, with origin unknown at present. Photo courtesy of Martin Cook.
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