Ohio Ordnance Works 1918A3 BAR .30-06 SLR Self Loading Semi Automatic Rifle Our Assessment: The Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) was America's first domestic light machine gun. John Browning demonstrated the rifle to the US Government shortly before America joined WWI and it proceeded to see service through the Vietnam War with some improvements and modifications along the way. Ohio Ordnance Works has reintroduced the rifle as a Self Loading Rifle or SLR, a semi-automatic version which fires from a closed bolt but retains the appearance of the 1918A2. Designated the 1918A3, Ohio Ordnance's rifle uses the same tilting-lock, gas-piston operating system as the original.This BAR is in Fine Plus to excellent condition. It comes in its original shipping box with two 20-round magazines, a bipod, carry handle, sling, cleaning kit, and other accessories.
Make: Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc.
Model: 1918A3 U.S. Cal. 30 Self Loading Rifle aka Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)
Serial Number: 4003
Year of Manufacture: 2014 to 2022
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked "MOD. 1918A3 U.S. CAL. 30 / SELF LOADING RIFLE/ OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC. / CHARDON, OH / PATENT NO. 5614691 / S/N – 4003". The left of the receiver is marked "F" and "S" at the Fire and Safe positions of the safety lever.
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a banded base at the muzzle. The rear sight is a folding aperture sight, with dials that allow click-adjustment for windage and elevation. When folded down, the sight presents a "U"-notch to the shooter. The sight is mounted in a base with protective ears which is screw-set to the top-rear of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The buttstock has a parkerized steel buttplate with flip-up shoulder plate and a sling swivel (the other is mounted to the bottom of the piston tube forward of the forend). The stock shows a few light handling marks. The LOP measures approximately 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the shoulder plate, 13 1/4" to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with deep rifling. The grooves near the muzzle are semi bright due to fouling and light oxidation. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.0. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scuffs and light drag lines. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus to excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic's check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes in its original shipping box with two 20-round magazines, a bipod, carry handle, sling, cleaning kit, and other accessories. The 20 round magazines are not available to residents of California or any other state with magazine capacity restrictions.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified C&R: NO. CA PPT: YES.
RIFLE