Garrett Arms Purdy Sporting Rifle

[wwpete52]

Back in the early '80s there was a company named Garrett Arms. They imported a replica of a Purdy Sporting Rifle in .50 caliber. Does anyone know about those or Garrett Arms?

[Old Ford2]

I do have a IAB Macherno arms Purdy type rifle ( .50 cal. ) from the same vintage.
The quality is very good, I do not have a US distributer name, on the rifle.
The checkering is very well done, the lock is well inlet.
The wood to metal fit is very well done as well.
The patch box is very close to the butt plate.
I have seen and held Garrett guns, they are well made.
But it has been several years.

Old Ford

[fyrwokr]

Antonio Zoli of Italy made those rifles for Garrett Arms. Never got my hands on one - still looking

[nosrettap1958]

You could also call James Purdey & Sons and order one of their rifles. They're still in business.

[Bob Roller]

Antonio Zoli of Italy made those rifles for Garrett Arms. Never got my hands on one - still looking

I made a new tumbler for one of these rifles a few years ago.The original lasted for 5 shots
and was soft as copper. Approach these guns with caution and even though they can be good
looking,trouble may be lurking in the lock.

Bob Roller

[TN Longhunter]

I have/had several Garrett Arms rifles over the years. Cut above the general repros of their day. The Sharps were top of the line and I've never had an issue. Still have two that will stay with me. I still have an English sporting rifle in .50 that I still pull out and shoot. Good fit, clean lines and while I have never had an issue I can understand Bob's statement on the lock. Mine works well but the mainspring is weak/soft to the point that I wonder if it can stand up.

[Clowdis]

I believe that these were imported by Frank Garrett in Norfolk, Virginia. I know he imported the Sharps carbines, one of which I owned, and it was of top notch quality. I don't know about the quality of the Purdeys, I never saw one. Frank Garrett was a N-SSA member who was friends with Val Forgett and I'm sure Val had a hand in helping Frank import the firearms into this country.

[TN Longhunter]

From what I've heard, take that for what it's worth, the Sharps were assembled in the States from parts made in Italy. Muzzleloaders came in fully assembled. I wish they were still around.

[Old Ford2]

Hi again,
For those interested, I would be happy to share some pictures.
If you send me your email, I would be happy to send some pictures.
It is really a fine looking rifle.
I did change the lock to an L&R lock as the original lock was of such poor quality, it was totally unreliable.
Lyman, Thompson Center, or others could not compare to the quality and finish of these Garret guns.
I have had two of these, and both locks were very weak, but an L&R change over is easy and well worth the effort.
Fred