A Previously Unseen (Here) Unicorn…

[bill-in-texas]

I had never seen one of these until it was offered to me in trade this past week… not here, not anywhere. I just learned of its existence by pure happenstance and now it resides in my modest, yet eclectic collection.

Here, I believe for the first time, is the Australian-made, pre AWB, and SCARCE Leader Dynamics "T2 Mk 5."

 

[rug357]

Interesting looking rifle. I've only seen one at a gun show about a dozen years ago. I don't remember the asking price but it was more than I was willing to pay. Have you shot it yet?
Isn't the internal operating system similar to AR-180?

 

[bill-in-texas]

No. I just got it yesterday. The previous owner inherited his father's collection. He told me that it is unfired and that may be true, as I can't find any carbon or wear on the bearing surfaces. But, I will certainly fire it. The few I have found online in the last 48 hours have commanded high prices and, due to the scarcity, I'm not concerned with the value being affected by it being fired. I'm very happy to have it join my collection.

 

[LVSteve]

Oodles of cool there. I love guns that work in different ways or use novel manufacturing techniques. The Wiki piece on this gun says the receiver was made using readily available 16 gauge square tube. Loving that.

 

[bill-in-texas]

I agree, LVSteve.
I find it fascinating.

In this video, Charlie St. George, the originator is saying US production will ramp up in 2019. It obviously never happened (COVID, maybe?).

He says the plastic grip, stock, and hand guard are made of Zytel, the very durable plastic developed by DuPont and used by Ruger.
Good stuff!

 

[Markpixs]

Definitely gives AR-180 vibes, stamped and welded for fast economic way to built them. Thinking Uzi, MG42, some AKs, Model 76 and other sub guns. A formula of Zytel was used for the Remington Nylon series too, one of the first 'plastic' firearms. Really great find and would love to have in my accumulation.

 

[Mostly Good]

Forgive my ignorance, In the group picture what is the rifle on the far left? Never mind I finally figured out the harmonic barrel stabilzer addition

 

[absolutevil]

Looks like a Ruger mini 14 or 30 with a barrel stabilizer.

 

[bill-in-texas]

The handful of videos and postings currently on the internet repeatedly cite "2,000 imported into the US." I suspect that the same erroneous information keeps being stated as fact, without any real verification. More likely, that number may be well under 1,000. But, that may never be known.

My serial number 001120.

Other S/Ns:
001055
001220
001317
001421
001430
001526
001555
001774
001825

If, by slim chance, any other members here own one, would you please consider sharing you S/N to be added to this small list?

TIA
-Bill

 

[Grayfox]

Interesting. Never heard of it before today. Congratulations on a great find.
But two things stand out that make it unsuitable for military use.
1. It requires tools to field strip.
2. E-clips? Those wouldn't last 5 seconds with the average solider.

However, I do like it. Be sure to post a range report.