I just watched the episode of American Guns where they claimed to "build" a 20mm rifle - supposedly for avalanche control.

Several things about that "reality TV" episode did not make sense to me.

First off, they claimed that they started with a "surplus military action" - and brought in a rusted tube with an endcap on it.  

What military 20mm used that thing as a reciever??!?  

Next, they claimed the gun's owner - a private individual - would use "exploding war head ammunition" - but I don't think that ammo is available to any civilians, even if they could foot the $200 stamp required for every round.

On top of that, would 20mm even work for setting off avalanches?  The buyer also grossly understated the range of current avalanche guns.

Finally, the gun they supposedly "built" at Gunsmoke looked suspiciouly identical to Anzio Iron's 20/50 rifle.


http://www.anzioironworks.com/Anzio-20-50.html




I'd like to believe that there is SOME truth in these shows - especially the gun-related ones. But, it looks like this reality show was complete BS when it comes to this gun, the "build" they supposedly did, and its origins.

People watch it for the "guns"?

That's about the only reason I watch that show anymore

Actually- I just watched it again.  They did not say "aftermarket action."  What John say around the 14:58 mark is "it's surplus" - then a few seconds later he says "we're gonna restore it to original working condition."  But you're right - they never named the "most trusted distributor" mentioned as the source of the "surplus."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPQRYIacgxA

I guess it bothers me that good folks like the ones at Anzio got no mention here.  Now, half of the USA thinks that "Gunsmoke" is the go-to builder if you want to own a 20mm rifle (when it actually appears they did little more than paint it).  I hope Anzio at least charged them full retail.

It's like they just painted it one color and as an afterthought tossed on a few tiny and sporadic digi patches and called it camo.

We've got a herd of guys over in the refinish painting threads who've done a much better job and don't have the expectation of being a knowledgeable gunsmith. And this is why I typically don't watch these craptastic firearm "reality" TV shows, I'd probably end up breaking my TV after 37 seconds of Teh Stupid(tm).

(Background Information: This poster attended Colorado School of Trades for gun-smithing.)

long neck is long....

 

You were looking at her neck??

If you look closely at the finished product at the end, the muzzle brake clearly shows Anzio markings.

But let's not hold them to truth or fact. The TV show is for entertainment purposes only. Like it or not...

The last thing I look at is her neck

They should really give credit where credit is due though.

There's guns on that show? damn!!...i like guns

I need the  mag fed 20mm that Anzio has, i've been eyeing that beast for a few yrs now.I saw it at Knob Creek when i was there one time. VERRRY nice. What does 20mm ammo run nowadays? $10 a rd and up?