Alain Cartry: An Expert in Antique Firearms

Alain Cartry is a well-known name among antique weapons collectors, particularly for his expertise in World War I and World War II firearms.

A Specialist in War Weapons

Cartry is recognized as a specialist in WW1 and WW2 war weapons. He is known for buying, reassembling, and restoring these weapons, thus offering collectors authentic and functional pieces. His expertise is particularly appreciated by those who practice TAR (Tir aux Armes Réglementaires), a discipline that requires weapons in perfect working order and compliant with current regulations.

Reputation and Character

Although sometimes described as having a "pig-headed character," Alain Cartry enjoys a good reputation in the field. He is known for his expertise, competitive prices, and the quality of his work.

Presence in Trade Shows and Exhibitions

Alain Cartry is a regular exhibitor at antique arms fairs, where he presents his pieces and shares his expertise with enthusiasts.

Products and Services

Cartry offers a range of products for the maintenance and restoration of antique weapons, including browning solutions. His products are known for their quality, although the instructions for use can sometimes be considered "borderline."

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It is important to note that bluing weapons is a delicate process that requires some expertise. As one forum participant points out, "if the metal is perfectly degreased +++ (Spanish white with a brush), each layer is passed without overlap or runs, the oxidation monitored according to the hygrometry, the jump for twenty minutes before drying and carding, wiping the carding dust if you do not work at the grinder and soft wire brush, and all these manipulations well redone at each layer it holds perfectly".

Armurerie Beck Chasse in Bordeaux

Impressions of this supplier, from whom I just purchased a Rossi 1892 Rifle stainless steel. Let's start the story at the beginning:

For some time, this weapon made me drool and I knew it would only be a matter of time before I cracked miserably… But my local gunsmith not distributing the object in question, I started looking on the internet for all possible suppliers. That's how I ended up ordering from Beck Chasse because they offered this model at €569 (almost €100 difference with the other sites consulted, which is already rather encouraging).

Where it gets funny is that I didn't even have the idea to look where this armory was located… But, the day before yesterday, my eldest son (who is taking the bac this year) asks me if I can take him and some friends to the student fair in Bordeaux. As an admirable and attentive father, I acquiesce. On top of that, quite by chance, returning to "drool" on the Beck website, I realize that the Beck armory is located… in Bordeaux. So, I went directly to them yesterday, while my son was looking for opportunities for his future, and I was able to pick up the beast directly.

But, not content with offering this weapon cheaper than elsewhere, the people at Beck give you a free cover and multi-function tool. I wanted to buy a plastic transport case (€29) and a box of fake cartridges with shock absorbers (to avoid damaging the firing pin in case of "dry" firing) and, when I wanted to pay, the seller made me understand that it was not worth it. The only thing I paid extra for was the box of Remington 44 Mag (once deducted the shipping costs I had paid in advance when ordering online).

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I would add that the store is worth a visit: it is large, bright, well laid out, with a well-stocked black powder section and apparently ultra-competitive prices. In short, all good, and I highly recommend it!!! It's nice to know that a real business is still working!

when the seller and the customer are happy..

Re: Armurerie Beck Chasse in Bordeaux by enzmatt Sun 9 Jan 2011 - 10:16

To put in a list….there are very good and very bad , I had proposed on another Forum … to make us a list of good suppliers……STAC WESTERN , BECK , CARTRY etc etc …( I do not speak of a reputation on prices…but simply the good PRO )

Some sellers , sell scrap metal by the KG and others sell weapons , with the good verifications…

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I know that STAC WESTERN ( that I know well ALAIN ) proposes prices slightly higher than the others…but all its weapons have a complete verification…and it proposes a SAV of dream….(without speaking of the ease of payment ) it is one of the greatest specialist of the weapon and equipment OLD WEST….( its shop is a danger for your CB )

Le HUSSARD very expensive…but there too , all my weapons buy at them , are of a PERFECT functioning…….CARTRY ..specialist of the war weapons WW1 and WW2 , it buys and reassembles…very good specialist ( character of pig )….but good reputation..for war weapon for the TAR ….and very good prices….BECK , good reputation….good PRO….good PRICE….but well look at the replicas before buying…they sell in mass ..and not always the good verifications…but in the whole very well…

There are others….

Re: Armurerie Beck Chasse in Bordeaux by Guest Sun 9 Jan 2011 - 15:01

Thanks for the information Enz,

I had already thought of STAC to order period accessories or very good replicas. At home, in Gelbique, it's a bit of a no man's land for B.P.

Re: Armurerie Beck Chasse in Bordeaux by enzmatt Sun 9 Jan 2011 - 16:57

The STAC shop , is like a small flea market …a wooden shop….(OLD WEST decoration)…with full of objects….80% of OLD WEST weapons …20% of non OLD WEST weapons.(but old )…and then very very many objects on the WESTERN theme..a big bric a brac..very nice…holsters , cartridge belts , stetsons , books ,etc etc…only objects that have a lived…(nothing brand new )….On place it transforms …., realizes repairs or addaptation…on weapons , thanks to its craftsman gunsmith…

The good thing with ALAIN from STAC…."there is always a solution"…. "he always finds a solution"…

In my case , I often prefer to buy at him…(10 % or 15 % more expensive ) but there is a real after-sales service.., a real technical control of the weapons , conditions of payment…very cool…..a technical and HISTORICAL advice at the time of the choice of the weapon…

Re: Armurerie Beck Chasse in Bordeaux by curtiss Sun 9 Jan 2011 - 20:43

I went once to STAC , we discussed more than an hour, I must say that ALAIN is a very nice and very friendly guy . His shop is a real cave of Ali baba "Old west", to drool, I confirm what ENZO says. those who can go there do not hesitate! I live too far now, too bad……

Re: Armurerie Beck Chasse in Bordeaux by Bloob Sun 9 Jan 2011 - 21:56

Sundance, I allowed myself to edit your first message to add the link to their site

The Importance of Expertise in the Field of Antique Weapons

Alain Cartry's story illustrates the importance of expertise and know-how in the field of antique weapons. Whether for restoration, maintenance, or authentication of parts, collectors and enthusiasts need competent and trustworthy professionals.

As one forum participant points out, "there are rules to respect as the most elementary: knowing how to work on a piece of steel…".

Discussion on a Mauser 98K Purchase from Cartry

A forum discussion highlights a positive experience with Alain Cartry regarding the purchase of a Mauser 98K. One user, Laurent57, expresses his excitement about purchasing a Mauser 98K in 8x57IS from Cartry, noting that the rifles Cartry had were in excellent condition.

Initial Impressions

Laurent57 reports that the Mauser 98K he received was manufactured in 1940 by Berlin-Lubecker Mashinenfabriken (code 237). The stock matches the receiver and barrel, though the front sight has a different number. WaffenAmt stamps with code 214 (Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik, Bernhard Berghaus, Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein (237)) are present throughout. The stock is made of walnut and in excellent condition. The barrel is also described as being in great shape.

Details and Markings

Further discussion reveals that the rifle is likely a "first type" Mauser 98K due to the manufacturer code 237 and the serial number falling within the known range for that type. A "X" marking on the receiver suggests it was a Soviet capture. Discrepancies in WaffenAmt codes on certain parts indicate potential replacements or repairs with parts from different manufacturers or production periods.

Overall Assessment

Despite some mismatched parts and the Soviet capture mark, the overall consensus is that the rifle is a good find for the price. The presence of original markings, the condition of the bore, and the matching stock and receiver contribute to its value as a historical artifact.

tags: #alain #cartry #armurier #histoire

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