Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Sedgley Model 45 is an exceptional rifle of .22 caliber that was designed by R.F. Sedgley Inc., Philadelphia presumably in the early 1940s as a prototype. The design of this gun is such that it can operate both as a semi-automatic and bolt-action rifle. For manual cycling, one can lock the bolt or leave it unlocked for semi-automatic operation. Notably, there is a five-round magazine, adjustable rear sights with blade front sight, and a rare safety lever sliding under the trigger to block movement. The crude hand-stamped lettering on the rifle suggests that it may have been a prototype. Sedgley Inc. had several firearm projects including military contracts, and sporterizing surplus rifles among others. Despite these facts, Model 45 appears never to have made it to production in quantity probably because of market demands or manufacturing costs. The Sedgley Model 45 has an excellent walnut stock with checkering at its forend and pistol grip which are intact as well. It is however an interesting episode in American firearms development though little known since Model 45 combines innovation with versatility
“Manufactured prior to 1945, this rifle is marked on above the action “R.F. SEDGLEY INC./MANUFACTURER OF FIRE ARMS/PHILA. PA. MOD. 45″. It functions as either a repeater or bolt action rifle and has a safety switch to the right of the trigger. It has a blade front and adjustable sporting style rear sight. It is mounted with a walnut pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap, Schnabel tip, checkering on the forend and grip, and a flat buttplate.”
Lot 589: Sedgely Model 45 Semi-Automatic Bolt Action Rifle. (n.d.-u). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/63/589/sedgely-model-45-semiautomatic-bolt-action-rifle.
