A Rare Bird the .22 Caliber Falke Model 70

[c801tfd]

Well after waiting almost 9 months for former owner to locate, and 7 more days as it made its way out west the .22 caliber Falke Model 70 has arrived. The attached pictures are not very good just something to share until I take better ones.

I must say for its age it is in very nice shape, the bluing is still nice after all these years. The stock has some minor dings as to be expected for a 70 year old air rifle. I really like the looks of the stock. However, I am not sure if the stock is Beech, Walnut or some other type hardwood, I am leaning toward beech but could be wrong.

So far I have only shot a couple of pellets through it. Wow it shoots with authority and is a little on the loud side. I will be taking it down to clean it up, inspect and apply moly and other lubricants in appropriate areas before I shoot it again.

 

[Guest]

Here's a Model 40, the junior or child's

version, in .177...I think the stock is beech?

 

[JW652]

I believe the standard stock on the model 70 is beech as it was the "economy" model. The model 80 is mechanically the same but a "deluxe" version that included a walnut option.

Very nice find. Enjoy!

 

[AirSupply]

Jw652 I think you might be getting mixed up with the 80 and 90 models. They are under levers and are the same except for the stocks. The 80 being elm the 90 walnut. 

 

[AirSupply]

The Falke’s are really interesting guns and thanks for showing it. It is amazing that it’s 70 years old! Looks like it was worth the 9 month wait for him to find it! 
You are a patient man. 
They were built by real gunsmith artists and built to last. 
Have you had a look on the vintage airgun site? There are a lot of Falke owners have contributed a lot of information on that site. I would think you’d find an answer as the what wood the stock is made of there. 
Be keen to know how it shoots once you’ve been through it. Cheers 

 

[JW652]

Air Supply - You are, of course, absolutely correct.

Had recently been reading an article from 30 year old editions of Airgun World relating to the restoration of a Model 90. A too quick response during a senior moment resulted in my mistake.

Fwiw, the two part article by Tom Downes in the January and February 1991 editions, presents an informative read, and may be of some value to the OP during his rebuild. Tom Gaylord also had an article in Airgun Letter in the mid-90s that explores the Falke mechanics. And, finally, the AVA Forum and link to DGs site are valuable resources as you point out.

Thanks for the save. And congrats to c801 for the find and preservation of this rare bit of airgun history.

 

[c801tfd]

Thank you for the additional info, I will be looking at just about anything I can find before I start on the refresh project.

 

[GoldenStateAIRGUNer]

In picture #6 it looks like the barrel hinge screw/pin is a little short ! Interesting rifle. I imagine the leather piston seal has been changed before ?

 

[GoldenStateAIRGUNer]

https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2013/12/falke-model-70-part-1/

 

[AirSupply]

Thanks for drawing attention to the article in Airgun World. I hadn’t read that and it was a great piece. 
I do wonder when he said in the article it was “extremely accurate” what that meant for a then near 40year old tap loading airgun. 
I recently purchased a Falke 80. Which is why I picked up on the 70-80 mix up as I’ve been reading all a can about them. 
I don’t have it in my hands yet, probs 3 weeks before I’ll have it. 
I’ll post some pics and info when I have it. 
Cheers Michael 

 

[AirSupply]

Do keep us updated.

 

[GoldenStateAIRGUNer]

Thanks for drawing attention to the article in Airgun World. I hadn’t read that and it was a great piece. 
I do wonder when he said in the article it was “extremely accurate” what that meant for a then near 40year old tap loading airgun. 
I recently purchased a Falke 80. Which is why I picked up on the 70-80 mix up as I’ve been reading all a can about them. 
I don’t have it in my hands yet, probs 3 weeks before I’ll have it. 
I’ll post some pics and info when I have it. 
Cheers Michael

Well ! I'd imagine with the velocity in the 450-500 fps range and a rifled barrel accuracy would be pretty good. I'm really curious what the piston seal looks like.