Grouse Gunner said:
There were type 4 MT6 models made correct? Would the "rule" I remember hearing about, which advised that when buying used, for the most updated version, seek serial numbers above 8____(?) apply to the MT6?
ReaI don't remember the exact serial number cut off. I have that target serial number saved somewhere, just asking in general for now. That said, I too could probably live with a type 3 version with a lot of life left in it.
An MT6 is what I'm focused on. Thus far, I've never been able to handle one, let alone shoot one. I'm patient and satisfied improving my scores with my SP1, but a Perazzi is my bucket list gun.
Serial number rules for MX8s do *not* apply to MT6s! There are older, striped receiver MT6s with 100,000+ serial numbers...I owned one!
Nearest I can tell from owning each of the below, there are three types of MT6 receivers, with two types of forend lugs, and two styles of chokes. In order from oldest to newest receiver types:
Striped receivers: Blued, with machined horizontal lines in them. Lever lock release pin at 12 o'clock. Came with MT6-only forend lug and 1st gen chokes (threaded near top)
Early non-striped receivers: I've only seen them case-hardened, but there might've been blued ones. Came with Type 4 forend lug. I believe some came with 1st gen chokes and some came with 2nd gen (threads toward bottom of choke). Lever lock release pin at 12 o'clock.
Late non-striped receivers: I've only seen them blued, but there might've been case-hardened ones. Came with Type 4 forend lug and 2nd gen chokes. Lever lock release pin at 9 o'clock. Nearest I can tell, all parts in the receiver are identical to a current production MX12 with the exception of the top lever locking piece (part 111) and lever return spring (121), both of which can be swapped to the current configuration when they wear out for about $50-60, and the trigger blade and trigger return spring (can't remember part numbers or specific names) which shouldn't matter unless you want to swap out the actual trigger blade for a setback trigger blade.
Obviously, the newer two are more desirable, particularly because they have Type 4 forend irons so you can swap on any current square monobloc Type 4 barrels. Parts availability for all is pretty good, except for possibly the unique MT6 forend iron and maybe the trigger blades, neither of which are wear items. Even newer trigger blades can be adapted by drilling a hole in the top of the newer trigger to hold the older style trigger return spring. I'm pretty sure the parts for the 12 o'clock lever lock release pin guns are still available as that configuration was used in a ton of Perazzis, including earlier MX8s, DB81s, Grand Italias, etc. 1st gen chokes are available from 2-3 places. Wrights may still sell them. I've seen Angleport 1st gen chokes. Briley will custom make them (but takes a while and pricey). Best place (and best chokes, IMHO) is Teague, in England. Even with shipping, they're cheaper than anyone else (maybe except Angleport; never priced them), and they're high quality, and Teague's customer service is excellent.
Function-wise, they all move and shoot the same.