Make: Claridge
Model: C-9 Presentation Polished
Serial Number: 902181
Year of Manufacture: 1990-1993 / Modern
Caliber: 9mm Nato
Action Type: Closed Bolt, Semi-Automatic Blowback fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “CLARIDGE HI-TEC 902181”. The right side of the receiver is marked “9mm NATO PAT. PEND. NORTHRIDGE. CA. U.S.A.”.
Barrel Length: 16.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable hooded post sight. The rear sight is an adjustable aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth select walnut with round handguard and Pachmayr Presentation Basket Weave rubber buttpad. The LOP measures 16.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There is no notable handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the stock set is in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 15rd MEC-GAR Beretta 92 9mm magazines in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Polished Stainless, Satin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is no handling or operational wear. The markings are crisp. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Like New Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Telescoping bolt cloned after the SA-VZ23 submachine gun. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Matching Claridge Hi-Tec Factory Box, owners manual, take down tool, sight adjustment tool, and total of two magazines.
Our Assessment: The Claridge Hi-Tec represents a short-lived but highly distinctive chapter in American firearms design, produced in limited numbers during the early 1990s out of Northridge, California. Built around a tubular steel receiver with a telescoping bolt system, the Hi-Tec drew inspiration from earlier submachine gun concepts while presenting a futuristic, almost cinematic profile that set it apart from conventional semi-automatic pistols of its era. The Claridge line gained notable recognition not only for its engineering but for its unmistakable appearance, which translated seamlessly onto the silver screen and into popular culture, further cementing its identity as both a firearm and a visual icon. The Claridge line-up has graced the screen in the hands of cinematic titans such as Mark Wahlberg in "Planet of the Apes" and Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Total Recall." Throw in an appearance in Iron Man 2, Point Blank, Firefly, Direct Hit, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Leprechaun, Assassins and you have a resume that reads like a box office blockbuster film list.
This is collector-grade hardware exactly the kind of piece museums and serious collectors go after. In fact, Claridge firearms are proudly featured in the Cody Firearms Museum, solidifying their place in American gunmaking history.
This example comes directly from the Claridge Family Collection and represents one of the final opportunities to acquire a piece from this historically significant grouping as it nears its end. This C-9 carbine remains in Excellent condition, retaining virtually all of its original finish with a bright bore and sharp rifling. Of particular note, this model is a "presentation" with polished receiver and beautiful select walnut stocks. With its combination of mechanical uniqueness and exceptional preservation, this C-9 stands as both a scarce collectible and a tangible artifact of a brief but memorable moment in American firearms innovation.
