Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: 256 Ferret A

Serial Number: 34997

Year of Manufacture: F24 code on the receiver puts the manufacture date in 1964.

Caliber: .256 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines. 

Markings:

The top-front of the receiver is marked “”256” / FERRET”. 

The top of the receiver is marked “UNIVERSAL / HIALEAH, FLA.” 

The rear of the receiver is marked “34997”.

The left side of the receiver below the woodline is marked “F24”. The F designation means this receiver was built to be a Ferret carbine. The 24 means it was produced in the 24th month of production 1964.

The magazine catch is marked “M” and “E.I.” an Inland Division part.

The Rotary safety is marked “SS” a post war rebuild part.

The slide is unmarked.

The right side of the barrel is marked “FB”(Ferret Barrel)

The rear sight is marked “WILLIAMS”

The inside of the stock is marked “2179”.

The recoil lug is marked “SG” for Saginaw Gear 

The inside of the upper handguard is also marked with “2179”.

Barrel Length: 18"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Williams Guide Series sporting ramp with white bead front sight. The rear sight is a Williams Guide Series “U” notch semi-buckhorn style rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation mounted to the barrel instead of the receiver. The left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for the attached Universal Firearms scope mount.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a high gloss, select walnut, Universal Firearms M1 style enclosed wood carbine stock with a Universal Nose Cap, semi pistol grip, straight comb and Blued Metal buttplate. The upper handguard is a four rivet upper handguard with a cut out for the rear sight. The LOP measures about 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The upper handguard shows only very minor handling wear with no visible chips or cracks. The metal buttplate has retained its finish, has sharp checkering, and shows some minor surface rust freckling throughout. The edges of the buttplate have some finish from the stock on them. The stock itself shows crazing in the finish scattered throughout with some very minor lines and compressions. There are a few small punch marks on the grip and a small dent on the leading edge of the pommel. Overall the stock is in Very Good + to Excellent condition for C&R.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original and refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is some very minor fouling present on the edges of the lands. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of the blued metal finish. The bolt shows finish loss on the friction surfaces. The scope mount shows scattered nicks throughout. The nose cap, barrel and front sight have some minor scattered surface rust freckling. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition for C&R given its age.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle is based off of the Gen 1 version of the Universal M1 carbines that follows the original M1 Pattern of construction and uses some original GI parts. 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: This rifle includes a certificate of authenticity, Universal firearms cardboard box and a sealed owner’s manual.

Our Assessment: This Universal Firearms Model 256 Ferret A, produced in 1964, is a distinctive carbine chambered for the .256 Winchester Magnum cartridge. This model features an 18-inch barrel and smooth walnut furniture, embodying the innovative spirit of Universal Firearms during that era. The .256 Winchester Magnum, introduced in 1960, is a necked-down version of the .357 Magnum cartridge, designed for small game hunting and varmint control. It offers higher velocity and flatter trajectory compared to its parent cartridge, making it suitable for such applications.

Universal Firearms, under the leadership of President Abe Seiderman, was known for producing M1 Carbine variants and exploring new designs. The 256 Ferret A represents one of their ventures into alternative calibers, aiming to provide a versatile firearm for civilian use. The company's approach often involved utilizing surplus military parts combined with newly manufactured components, resulting in unique firearms that appealed to both collectors and shooting enthusiasts.

Abe Seiderman, an inventor and president of Universal Firearms, played a significant role in the development of various firearm models and held several patents related to firearm design. This 256 Ferret A from his personal collection not only showcases the company's engineering capabilities but also holds historical significance, reflecting Seiderman's contributions to firearm innovation during the mid-20th century.