Make: Universal Firearms 

Model: Prototype Bolt Action 256 Ferret 

Serial Number: 55

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1966 

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Bolt action fed by detachable .256 Winchester Magnum magazine. 

Markings: The side of the receiver is marked with a faint “55” below the wood line. The rear sight is marked “SA” for Springfield Armory. The magazine release is marked “M” and “EI” for Eaton Pond Co. The Rotary safety is marked “CM” a post war rebuild part.

Barrel Length: 18.25” ported barrel.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Universal Firearms, select walnut, high gloss finished “Monte Carlo” style, open top, M1 Carbine style stock with a semi pistol grip, fluted raised comb and blued metal buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock shows some mild scattered lines, compressions, with several small chips and rub marks in the finish. There are no visible cracks in the wood. The leading edge of the pommel shows some chips in the finish. The rear edge of the comb has a chip at the top. The Metal buttplate retains almost all of its finish and shows some rust freckling. The checkering is sharp and the edges of the buttplate show some surface scratches. This stock is in overall Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 3 round Nylon Universal firearms magazine for 256 Winchester Magnum.

Type of Finish: Blued and parkerized 

Finish Originality: Original and refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no fouling or erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is clean. The bolt face shows no brass fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of the blued metal finish. The gun shows scattered marks, lines, and moderate rust freckling scattered throughout the blued surfaces. The bolt shows rub wear on the friction surfaces. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition.

Mechanics: As a prototype it is hard to say whether the action functions correctly. The hammer will fire when the bolt is out of battery. However the trigger group functions just like a normal M1 carbine. I did try to gently cycle a 256 Winchester magnum round and it chambered and extracted fine with a little effort. When trying to feed from the magazine the rounds jump out of the mag. The receiver is rough cut, when you close the bolt it does not help you chamber the round. 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, owner’s packet, the above mentioned magazine and a Universal Firearms cardboard box.

Our Assessment: This experimental prototype bolt-action rifle from Abe Seiderman's personal collection represents a fascinating chapter in Universal Firearms' history. Known for his innovative approach to firearm design, Seiderman served as the president of Universal Firearms, a company famous for its civilian adaptations of the M1 Carbine and other firearms from the 1960s till the 1980s. This one-of-a-kind prototype, chambered in .256 Winchester Magnum, highlights Seiderman's forward-thinking efforts to create specialized firearms for niche applications.

The rifle features an 18-inch ported barrel designed to reduce recoil and muzzle rise, a key consideration for a varmint or pest control rifle. Chambered in .256 Winchester Magnum, the firearm benefits from the cartridge's flat trajectory and high velocity, making it ideal for small game and pest control. The bolt-action design, paired with a single-stack 3-round magazine, underscores the prototype's precision-oriented purpose. The Monte Carlo-style stock adds a touch of ergonomic sophistication, enhancing shooter comfort and stability. Standard M1 Carbine sights on this rifle further indicate Seiderman's tendency to incorporate familiar components from Universal's existing designs.

This prototype is a rare and significant artifact that sheds light on the experimental side of Universal Firearms' operations. Its one-of-a-kind status and connection to Seiderman’s personal collection add historical value, as it exemplifies the company's exploration into new markets and designs. The rifle likely served as a testing platform during a time when the firearms industry was diversifying to meet evolving civilian needs. Its uniqueness, functionality, and provenance make it a remarkable piece for collectors and firearms historians, preserving a legacy of ingenuity and adaptability in mid-20th-century firearm development.