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Post by oxford on Sept 12, 2009 17:32:13 GMT -5
Well just think about it as helping the community! Hehe.
Pretty stoked abou getting it soon, with the clips in short supply it will be worth the wait.
I am sure when I am " hands on " the stock will be perfect and negate the need for a wood one. I do hope to use it for reenactment and airsoft so hopefully it will serve to purposes. Do let me know when you make that joyus trip to the postie!
As for your wife, she most likley is right, bur my fiancé thinks the same about me so don't worry too much ;-)
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Sept 12, 2009 23:34:24 GMT -5
The need to do up a bunch of clips so I can ship rifles with the extra bandoleers ordered and get caught up on back orders has put me a bit behind. My apologies to everyone waiting. I had a bunch of premade clips but used a different plastic side wall on them and they were all slightly too fat to go in an out of the mag well.
Arrrrrggggggg!!!!!! I made up a bunch of them too. In fact for those just receiving newly shipped rifles check to be sure the clips all fit. If not just let me know and I'll replace them. I think I sent out about 20 or so using this new plastic side wall attachment. It's a bitch to remove so if you want to use them you'll have to sand them down which is probably more time consuming than it is worth.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Sept 21, 2009 22:16:58 GMT -5
I completed 200 conversions on clips and have a final step (Front tab placement and modification) to all of them and then final tests to insure they all work. With drying, testing and packaging they'll go out to fill back orders and allow me to ship out the latest round of rifles.
I am seeing these stupid clips in my sleep. I attempted to order another 200 but they were again backordered at all the sources I use. I have another large batch of Garand components enroute as well and a good start on another six rifles . Lots of pending orders but until funds are received I don't include your rifle in the que of deliveries.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Sept 21, 2009 22:37:01 GMT -5
You are making the chinese very happy the made those mags I bet.
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CptJericho
Private 1st Class
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Post by CptJericho on Sept 22, 2009 19:44:57 GMT -5
hopefuly the chinese realize *hey hes ordering all these clips, i wonder what hes doing with them, lets find out* then after some searching they find this and realize *wow lots of people want affordable garands why dont we make 1 batch and see how well they do* then after being sold out almost instantly they realize *wow people want garands lets mass produce them*
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Sept 22, 2009 20:33:25 GMT -5
That has been my hope since I started this project. I know some Chinese companies are well aware of my efforts and at least one for sure felt that 300 plus sales of any one rifle are just not enough to justify the tooling. I tried to explain that sales at 500.00 plus are significantly different than sales at under 200.00 but their response was tooling is huge money and they just didn't feel the market would support volume of a long low capacity, semi only rifle regardless of the the price point. WW2 enthusiasts simply don't rerpresent a large enough market segment.
I suggest that increasingly affordable, weapons along with an ever widening selection of WW2 weapons will grow this segment and support it just fine. I suspect they still see it as too big a risk. The MP40 and MP44 as well as the sten seem to be selling well so perhaps that will sway them.
There are so many things a legitimate manufacturer could do to enhance what I already do and I'd happily advise them on any and all suggestions. I'd love to see the clips done up to look like mini versions of the enblock clips and for there to be a snap on base plate cover when not skirmishing.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Sept 22, 2009 20:42:46 GMT -5
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Sept 26, 2009 12:27:49 GMT -5
Here are pictures of the very latest batch of rifles. This reflects the very latest details and touches. The fully augmented lower stock, elimination of the selector switch elimination of the charging handle brace (optional) and the receiver group details and minor tweaks and improvements. Note some customers request that I leave the selector switch in place and I am happy to do so.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Sept 28, 2009 21:01:19 GMT -5
Newest discovery!!!!! Throughout the build process and in the course of building over 260 of these I continue to make new discoveries and additional enhancements. I'm always torn between the excitement of the improvements and the concern that I hadn't always been doing them the best way.
Just today when I went to pick up some additonal resin paste. (I use a mix of fiberglass resin and a more traditional shaping paste) The two combine to create a strong, pliable, sandable finish and creates a very nice final look. Once at the supplier I learned that I can add color to my mix and hence create a color much closer to my ultimate finish. The old base finish was a light grey and though it took a great stain, over time and extensive field use it developed nicks and scratches. In the past I recommended the owner periodically coat the stock with a wipe on acrylic black paint and wipe it down to a desired shade. The black would enter the nicks and scratches in much the way linseed oil and grease would and lent itself nicely to a aged and authentic appearance. The current stained finish will likewise be able to receive such an effort but will not show the scratches and gouges as readily, hence not require the upkeep as often.
The old guns were fine and quite resistant to scratches but with normal field use over time would need some TLC. The new approach should be a lot nicer. I made my latest batch using the stain. The resin paste requires a resin and a hardner which you mix feverishly until you come up with a consistent blend. You then apply and spread and allow to harden over night. It takes several layers to build up the augmented shapes needed.. Once appropriately filled they need to be sanded and shaped. Once finished I use a rasp and add tiny grooves and grain lines which provides a nice finished wood like appearance. Now as I blend the resin I add a mix of brown and black to create a Dark Walnut stain. I'll still coat as before and apply a clear coat dull coat finish over the final black acrylic wash but now I suspect the depth of the color will be a nice improvement.
I'll know more of course when this latest grouping of six stocks is finished and tested.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 6, 2009 11:06:12 GMT -5
Wow I noticed this thread has over 10,000 views! China are you paying attention? There is a market for a Garand!!!!
With any new approach there is a learning curve. One thing I discovered is it takes very little of the dye mixed in with the paste to create your desired color. I also learned that you can mix in the dye with the base material and should do so prior to adding the hardener. This gives you more time to work with your materials. Too much dye results in a hardened blend that isn't acceptable. Hence I had to start over on a bunch of stocks. Bummer!
I also discovered that drying time for some reason seems a bit longer. Finally when filing and sanding the dye will still generate stains and get all over you so just as you do when mixing everything continue to wear latex gloves.
It would probably be a good idea to mix an entire container all at one time so your layers are more uniform although I coat the end result anyway. You could blend in your mix of dyes and leave it sealed until ready to add the hardner and apply it. In this way your layers will be more uniform.
Incidently I mixed a brown and black with a little red to create a dark umber look. Layering the stocks is quite time consuming as I drill and apply support screws in the shape of the Garand stock and then layer coats of the paste allowing each of 3 to 4 coats dry overnight. There is usually some sanding in between each coat to create the desired shape.
I use an actual Garand stock to guide the artistry. Wear an aspirator when sanding and goggles when using your dremel. Pretty dusty stuff. I'm constantly sweeping my garage.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 11, 2009 20:27:42 GMT -5
This last batch has by far been the most time consuming group of stocks I have ever made. Yikes! The number of required layers has doubled due to the challenges working with the dyed resin. It simply drys longer and for some reason doesn't seem to dry with the same hardness. I had to bag one group of stocks and start over which was a pain. What I have learned is to use less of the dye which seems to react poorly with the paste (even though it's designed for it)
When sanding it does not sand to the same grit level as resin paste without the dye. This is not terribly challenging as I do not strive for a smooth surface anyway. I create a dull finish that attempts to replicate the oiled finish of a military stock.
I am undecided as to whether I will continue to use the dye as it adds considerable expense, is far more time consuming, and does not provide as impressive of a final result as I was hoping for. I will continue to experiment with it and see what I learn however. I have had to spend a week and a half on this last batch of stocks where normally I would have been done with them in three days and with this group I am still not finished.
Arrrrgh! I think although it is not supposed to, the dye serves as a partial hardner as the mixing process is significantly different than a normal mix process. I also find I have to mix and apply a much smaller batch at a time which adds considerably to the number of layers required.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 16, 2009 17:00:57 GMT -5
I think I have figured out how to work with the dyes and that the upsides offset the downsides with the end result. It is going to be more time consuming and somewhat more expensive however. It appears the potential unavailability of products out of China (base rifles and clips) is a far greater concern. If you plan to order a rifle from me check on my anticipated availability. My little factory may just have to dry up. For those waiting on a standing order fear not the parts for your gun are in or in route. The slowest part is the stock adaptation and I have several of those available to pre-do while waiting.
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Post by timetodoit on Oct 18, 2009 8:21:56 GMT -5
I am very impressed with your work 2ndBat you have a PM from me asking of course everything I need to get one of those! I own a TM M14 stock, and it shoots perfectly !! I will be ordering one M1 Garand from you, of course TM
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 18, 2009 17:35:50 GMT -5
The Tokyo Marui based conversions are naturally more expensive since the base guns used cost me more and I don't have demand sufficient to order Tokyo Marui in large quantities. The Tokyo Marui M14s literally cost me $200.00 more than the CYMA 032 base rifles I prefer. I selected the CYMA 032 (which were seriously back ordered for several months) because they provided high quality, high power and an excellent tight bore inner barrel for a very reasonable price. They shoot stock right out of the box at 356 FPS and come with a battery and charger where the Tokyo Marui shoots at 290 FPS and battery and chargers are extra. I realize the quality of the Marui is higher but in my opinion only slightly. Other clone M14s range from decent to quite poor and I have built my rifles using all of them. (Kart, TSD, UTG, G&G, AGM and Airsoftshop.)
For someone who has their own base rifle I can sell you all the pre-done, pre adapted components that you could assemble on your own rifle. This is nearly as much work but it does save on shipping and allows you to use your own base rifle. (Marui or Marui clone only.)
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godo
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Post by godo on Oct 18, 2009 18:24:05 GMT -5
How much for the kit?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 19, 2009 15:40:54 GMT -5
The kit requires virtually the same amount of time to build as the finished rifles and is less satisfying to me since I don't get to send off a completely done creation. The only savings for me is the final production time (about an hour and a half) and the cost of the base rifle which for my is $125.00. (I buy them in cartons of six rifles)
Hence the kits (which I really am not enthusiastic about building) are $435.00 plus shipping. They would include the fully modified lower stock including butt plate, the modified handguards and garand gas assembly, all brackets, a speed loader, 3 modified clips, an owners manual, a photo step by step guide for completing the assembly on your own rifle. Shipping of course would be less than a completed rifle.
It's really only a good solution for those folks who already have their own base M14 or want to minimize shipping. It also typically reduces VAT fees in foreign countries or skirts import restrictions.
The availability of kits is severly limited. It's not something I want to do many of. Almost the same amount of work with less satisfaction.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 30, 2009 21:53:48 GMT -5
I made a startling discovery today. The trigger asemblies are not interchangeable between guns in every case. Apparently when CYMA re-tooled after their latest government forced shut down several months ago. (They're going through another as we speak) They re-tooled and everything is a little bit diferent including the trigger assemblies. I wasn't paying much attention as I assembled the latest batch of six conversions and found that one of the rifles wouldn't fire properly once fully assembled. Worked fine up to then. Worked fine again when I took it apart. Was making me crazy! A buddy pointed out that the trigger was rubbing a bit in the slotted channel and couldn't go quite all the way back. I swapped the trigger assemblies around and all was right with the world. Another fix would be to simply file the channel a bit larger or narrow the trigger a bit.
I test my rifles thoroughly before shipping but obviously need to do so once completely and absolutley assembled which I admit I haven't always done. Gak!!!!
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CptJericho
Private 1st Class
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Post by CptJericho on Oct 31, 2009 14:09:00 GMT -5
this is just a thought so bear with me, how much would it save if no work was done to the stock, the only thing done was putting on the parts and cutting? because you could sell these cheap garands and increase sales. (i know it will look Flaggrantly Wrong with an m14 stock but wouldnt you like to see 10 garands to 1 thompson instead of 1 garand to 10 thompsons?)
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 1, 2009 2:37:03 GMT -5
That was the way I did my original Garands and I took a ton of heat for how inaccurate they looked. Of course this was probably from folks who werent going to buy them anyway. There are several ways to cut costs and that would save a great deal of production time. I can't say that I'd be especially pleased with the end results.
It would probably still have to be around $400.00. It's still an expensive airsoft rifle with a very limited target market. I think at $560.00 most buyers would opt to spend the extra money for the more accurate replica but I may be mistaken.
I cringe when I look at some of the early conversions I did and don't want to take a step back. I am hoping to find ways to reduce costs without reducing the overall look and effectiveness but unless I can reduce the materials costs or production time it's just not possible. Custom guns from reliable vendors are almost always $1,000 plus and as it is I've compromised a great deal to keep the costs as low as they are.
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CptJericho
Private 1st Class
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Post by CptJericho on Nov 1, 2009 9:36:54 GMT -5
ya most people would go the extra yard to get an accurate model(i would too just for a little extra). i wish it would of dropped the price a bit more... but we're lucky you are making these custom guns at a moderate price.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 1, 2009 20:05:19 GMT -5
I think that's the way most people feel. Unless they are willing to do the conversion themselves the costs will have to be where they are. I'm constantly trying to find ways to cut costs and production time without sacrificing quality to an unacceptable level but it's just too time consuming a process to sell even at these prices frankly.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 19, 2009 20:23:35 GMT -5
I've had some complaints about the latest edition not functioning consistently on semi. These are guns on which I removed the selector switch installed into a modified lower stock They worked fine upon shipment and I have no idea why they would cease to function in semi. The selector switch is removed completely, with care taken to insure it is set on semi and the base remaining knob properly in place. The trigger springs are apparently still functioning as they should and there suposedly isn't anything impeding the action. (Trigger guard, inner stock neck etc.) Definitely a puzzlement. It has me considering leaving the selector switch in place and not messing with it. It has been a problem in perhaps four of the 60 or so rifles I've shipped with the selector switch alterred. Even one is obviously far too many. They work fine but only in full auto and of course that's not right. I have held up production temporarily to try and get my arms around the problem. I'm sure it's something real simple I have tried to replicate the problem but have so far been unable to.
I had a gun whose trigger assembly channel was too narrow for the trigger to move freely. I apparently put the wrong trigger assembly into the wrong gun and they weren't 100% identical. In that case dremeling out the cahnnel so it was slightly wider and deeper fixed the problem.
Cyma incidently has definitely changed production on their newest batch of M14s as the build components are different than earlier versions. No worse or better as near as I can tell, just diferent. They definitely re-tooled.
When I get the thing figured out I'll post a remedy here. If others have thoughts PM me and I'll give them a try.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 28, 2009 15:23:36 GMT -5
Still no idea why some folks had trouble with semi. The last batch was finished shipped, received and no reports of trouble. The current batch is nearly ready to ship and seem to be working fine. I continue to test and mess with them throughout assembly and finish work to try and replicate any challenges and have had none.
The fact that there have been dificulties leads me to consider redoing the lower stocks so the selector switch can be left unalterred. It's not ideal but perhaps a better way to go from a reliability perspective. The core concept of my conversion is to end up with a reasonably credible Garand AEG that is skirmishable, reliable and durable since Marushin and other manufacturers already make excellent replicas that are none of those things.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 7, 2009 20:02:16 GMT -5
Every one of the current rifles I have completed (and I thought) were ready to ship refuses to function when the trigger assembly is fully pushed into place. I know it is something aggravatingly simple to remedy but for now I haven't a clue. I will spend this week getting it solved and resolved prior to shipping this group which I promise will be fine. I apologize for the delay in getting them out however.
At times like this I realize I am not charging enough for the work. Arrrrrgh!!!!!!!
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Post by blackeagle on Jan 1, 2010 20:13:38 GMT -5
Just wondering, has any one had issues with their AGM Hop up? mine broke a few weeks ago
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Post by burke on Jan 1, 2010 21:40:16 GMT -5
Never had a problem but airsoftgi sells the replacements.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jan 1, 2010 23:13:53 GMT -5
Probably just a lemon or something wouldn't worry about it. BTW You can get a replacement one for $15-$20.
Any Mauri or clone hop up will work.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 3, 2010 15:12:48 GMT -5
I took all the rifles to a local shop and the problem was easily remedied. Still not at all sure what the problem was but clearly something was catching when the trigger assemblies were fully installed. Up to the final last second click into place everything worked fine. They all functioned beautifully and were shipped out. In addition the very latest batch has been fine and went out during the holidays.
This has put a delay on my instruction manual for the kit which is written but needs supporting photos. I have also got a photo shoot planned for the less expensive "Recruit Edition" $425.00 finished Garand AEG. While all this has been going on along with Christmas and New Years I also dug out several dummy Garands as I had as a couple of them sold and needed to touch them up prior to shipping.
The BAR project is on hold currently as I await news on the rumored Chinese VFC copy. (Probably just a rumor but if not it would be foolish to proceed further on that project.) If true I need to Ebay off my prototypes while I can still get something for them!
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 9, 2010 19:02:24 GMT -5
I had several requests to just buy my molded gas assemblies or handguards and I appreciate the interest but I have neither the time or energy to pack up individual relatively inexpensive items and run down to Fed Ex or the Post Office It's the same way with individual modified clips and is why I sell them in combat packs of six in a bandoleer at $86.00. Incidently I sold 15 sets since Christmas and need to order and modify another large grouping.
The Recruit edition $425.00 Garand has certainly sparked interest and the first batch of three should go out in the next two weeks. I also have four more regular ones sold so the regular ones and recruit edition orders are mixed toghther and being filled in order of receipt of funds.
Assembling the recruit editions has enabled me ample opportunity to photograph the process for use in the kit manual but as yet I have not downloaded all the pictures and written the manual I'll announce when I have a batch of kits ready with assembly instructions ready to ship as there has been lots of interest there. In answer to questions the kits will include everything needed for the conversion except the base M14. The ony tools you'll need is a hack saw or dremel for a two inch cut needed to shorten your M14 stock a screw drive (phillips head) and the tiny hex wrench that comes with your M14. The kit includes brackets, adapting pieces, as well as the stock augmentation part (pre-molded) the handguards, the complete gas assembly and stains and blending materials. Even rubber gloves when doing the stain and blending. Definitely a project you can easily finish in a weekend.
Though not essential to the project I recommend you drill a couple holes from the inside of the stock into the augmented piece as a further means to secure and reinforce it. Hence a drill and screw driver would be added to the list of recommended tools. If I had to guess I'd think the augmented piece epoxied into place and blended with the resin adhesive would remain adequate but on mine I added several interior screws and while easy to do adds a little piece of mind if nothing else.
The ploymere and resins have proven quite stong thus far. Also for those who asked the ability to remove or leave the selector sitch is completely up to you. The small plastic cap and blending paste is available to you if you want to remove it or leave it. Your choice. I see advantages in both approaches.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 9, 2010 21:48:24 GMT -5
Here was a nice PM from Silvabaek on the Forum. He just received his Garand in Denmark which makes two there that I know about. ITS HAS COME!!!! And oh my god! its so awesome! You have done a hell of a work,! when i have some more time for you i will tell you witch thing i think might should be changed:p but for now its just awesome!
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