2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 1, 2010 1:36:26 GMT -5
The current batch of six rifles is nearly finished and will go out this week for sure. (first week of March) I had one snap a wire right at the motor as I was fitting it into the stock (Arrrrgh!) I'll have to get it re-soldered and tested The rest are assembled and awaiting final cosmetic details and testing and then will get boxed up and sent. Four of them are going to members of this forum which is unusual but kind of cool.
I get about two PMs each week asking if I still make them. (and I do.) I am not at all sure how long the molds will last as it's getting dicier and dicier pulling the parts from the molds. I had hoped to get 70 or 80 parts out of each before they needed to be replaced but as it's looking now the total will probably be less than 25 parts. Once the molds are gone I will no longer offer the base version at $425.00 and will only have the $560.00 version. I will also only do the $145.00 kits as long as I have the molded parts available.
The molds were so expensive to produce and so much work to set up I will not go through it again. It has absolutely NOT worked out financially. The plan was to save on production costs and while the parts themselves are indeed far less money to produce when I divide the mold costs, the parts actually will probably end up costing more.
Production time is also only slightly less (if at all). Interesting learning process however. Oh well, live and learn.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 8, 2010 14:56:32 GMT -5
I am now doing a slight mod to the production of the rifles. In the past I placed the molded augmentation piece onto the stock using resin paste as an adhesive like dentures and then once dried inserted screws into the stock from the inside. This process works fine (in fact is probably not even neccessary) but a new approach is to pre drill numerous 1/4 inch holes through the M14 plastic stock where the augmentation pieces will go. (A Kind of swiss cheese deal) Then apply a thick layer of the resin paste (ala denture adhesive) and squeaze on the augmentation piece. The resin paste will then ooze through the stock and with a little shaping both on the inside and along the outside seam should be allowed to dry. (Be sure it is tight to the stock while it drys.) Once hardened, the bond should be incredible and of course the nasty ooze pattern on the inside of the stock will never show. My early tests have been very promising. Severel customers building the kits have used the screws and a number didn't do any rebar efforts with no apprent problems but I will put that out there as a couple approaches and am revising the kit instructions.
I also have been asked to include a tube of the acrylic Walnut stain as a touch up paint and agree that is a great idea. I am very close now to 300 rifles and depending on how much longer these molds hold up will probably cease production of these fairly soon. I really appreciate it by the way when folks send me pictures of their finished rifles. Its so rewarding to see the fruits of peoples efforts and all the varied end results which have been very impressive.
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Post by hairy apple on Mar 8, 2010 15:48:18 GMT -5
The molds were so expensive to produce and so much work to set up I will not go through it again. It has absolutely NOT worked out financially. The plan was to save on production costs and while the parts themselves are indeed far less money to produce when I divide the mold costs, the parts actually will probably end up costing more.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 8, 2010 23:13:41 GMT -5
I had what I thought was good advice and sound designs. You have to create your molds so the folds and break away sections prevent snagging while still creating as few seams as possible and eliminating air bubbles. My parts for the most part are coming out great but clearly the molds are not going to last and one has already torn. I was ssured I'd get 100 parts out of them. I'll be lucky to get 25 from each. Maybe I just had a bad batch of rubber or I mixed it badly. Regardless it is disappointing. The most significant part however is the stock augmentation piece and it seems to be the least stressed thus far.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 11, 2010 21:46:54 GMT -5
I have shipped 18 rifles over the last four months and a dozen kits. This is a pretty hectic pace and has kept me busy in my part time endeavor. The rifles I am currently building (even the recruit edition) at $415.00 are quantumly better visually and functionally than the early efforts I extended six and a half years ago when I first stared making these. At that time they started at $750.00 and had a protruding clip, no significant reshape on the stock and still had the selector switch and a number of other fairly obvious infidelities. The rifles still are far from perfect and represent the best I can do at the price point of $425.00 to $560.00. As it is I spend six weeks knocking a group out.
If you are a perfectionist you will NOT be happy with one of my rifles unless you are comfortable doing some final individual tweaking or enhancements. Even then these may not be for you. I say that because my intent is to get reasonably accurate, functional airsoft Garands on the WW2 airsoft fields that can be skirmished with, effectively and look decent in pictures. I don't want to piss folks off or dissapoint them and I don't have enough margin and mark up in these to buy them back with a full refund.
It's weird. The current offerings are better than they have ever been and are way less money then they used to be but the expressed disapointment level is higher. I had two disappointed customers out of the last 18 and normally might have one in 30. That may be pure coincidence or it may be highlighting a pattern. Perhaps in the early days the pictures clearly emphasized shortfalls and only attracted folks with low expectations. The current ones have gotten good enough that people expect them to be better than they are. I am going to include this disclaimer with every sale as I'd rather not sell any more of these than take heat after the fact. These are my babies and I do take it a bit personal. If you're considering one of my current 2nd Bat Garand conversions look closely at the pictures, ask any questions or concerns you may have and only buy with your eyes wide open.
No airsoft rifles sold to my knowledge have a money back guarantee and while I test them before shipping I have had two rifles out of almost 300 that stopped working shortly after receipt. I've had several with non functioning clips and that I will redo or replace. I know when I knock out a couple hundred at a time I don't test each one but rather randomly grab a few out of the pile throw them in a rifle and knock down rubber Germans.
I love the wonderful remarks I receive every week and loose sleep over the rare but nagging comments from customers who are not thrilled. My father always used to say you can't please them all but truly that is what I'd love to be able to do knowing that it's not feasible.
There's my rant. Please do your job before ordering and be sure these are going to fill that airsoft void in your WW2 arsenal and that you will be okay with what I know is a horribly long time to wait.
Thanks!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2010 23:14:51 GMT -5
John to ask possibly a lame question but are you using a Mold release when casting? Its a very good way to ensure mold life. Perhaps you know this already and its simply the multiple bladed shapes that can and will torch a mold, but only 25 castings is low for a good silicon mold. release or baby powdering your molds will help if your not already using this as part of your process. I can elaborate if you pm or email me
TOm
The REGIMENT
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Post by hairy apple on Mar 12, 2010 0:10:08 GMT -5
Gerry got his M1 yesterday, I haven't got to see it yet but he's very happy with it and very excited. I can't wait to see it. Your rifles are great. People need to understand that custom guns are not factory guns were there are no blemishes or shortcomings. I absolutly love the one I got used a few years ago. The second one I have is from one of your kits and I love it is also great. You have filled a major gap in ww2 airsoft. I can't even imagine what ww2 airsoft would be without your great offerings.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 12, 2010 0:12:26 GMT -5
I have been told 25 is way low. I think I got a bad batch of rubber or simply have five thumbs!
I tore another mold today after pulling three parts. I got perhaps 25 parts previously with it. I was told I didn't need to use mold release with this silicon rubber and indeed nothing sticks to it.
The parts aren't especially complex other than the gas assembly and that mold has thus far been fine. Very frustrating
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 26, 2010 22:19:05 GMT -5
The fellow who made me the molds has redone the two that tore for the simple cost of the rubber which is incredibly generous. We redid the inner shapes so the parts should come out easier without distroting the outer appearance at all. He believes I was using a plastic that was not as easy to work with as the type he typically uses and indeed I hope he is right. Mine took a little over an hour to cure inside the mold and his hardens in 30 minutes or so.
Let's keep our fingers crossed. The kits I believe are the best way for folks to affordably and easily build their own "Garands" and should increase their prevalence on the airsoft battlefields. This has always been my goal and mission statement for hooah Airsoft.
I received several nice PMs from folks who received this most recent batch of Garands and one in particular from PVT Collins really made my day. He bought a finished normal version and his folks surprised him with a full accessory package for his birthday.
Hi again,
I just recieved my birthday presents, and wanted to thank you. My mom informed of how you shipped them to avoid my detection . Thanks again, and everything is top notch
Here's another nice PM:
Thank you very much. Its been a pleasure. I have only the highest praise for you, your products, and the way you do business. Thanks again!
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CptJericho
Private 1st Class
"We got to stop the Germans from getting the secret weapons!"
Posts: 495
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Post by CptJericho on Mar 26, 2010 22:26:44 GMT -5
Lucky, hopefully those molds hold out longer than the ones the replaced ;D
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
Posts: 3,580
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Mar 26, 2010 22:34:11 GMT -5
Hey 2nd Bat, this really, really relieved me! I hope these molds hold up much better. I thought all hope of affordable Garands and Gas cylinders was gone but now you are back in business(hopefully)!
You sir are a blessing, no, a miracle to the WWII Airsoft community.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 26, 2010 22:52:17 GMT -5
Thanks guys. Yes I too hope they work out better as the initial foray was frankly a real bust. He builds the WW2 and Vietnam radios and explained that with his first endeavors using molds and plastics he squandered a ton of money figuring it all out. I guess that's sort of normal but the plastic supplier assured me all would go easily and smoothly and my first two efforts were both expensive, wasted effort that cost me far more than I made.
I'll keep everyone posted. In the meantime I've received some awesome pictures of customers guns finished using the kits and they are coming out very impressively!
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Apr 27, 2010 13:39:16 GMT -5
Lots of inquiries recently on finished rifles and of course the do it yourself kits and while the questions are answered elsewhere I thought it prudent to update the latest and hopefully head off some of the recent questions:
I am still making the rifles although at a slower and reduced pace. Instead of building six at a time I'm now going to be doing four at a time. The build time is still roughy five to six weeks and most rifles are sold before they are finished. At time of order I can provide you with an estimated time of completion and I have consistently been able to beat the estimate or come within a week to 10 days. Occassionally I'll have some rifles in the que that are unsold but that has been rare. Expect to wait six weeks for delivery but check as there might be something available sooner. My mix rate currently is about 50 50 with the recruit editions ($425.00 plus shipping) and the regular edition $560.00 Both use the same base CYMA 032 rifle which shoots at 365 FPS and have a custom tightbore barrel. Both versions include the reshaped Garand like lower stock, a battery and wall charger, speed loader, unjamming rod, custom manual and three, flush mounted, 12 round clips that load from the bottom. They both look alike from 5 feet away. The less expensive recruit edition uses molded handguards and gas assembly where the regular edition uses the wood handguards and actual Garand front gas assemblies which have been modified to fit. Shipping ranges from 16.00 on the West Coast to $22.00 to the East Coast. European shipping ranges from $56.00 to the UK to 68.00 to Scandanavia and Eastern Europe. Customers can select from an all dark metal finish, a medium grey finish, or the most authentic which is a mixed metal finish. The stocks and handguards will offer a Dark Walnut stain representative of most military issued rifles. The stocks and handguards will be slightly aged in appearance to represent a field used weapon. I mirror the lower stock to match in patina the actual or molded handguards which have small field dings and minor scratches. The customer may elect to have me remove the selector switch or leave it in place. Options include spare clips in packages of six installed in a bandoleer for $86.00, a Leather sling for $28.00 and a padded OD canvas zippered carry case for $29.00
The kits are 145.00 for the molded parts (recruit edition) or $225.00 for the wood and metal pieces. (Plus shipping) If you already have a base Marui or Marui clone rifle and want me to use it (I prefer not to use your rifle and will NOT be responsible for it's function) You may send your rifle to me and reduce the cost of the complete gun by my cost for the base rifle which is currently $135.00.
I hope that brings everyone current. At present I have a couple unsold rifles in the que. One recruit edition and one standard version. They will be finished and available for shipment in the next few days. I have several complete kits finished and available to ship currently. For those four customers awaiting the latest order bank they will go out not later than Thursday.
Feel free to PM me with any questions not answered in this post. Currently production and sales numbers are at 312 rifles! That includes a couple dozen kits from way way back when (six years ago) and mostly rifles before the augmented lower stocks. There are only about 60 of the latest variants and they are far and above the best looking rifles although I want to remind people considering these rifles, they are by no means perfect. Consider carefully what you are buying.
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Post by max1337 on Apr 28, 2010 19:24:49 GMT -5
inquiry sent.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Apr 30, 2010 16:59:40 GMT -5
All the pre-sold finished rifles are enroute. I now have one nearly finished rifle that is unsold. I will finish it over the weekend. I have a new batch of four started and by using my pre-done kit components can actually accelerate considerably the production time so this complete new group should be done in 3 weeks or so and are at presentall available. By placing an order on one you can specify the desired version you want and color mix.
I'll post pictures of this latest batch and specifically the rifle that will be available and unsold.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 16, 2011 3:37:37 GMT -5
Although I am trickling down production considerably I ended up selling well over 300 rifles and an additional 120 kits or so. The molds are now pretty much used up so the kits and recruit edition (Inexpensive molded rifles) will cease to exist when the current batch is sold out. I have two made and an additional two more in progress. They sell for $425.00 plus shipping. In addition I have a couple regular editions although since they use more actual wood parts I can continue to build them as needed. In addition I have two all wood rifles including lower stocks which are my absolute favorite. They require a ton of work do to the need to hollow out the Garand stock for the battery and motor. I will sell one of the all wood ones and will keep the remaining one for my own collection. The price on either of these rifles is $850.00.
A couple key changes since my last post in answer to additional PMs. I elminate the horseshow clip piece that is uneccessary when the gun is permanently in semi auto and it eliminates the nagging problems that sometimes cropped up after reassembly that prevented the trigger from making electric contact. It was a rare problem but a real annoyance when it happens. The "U" clip snags on the inner stock apparently (When this happens the trigger clicks but the rifle wouldn't fire) It used to make me crazy. After several reassemblies it would cease but I never knew what was causing it.
If you have a similar problem, elminate the plastic horse shoe clip by removing it. (six small screws on the outside of the gear box housing.) very easy change. The selector switch housing comes off as well. I always used to just cut it off.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 2, 2012 17:55:59 GMT -5
This is the very latest update and a response to a series of recent PMs. I believe I am for all intents and purposes out of the Garand / custom rifle business. I am delighted to say that volume Chinese manufacturers should soon be offering reasonably priced AEG replicas of M1 Garands and BARs. These products are long overdue but seem to be on the immediate horizon. BARs are already out although on a very limited basis. Hopefully this will step up. Both ICS and GnG have announced imminent new offerings and while experiencing frustrating delays they hopefully both with soon become available.
My business goal by building and selling the custom guns I created was to fill a gap in what was available to support the WW2 airsoft community. It was also my intent to demonstrate to major manufacturers that there exists a very real and potentially lucrative marketplace for the assorted main battle weapons of WW2. This was a means to encourage some manufacturer out there to address this need. I have no way of knowing if Hooah Airsoft influenced this or not but rumors and sources I know suggests it did.
I cant begin to say how fun it has been to build and sell hundreds and hundreds of my creations and all the wonderful ww2 players i have "met" all over the world. I know my rifles have always fallen short of perfection and that the goal of perfection is very much what our hobby seems to be about but with no other viable alternatives available and operating out of my small shop I did the best I could. No one is more thrilled than me that at long last we will have additional WW2 weapons available.
So much has happened with regard to available choices and most of those changes have been over the last three years. The availability of less expensive uniforms with greater variety along with all these new affordableweapons choices should have a dramatic impact on the growth of our hobby and will allow us to step up significantly the level of expectations and authenticity. I am already seeing events that mandate that all represented weapons by period correct. What a wonderful change from even a few years ago.
My personal armory is pretty impressive as the years of building has resulted in a nice collection. Im thrilled and my wife and neighbors are of course freaked out. Play safe, keep your head down and have fun.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 31, 2014 22:51:10 GMT -5
Strange. It has now been almost two years since I built and sold any of my M1 Garand conversions. With the ICS available and priced at around $360.00 or so and a really good, powerful and reliable AEG. One of my rifles frankly makes no sense at the price I need to sell them at. used offerings of my builds come up periodically and are typically in the sub $300.00 range and often include many spare clips. Look the pictures over carefully and understand that for every conversion I built probably an equal number were NOT built by me. This in no way suggests that others couldn't have matched my quality as in fact I have seen several conversions that closely followed my approach and were brilliantly executed. I am merely stating that as with all thngs airsoft take steps to insure you know what you are getting.
Please if you buy a used M14 to M1 conversion do NOT bother trying to trace down its heritage through me. Odds are I would have no easy means to trace its pedigree and certainly don't have the energy, resources or interest to do so. Some of my builds were all wood, partially wood and real steel gas assemblies and hardware and some were all molded. Base rifles were mostly CYMA 032 and AGM base M14s while a few dozen were Marui, as well as some TSD, Kart, UTG and even Airsoft Club and a few GnGs. All of mine were shipped with a reproduction War Department looking owners manual made up as a field manual. This might be the only way to know if it was originally one of mine.
Given how many sold it is actually surprising how few come up for sale. Naturally i have no way to warrant these products second hand and have no ability or interest in troubleshooting, upgrading or repairing them should the need arise. They can be disassembled and repaired much like the base M14 and should be brought to local airsmith if they require service.
Thank you for understanding my situation. Still waiting on GnG to release their AEG Garand but still thrilled to see others now filling what once was a desperate hole in our weapons needs. My tinkering is now exclusively to fill my needs and arms room.
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Post by ssgjoe on Mar 31, 2014 23:01:43 GMT -5
I would love to purchase a rifle as I've heard good things about it, but it's a bit out of my price range. I'm not at all implying you to drop the price as a nice limited edition custom made gun should be worth a lot, and you need profit. But thank you for sharing! Maybe when I get a better income I'll have to order one?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Apr 11, 2014 19:42:44 GMT -5
I am NOT making them anymore! That was the purpose of my most recent updates. WOW! Apparently reading comprehension is not the strong suit for many of our readers or perhaps my posts were crytipcally unclear. The key take away here is that I no longer produce M1 Garands except for my own use.
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Post by ssgjoe on Apr 13, 2014 21:46:21 GMT -5
My apologies. I read the first very first post in this thread and didn't notice that you wrote that years ago. I didn't notice that this was multiple pages. So to sum it up, I just read the wrong post.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Apr 14, 2014 16:54:45 GMT -5
Seems to be a pattern there young man based on other posts as well. Tighten up your shot group young man or drop and give us all 10 push ups. LOL!
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Post by ssgjoe on Apr 14, 2014 17:15:55 GMT -5
Ill try to work on that! Lol
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on May 24, 2014 11:21:41 GMT -5
This thread is quite long and spans many years. I was kind of flattered that it has had over 15,000 visits! To reiterate the key point. I am no longer in the business of making rifle conversions for others. My goal throughout was simply to do what I could to fill a critical vacancy in US Arsenal choices and encourage the use of something skirmishable besides the Thompson. Hence I built my pseudo BARs, My M14- Garands and my Bar 10 to Springfields. All of these rifles are now commercially available so I am thrilled to be OUT OF BUSINESS.
I continue to get inquiries and requests but without the economy of scale that goes with volume production, builds just don't make sense. The only thing I still do (on a limited basis) are combat packs of six spare, 12 round, flush mounted, custom clips in cotton bandoleers ($86.00 plus shipping) and three packs of the shortened CYMA M1 carbine magazines that hold 25 rounds each ($45.00 plus shipping)
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 24, 2015 23:11:40 GMT -5
Once again some recent PMs asked if I still make and sell the converted shotgun mags for my rifles but the volume of requests has dropped off so much that it really no longer makes sense. As for the Shortened carbine mags at $45.00 for three. I am frankly not thrilled to do it due to the time comitment required but I recently did up a bunch for my own use and frankly have currently more than I need to support my local events. I set a goal to have four mags per carbine and with 18 carbines thats a lot of magazines. I have perhaps 12 extra on hand.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Mar 16, 2019 14:53:40 GMT -5
If you are interested in doing an M14 to M1 conversion consider contacting Dracul for his 3D fabricated pieces. He does a fabulous job on them and can supply and sbip you those parts very affordably. I've also noticed on Ebay a recent batch of demilled gas assemblies for $20.00 some of which include locking lugs, front sights and stacking swivels. I used to feel like I stole them if I could source them for under $60.00.
There remain upsides to a conversion verses buying the S&T, ICS or GnG. The thrill of using a rifle you built yourself the notion (albeit unlikely) that some of the parts are potentially from an actual WW2 veteran rifle and accessibility of upgrade and repair parts are all appealing in their own way. While I am happy to entertain questions about your project please spend sometime walking through the various threads that should provide most all the questions you might want to ask about the builds or converting magazines.
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