2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 24, 2008 15:31:06 GMT -5
Thanks SEFF. The frustrating PMs have diminished considerably which is much appreciated although there remian a few pesky dolts who truly don't get it. "Can you do it any cheaper...?" "Where can I buy my own parts the cheapest?" "Can you sell me a...it's the only part I have left to get?." "What if I buy one next April?" "How do you stain the..."
ARRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Read the posts. If you want to buy one from me that's great. If you want to build your own that's great too. I no longer feel like my role is to guide that effort. Thanks guys for your understanding. Incidently the guy in Canada begged me to sell him a kit so he could build his own. I couldn't ship a finished rifle into Canada. He essentially replicated my instructions and posted them on the Internet. Anyone wanting to do their own can follow his and other notes provided and build their own. If you do that I applaud your efforts and support you with encouragement but have no interest in helping you solve any sticking points and certainly don't welcome the complaints about "How hard it is and how come the..." and Now that it's finished how come it doesn't shoot questions. I've responded to hundreds of them and be advised folks I'm done!
I retire to my workshop and am no longer the answer man. SGT Tomm seems eager aand anxious to address any and all questions so direct your PMs to him.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Oct 24, 2008 17:47:28 GMT -5
Hey 2nd Bat, Thanks for suggesting me but the only problem is I don't know how to make shorten mags so I wouldn't be any help when it came to that.
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Seff
Private
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Post by Seff on Oct 24, 2008 17:51:00 GMT -5
I trust you know how to convert the shotgun mags? Those are far superior in price and ease-of-production.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Oct 24, 2008 17:53:32 GMT -5
No I don't know how to convert any mags and won't find out till I get some which will probably be around Christmass time.
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Post by burke on Oct 24, 2008 20:21:21 GMT -5
considering 2nd Bat posted pics how to do it.......its not that hard, just getting them done right is time consuming till your used to it.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 25, 2008 3:20:59 GMT -5
The shortened mags from the shotgun clips is quite easy actually although as mentioned it is time consuming and requires some level of care and precision. Way way way superior to my original effort which was very time consuming and didn't come out anywhere near as nice.
SgtTom you might want to finish your first one before offering your services as adviser to the process. Seriously for anyone interested in doing the project there is plenty of information available throughout the threads and if you don't feel you can source enough information, you probably would be best advised not to take on the effort.
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Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Oct 25, 2008 10:54:15 GMT -5
I have finished one Garand. I just need to apply bondo. I am also near finished with my 2nd one. Don't ask for pic because I don't have a camera . I guess I"ll have to buy UTG Shotgun mags since those darn ACM M500 mags are not sold anywhere. Oh well its a shame.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Oct 25, 2008 14:04:09 GMT -5
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Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Oct 25, 2008 14:20:12 GMT -5
wow thanks!
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2nd Bat
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Post by 2nd Bat on Oct 25, 2008 22:50:03 GMT -5
Update to simplify a lot of peoples PMs. My base price, finished Garands using a CYMA base rifle and including three shortened, 15 round clips is $495.00 plus 16 to 22.00 shipping depending on how far from Washington State you live. ($56.00 to Europe) $64.00 to Eastern Europe or Scandanavia) The rifles are completely converted ready to use. They feature real wood Garand Handguards and front gas reservoir assemblies including front sight and sling hardware. They include a battery and charger an unjamming rod and custom owners manual made up to look like a WW Field Manual. A Marui based gun is $200.00 more but shoots at 290 FPS where the CYMA shoots at 356 FPS. The Marui also doesn't include a battery and charger although the Charger Battery combination are very sophomoric and will probably need to be enhanced later. (The Free Chinese battery charger combinations are very elemental) The clips consistently shoot 12 rounds and lose 2 to 3 due to the gap between the mag and the tappet plate (Normal BB drop) Other options include $86.00 for a bandoleer of six shortened clips. $28.00 for a leather sling and $39.00 for a OD canvas replica WW2 padded zippered carry case. (US or USMC)
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 1, 2008 11:43:23 GMT -5
Several people have asked me about the enblock clips with dummy bullets that are in some of the pictures. No my rifle doesn't come with them since overseas shipments would definitely frown upon it and just create potential delays or even confiscation. I suppose for domestic sales I could make them a $7.00 option since that's what they cost to buy. They look awesome clipped onto web gear. GIs often carried them there when action was imminent as it made for ready access. They stay quite nicely there.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 15, 2008 4:37:22 GMT -5
Someone mentioned that none of pictures show the removed selector switch or that side of the gun. Most of my guns don't have the selector switch removed although I'm happy to do it. I'll find some pictures and post them or take some pictures of one I'm doing now and get them up.
For sales into New Zealand I have to remove the selector switch and paste over the area. Fully auto airsoft guns are illegal in New Zealand! I personally like having the option since many players use their Garands for both WW2 and conventional skirmishes but must admit the slector switch removed looks better.
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Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Nov 15, 2008 8:00:46 GMT -5
Thanks I've been wanting to see one with the selector switch removed.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 16, 2008 2:06:47 GMT -5
Ill get a picture posted before the end of the week. I'm doing up a rifle for Jimsereey on this board and he asked me to remove the selector switch. It should be ready and go out with a batch of new rifles by this coming weekend.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 24, 2008 18:38:36 GMT -5
I finally got this last batch of rifles done and shipped out. I had intended to get them out by Friday but things got delayed. It always feels good getting a bunch boxed up and hauled off to be shipped. I managed to take some pictures (such as they are) of the selector switches removed. I first insure the rifle works fine and is set at semi auto. I then cut off the selector switch and file and clean up the cut. I then use bondo to fill in the M14 selector switch stock slot so it looks more Garand like. I remove the selector switch and the lower attachment arm and without them the stock requires some fill. Take care if you decide to do this so the stock can still be removed and the work doesn't interfere with normal operation. Once dry sand and shape. Clean it all up and use a rasp file and dremel to give the stock an overall wood like finish. Then apply several coats of brown and black wash acrylic paint to further enhance the wood like appearance of an aged field used rifle and once dry coat with a dull coat clear lacyr to protect the finish. Here are some photos: The one closest and furthest away has the selector switch removed. The middle one still has it. This shot shows the reverse side as I do up the receiver groups to look more Garand like. I remove and cover the M14 bolt release. Close up: Clearer shot of rifle with the switch removed and in the middle rifle set sideways so it's less noticeable. When left it still allows the freedom to choose semi or fully auto fire. Muzzle shot: Note I add the barrel tips which I initially didn't do with perhaps my first 30 rifles Here is the gun werks of my latest batch going out. Stacked up on my 1943 Willys Most of these are version one Garands although I'm currently filling a large order of version twos with the all wood lower stock. I'm also hustling to do up six guns specifically for Long Winter so we'll have rental guns for folks needing a WW2 weapon. I am hoping there will be a dozen Garand AEGs at that event and that this time I make sure to get a picture of them with a squad in their impressions. Most people do not have me remove the selector switch and I personally don't see it as that obtrusive. I like the freedom to still use regualr M14 mags and fire fully auto so the Garand can be used more readily for traditional skirmishing. Obviously if you intend only to use the rifle for WW2 airsoft set on semi is best. For gunsgoing to New Zealand I had to eliminate and cover the selector switch completely as they don't allow full auto airsoft guns.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 25, 2008 17:18:36 GMT -5
Yes in response to several comments you can still see the switch pin. I need to do the stocks in such a way that you can still disassemble the rifle for repairs, upgrades or thorough cleaning. Grinding it all the way down has generated some performance issues with the base M14 and ruined more than one gun.
Hence I don't do that anymore and I don't completely paste over the switch pole once the tab is removed. In answer to another PM the tab set sideways on the rifles where the selector switch isn't removed does not effect the performance.
For the stocks finish on the base version ones I make. I paste over the black M14 stock bolts and the indentations up near the receiver group that are present on the M14 but not the Garand. I also remove the butt plate flap and fill in the vacant slots and gaps. I refinish the M14 butt plate so it is more Garand like. Once the paste is applied you have to file and sand it down and then prep the finish so it is less noticeable. (You're never going to eliminate the diffence in finish completely) I then apply several layered coats of acrylic stains. (Burnt umber or expresso) with a light wash of black until the stock looks as good as I can get it. Prior to all of this I rough sand and run a rasp across the stock to provide a pronounced wood grain like appearance. The black wash fills in and provides a nice effect. Once you're satisfied and it all drys I apply a spray-on dull coat clear finish to seal it all in.
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Post by tinydata on Nov 29, 2008 22:23:01 GMT -5
will you have any V1s in kit form available for delivery by Christmas?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 29, 2008 23:18:29 GMT -5
I don't typically sell the rifles in kit form except in very rare situations where someone already has their own base rifle. In any event all you save is the $105.00 it costs me for the base rifle since I buy them in lots of six at a time. The amount of work on my end is almost identical. Hence a version one kit would be $390.00 plus $15.00 shipping. (You'll save a little in shipping) The components are all pre cut and brackets prepared and stocks and handguards stained to a close match. (Garands aren't identical either!) All you have to do is roughly the equivalent of field strip your M14 and reassemble with my components. (2 hours max) I greatly prefer to sell finished rifles as then I can more closely monitor the end product results and I know what is ending up being shown. Besides I enjoy doing the final finish work the best.
One upside for the kits is that the customer ends up in essence with two rifles since you can always swap back to your M14 since the kit includes the modified "Garand like" lower stock. You will still have your own M14 stock and M14 components that are not used on the Garand conversion. In the kit I ship full instructions with all the needed materials.
I could accomodate perhaps a couple kit sales before Christmas if folks want to go that route and act quickly.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 29, 2008 23:21:56 GMT -5
Here is a nice comment from jimseery from this board who just received his Garand as an early Christmas present to himself:
"The gun came today and it is every thing I thought it would be. I laid it out beside my real steel Garand and it compares well, the biggest difference being the color of the wood since mine is a late model. However I just got a Sarco 1903A3 demil that has seen some use and the wood color is identical. I didn't comment on the pictures, although I appreciated them, because after 27 years working for Kodak you learn not to really trust pictures. I wanted to wait to hold the real thing."
Thanks for the nice comment Jimseery. I'm glad you got it and are pleased. Beer cans in your backyard need to be afraid...They need to be very afraid.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 14, 2008 22:06:59 GMT -5
I did up a couple kits at the request of folks who already had their own base rifles. I'm not crazy about doing them since what I'm leaving for the customer is the final assembly work that frankly is my favorite part. The kits do eliminate some final detail work and save a bit on shipping but also requires me to both assembly, disassemble and package and ship a grouping that is unlike what I typically do. Finally I had to create an assembly instruction manual. (I had one from way back that the kid from Ontario Canada pretty much copied) but so many changes have been incorporated into my process that I have had to revise it considerably. (Still working on the final revisions to the manual) Unlike my original kits from five years ago! My kits now come with the lower stock completely redone so all the cutting and resin paste work and staining on the stock is done for you. The handguards are all revised and fitted and the items and brackets are all in the box. I calculate the assembly at an hour or two tops and that is for someone very uncomfortable with this kind of thing. If you can seperate your M14 from the stock and put it back in you can do this kit. Since the work is about the same and a few additional items need to be included I charge what a base finished rifle would cost less my cost on the M14. Hence the kit is $360.00 plus $15.00 shipping. I am limited to the number of take off stocks I have from producing the version twos but typically intend to have a couple on hand at all times. Check with me first! Shown is what is included in the kit along with those items that are optional. (And an example of the finished gun) The kit includes the stock (fully modified and stained) Actual lower and upper handguards and an actual complete gas reservoir assembly all pre adapted for use on the M14 conversion. A simulated gas tube to fill the area under the handguard. Barrel spacer material, resin paste,gloves and stir sticks (should you decide to touch up your receiver group) A barrel tip. Three modified flush mounted 12 round clips and a speed loader are also included just like on the finished gun. As with the finished guns options include a leather sling $28.00 a canvas padded carry case $39.00 and a bandoleer with six spare clips pre-done for $86.00 You also get a detailed assembly instruction pamphlet and a Custom Garand owners manual done up to look like a 1943 Field Manual. It includes care and maintenance instructions for your converted AEG Garand and has clear illustrated instructions for making you own additional spare clips. In addition I have an article on metal finishes and some graphics that can help you add additional details and improve your Garand further should you decide to do so. I still prefer selling finished guns but if a kit makes more sense for you let me know and I'll put one together for you. Clearly this is for folks who already have their own M14 or a great source for one and who would rather not struggle and experiment with creating their own conversion or dink around trying to source all the stuff. You also can if you'd like switch your rifle back and forth as an M14 allowing you both a WW2 and Vietnam/ Modern rifle to use.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Dec 15, 2008 7:48:49 GMT -5
Of course you would do this AFTER I finish my conversion! This makes excellent sense John. I feel you should get quite a few orders for these kits I could be wrong but why should people dink around and try and get it right when they can have it right, tight out of the box and slap this puppy together. Great thinking and way to innovate AGAIN John...and no I am not about to ask a favor of you...
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Lev
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Post by Lev on Dec 15, 2008 13:52:39 GMT -5
$495 for a complete custom built gun is a steal! I can't imagine that anybody would be trying to do it for cheaper. I guess most folks are used to Wal*Mart prices and quality.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 15, 2008 14:33:50 GMT -5
I try to keep things as reasonable as possible. I think it opens up the door for a few more people. It certainly gives them more flexibility and saves a little on shipping. (I've had several people wanting to ship me their rifles to do up)
I've cut every corner I can to keep the product viable and the goal of course is to get as many of these out in the WW2 airsoft fields and ultimately convince a major manufacturer that there is a market for a AEG Garand. If that were to happen it would be such a HUGE boost to the WW2 Airsoft hobby. The ultimate savings of course is to do them yourself but somepeople neither have the time or inclination or don't want to screw around with it for six months to a year.
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Post by alexvtrepka on Dec 28, 2008 18:31:29 GMT -5
$495 for a complete custom built gun is a steal! I can't imagine that anybody would be trying to do it for cheaper. I guess most folks are used to Wal*Mart prices and quality. 495?! wow! Now, I haven't been reading through all 8 pages of... info, simply because it would take too long But what do I get for 495? Are all the modifications mentioned in here: ww2aa.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=m1garand&action=display&thread=4653 included? Sorry if I'm asking a question asked before! I'm just startled with amazement that a so good looking rifle can be this cheap! (Compared to the obvious amount of work put into it)
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Dec 29, 2008 15:58:20 GMT -5
Yes you get the complete M1 Garand AEG rifle.
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Post by alexvtrepka on Dec 29, 2008 19:46:18 GMT -5
With all those modifications as well, that is a hell of a good deal! How do I order?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 30, 2008 15:16:46 GMT -5
Thank you for the kind words. They are a lot of work but I enjoy it.
Sgt Tom responded to the question somewhat inaccurately. (I love it when people speak on my behalf!) All of the additional steps in that thread, (and a several more) are done on my current product but with the additional enhancements on the lower stock (Screws and reshaping) the price is $65.00 higher. This new edition also includes the removal of the charging handle brace, selector switch and complete elimination of all the M14 stock shapes designed to facilitate those items. In otherwords the new version is $560.00 not $495.00 but is vastly improved. See the thread in the Airsoft Impression Marketplace for more details. If you want the old version I may still have some when you're ready to buy.
PM me (2nd Bat) and I can fill you in on availability, choices, delivery time frame, shipping costs and payment options. (Money order, cashiers check, funds transfer via Western Union) or Pay Pal. I have a few currently in stock so right now delivery is immediate but this varies from time to time. I have shipped them all over the world and am approaching 200 total sales.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 26, 2009 1:36:17 GMT -5
I currently have seven in stock. 2 version twos in full wood. 3 version ones and two of the most current version with the augmented composition lower stock. I have lots and lots of the extra bandoleers with six clips in each.
I have a special offer on all of them limited to these weapons which were used at last weekends Long Winter event. See the WW2 airsoft impression marketplace thread. Since the 3 "version ones" are the least expensive variants and they are the last ones I will build and specially priced they represent the least expensive offers I will ever extend so the savings will never be better.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 27, 2009 12:27:24 GMT -5
Ever since I received the picture from my customers in FINLAND showing 9 of their members holding my Garands it's been my goal to get a shot with more than that standing together at an event here in the US. I have sold more than 2 dozen into the tiny country of FINLAND but to see so many all together was impressive. I've sold more overseas than here in the US but have shipped 78 of my rifles scattered throughout the US. I finally managed to get a picture exceeding the FINLAND photo. Here is the new record shot. Picture was taken at the Long Winter. It was great seeing so many period correct weapons and while there were still too many Thompsons at the event at least they weren't as dominent.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 5, 2009 13:26:34 GMT -5
It always bothers me when I ship a rifle and have to trace down the buyer with a series of e-mails or PMs to be sure they got it. I always want to make sure it arrived and the buyer was pleased. On the other hand it is always nice to get immediate feedback like this e-mail I received today.
Got the M1 rifle you shipped. She's a beauty!
Thanks for: (in no particular order) The rifle -- beautiful! The manual -- amazing! The fast shipping -- WOW! Working with me!
Really, really, REALLY looking forward to Jump to Destiny now! Thanks again!
Made my day! While praise and feedback are always nice the main thing is I want to know when I shipped something that you got it. I'm sure this is true for all sellers so if I may ask on behalf of all sellers please let your vendor or fellow board member know right away when a purchase arrives.
Thanks!
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