2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 2, 2008 15:19:07 GMT -5
I have finally completed my enhanced, version 2, Garand AEG. It incorporates a properly shaped lower stock in Black Walnut with matching handguards. It utilizes more original Garand hardware then the original version. I have built three and extensively game tested them for functionality and durability and they have proven very solid and extremely functional. The enhanced version is considerably more expensive to produce and the retail price will reflect that but the improved appearance and additional authenticity should prove worthwhile for those who in the past have been put off by my version one compromises and infidelities. Note the fuller stock depth and front sling ferrule as well as the improved muzzle finish. Many of the components are from an actual Garand adapted for use with airsoft internals. The dimensions of this rifle are as precise as I could make them. Each rifle will be shipped with three adapted, flush mounted, 15 round clips, an unjamming rod, a speed loader and a custom owners manual done up to look like a 1942 Garand Field Manual. They also come with a battery and charger. A leather sling is an option ($28.00) as is a combat pack of six spare magazines shipped in a WW2 cotton bandoleer ($86.00) with cardboard inserts. The rifle is priced at $695.00 plus shipping. This is expensive for an airsoft rifle but inexpensive for a custom limited production all wood and all steel WW2 replica. I think it compares favorably with the VFC BAR at a grand and features comparable finish quality and performance, It shoots at 356 FPS and includes a 6.05mm tightbore, very long barrel for tremendous straight as a pin fire. It of course has precise hop up. It weighs 7 1/2 pounds which is heavy for an airsoft rifle but 2 pounds lighter than an actual Garand. It feels and looks awesome and an official press release will be submitted in the next 10 days or so. You heard about it first here folks! My original version will still be available until all inventories are used up (I have the makings for about 20 more of the initial versions) They will be priced at a very affordable price of $425.00 plus shipping while supplies last. They utilize an extensively modified version of the M14 lower stock. (Eliminate the butt plate flap and fill the slots, cut the stock down and cap it with my later designed modified ferrule and stock bolts filled and the entire stock finished in a very good looking faux wood finish that matches the actual wood hand guards. In both cases the customer can select the shade of wood and metal finish they want ranging from Dark Walnut to Medium wood finish and metal in flat black to medium parkerization or mixed aged metal (field worn look) If the customer wants additional authenticity I can remove the selector switch and mag release and will do so at no charge. I leave them on my own rifles for the added functionality. The rifles can still use the standard or hi cap M14 magazines when used for conventional skirmishing.
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Post by binarypunisher on Jun 2, 2008 15:37:34 GMT -5
Looks great John!
FWIW, I also like the paint job you have on your spare clips far more than the other ones.
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YankeeDiv26
Staff Sgt.
Frustrated Mac Owner
BDM<33
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Post by YankeeDiv26 on Jun 2, 2008 15:41:48 GMT -5
Wow John, those look great!
One question: Is the butt Plate one from an M14 w/o the shoulder rest or one from a garand?
<YD>
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TommyGunner
Staff Sgt.
Hackjob Mauro
1st Marine Division, 1942
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Post by TommyGunner on Jun 2, 2008 16:11:39 GMT -5
These are amazing, you truely have mastered this art!
TommyGunner
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 2, 2008 16:16:31 GMT -5
The butt plate on the vesrion two is from a Garand. The version ones are modified M14 butt plates with the butt flap removed and the slots filled and refinished.
Binary: My early clips with the fake bullet graphics was just me dinking around and ultimately not worth the time and effort. Some people prefer them to be solid black and I can obviously do that as well. The clips slide very nicely in the Garand pouched belt or the bandoleers and with the cardboard inserts give them a nice "full" look. They also slide nicely in and out for quick reloads.
A couple draped bandoleers provides a nice touch to your impression and the fact that they are functional is even cooler still. These rifles fire very, very nicely on semi automatic but the gap between the clips and the tappet plate inside the gun means a 15 round clip effectively loads 12 rounds. Quite authentic relative to an actual Garand which had an eight round clip. These are dramatically more skirmishable than the Marushin gas Garand and now look every bit as good. (IMO)
With no gas to mess with, no expended clips to search for, no screws to tighten every 200 rounds, no part 45s to break and less expensive 6mm BBs you'lll quickly make up the difference in operating costs and rack up far more eliminations than the Gas Marushin Garand.
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Jun 2, 2008 16:37:24 GMT -5
The rifle is priced at $695.00 plus shipping. This is expensive for an airsoft rifle but inexpensive for a custom limited production all wood and all steel WW2 replica. Whoa... that is an understatement. I think $695 is a bargain for what is shown. Makes me wish that I was US.
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Seff
Private
.30-06 - Turning Cover into Concealment since 1906
Posts: 344
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Post by Seff on Jun 2, 2008 16:50:01 GMT -5
Hi - I hate to seem critical, but this one thing struck me as odd - the flat area behind the receiver is rather large in comparison to an actual Garand, I assume this is caused but the receiver being x cm's shorter because of the shorter .308 as opposed to the longer .30-06? I looks a bit skewed, but the rifle looks 110% in proportions in the profile view The aforementioned area: EDIT: Also, are you going to sell the stocks separately? I'd be interested
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 2, 2008 17:46:49 GMT -5
Seth I can tell how much you hate being critical. It must be killing you (Lol!)
Your speculation is a minor part of the reason for the bigger gap. The real issue is the motor angle that comes off the gearbox. With plastic you can create a very thin skin that will still accomodate the motor and allow you to get by with a smaller shelf. With wood you don't have that luxury. I ruined several Garand stocks attempting to make it work exactly and finally gave up. (There were other issues with the trigger alignment)
I had to start from scratch and carve things out in a block of wood and finally ended up with the shape shown. The hand grip is also slightly thicker than an actual Garand which is I'm sure something that will be commented on as well. It's not especially noticeable in person. (IMO)
I will eventually sell stocks as an option to existing Hooah Airsoft Garand customers to convert their version one guns but not until I get sufficient volume up to offer them at an affordable price. Once I recover my set up costs I'll be able to factor a per unit cost and price them accordingly. For now I'll be upside down through the first 25 guns or so.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 6, 2008 16:06:38 GMT -5
How appropriate! I just sold two Garands into France on 6 June! The irony was not lost on either of them.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 24, 2008 17:45:38 GMT -5
I went back and revisited the comment from SEFF regarding the area behind the receiver group. I had really never noticed it before but after his comment it continued to play on my mind and bother me. I filed and sanded the area to eliminate the appearance of such a large shelf there and while the shape is still somewhat wrong (in order to accomodate the version seven motor) it is in my opinion far less noticeable. I also tweaked some addition minor details based on input and have sent the stock with all it's revisions out for additional production. (I can fairly easily modify the ones enroute) Here are pictures of the newest edition with the tweaks. Thanks everone for the tips and input. This has been quite a journey! Improved but subtle method for holding the gas assembly in place. Enhanced mod on the left side of the reciever group Improved muzzle appearance Seffs suggested improvements behind the reciever group What do you think? It's never going to be perfect of course but I'm open to attempt to come as close as possible within reason. I want to offer the best possible replica and still keep it somewhat affordable.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jun 24, 2008 19:24:34 GMT -5
Way to go! It looks much better. One question: Could the stock be thinker by the handgrip?
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Post by garand on Jun 24, 2008 19:39:40 GMT -5
i tip my hat to you sir. with the newest improvements you've crafted what appears to be a sturdy and beautiful rifle. i hope to be able to purchase one soon. the level of care and detail on these latest garands is truly impressive.
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Post by <2>nd Rangers M/Sgt. Tom on Jun 24, 2008 21:02:13 GMT -5
Looks very sharp
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Seff
Private
.30-06 - Turning Cover into Concealment since 1906
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Post by Seff on Jun 25, 2008 5:34:58 GMT -5
Absolutely gorgeous, I am looking forward to doing the same to my M14 as soon as I have parts - and I'm sorry to have caused such a bother, but it all turned out for the best, eh? Fantastic work
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 25, 2008 14:28:06 GMT -5
Absolutely a worthwhile tip SEFF (along with all the other tips,) Some of the suggestions are actionable and some simply aren't) For example" The thickness of the handgrip neck is in my opinion absolutely unavoidable without substantially weakening the stock. I could probably take it down closer but really would prefer not to. I see how these get used in the field!
I still haven't put the version twos out there as a new product offering as I want it all to be reasonably finalized and have some inventory on hand before I do so. People have somehow been finding out about them and buying them up anyway.
People must google M1 Garand AEGs and get this site? Even collecting the components to build and have on hand 10 rifles is well over $5,000.00 and I can't afford to be redoing a lot of stuff. I'm going to get some of the local troopers to help me shoot a video showing the rifle in action (Do it up like a WW2 training Film) and put it on UTube. I think that would showcase them very well.
It's nice to just about have things completely finalized. People keep asking about just buying the lower stock and I understand the desire but it's really what I've spent so much time developing and has consumed a great deal of time and expense. (I've been working on it for two years!) Each stock costs over $260.00 so my question would be what would I have to sell them for to make it worthwhile? For now it simply makes more sense to me to sell fully finished rifles, besides it's infinitely more satisfying. When I sold the kits it turned my stomach to see some of the end results. Most were great but the bad ones were just awful.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jun 25, 2008 14:41:58 GMT -5
can you post a picture of your new Garand next to your old one please. Thanks -sgttom
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 25, 2008 23:40:55 GMT -5
Sgt Tom do you really think the hand grip area looks too thick? People used to complain with the M14 adapted stock that the hand grip area looked too thin! (Which it is) Here are the two versions posed identically although since this picture I have completed a few additional subtle improvements on the version two Version one in Dark Walnut (Simulated wood in lower stock) side view (Adapted M14 stock) Version one 3/4 view: Version Two in Dark Walnut (All wood) side view Version two 3/4 view in Dark Walnut The version one is more affordable at $465.00 plus shipping. While the version two is priced at $695.00 plus shipping. Both versions come with a battery and charger, three shortened clips an unjamming rod and a custom Field Manual for maintance, operation and take down. I will continue to sell both as long as inventories hold up.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 26, 2008 0:05:28 GMT -5
I added a lower base plate on the version twos which is removable during game play and remains in place for static display. There is plenty of room underneath for the new flush mounted clips to fit even with the lower base plate in place.
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Sgt_Tom
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Combat!
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jun 26, 2008 16:36:41 GMT -5
No I meant, isn't it too thin by the handquards, not think. Its great just a comment.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 26, 2008 17:27:32 GMT -5
Sgttom "Way to go! It looks much better. One question: Could the stock be thinker by the handgrip?" Followed by: "No I meant, isn't it too thin by the handquards" I'm thoroughly confused about what you are commenting on or questioning? What portion of the rifle stock are you asking about? The stock through the grip is slightly (and I mean slightly) thicker than an actual Garand although actual Garands show some variation of thickness in this area as well. The shape and dimension elsewhere are pretty much spot on. The Garand compared to an M-14 is quite bulbous and thick through the lower stock. From a strictly esthetic perspective the M14 lower stock in my opinion is more elegant and attractive although the correct Garand shape is obviously the goal.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
Posts: 3,580
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jun 27, 2008 17:07:59 GMT -5
Ok your the expert and you have an Actaul Garand to compare it with. I'll leave it at that.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 27, 2008 20:41:23 GMT -5
I wasn't being terse (or at least I didn't mean to sound that way) I was just confused about what you were asking. Here is a picture of the base plate which the thicker Garand like stock and new flush mounted clips allow me to replicate It is of course slightly longer than on a Garand as the mag well is longer but in my opinion looks pretty good. The base plate is designed to remain in place for static display and between skirmishes and is removed during actual game play. I thought about hinging it but decided it would get in the way and be too distracting. When its off and a clip is in place it actually still looks pretty good. The side view is now a lot better as well since you can see the recess as on an actual Garand from the side. (I should have taken another profile shot) I think the earlier side shots without the base plate recess is what made the stock through this area look too thick when in fact it is exact.
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Post by gunfreak on Jul 3, 2008 11:57:05 GMT -5
I want this so bad, but I just used $1500 on a fridge, oven and a dishwasher. and I still have to buy a couch, a closet(mabye two) a gaming table and two display cases.
moving is way to expencive
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jul 3, 2008 12:11:20 GMT -5
You will have one one day my young padiwan warrior. It is your destiny.
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Post by Rodeo on Jan 3, 2009 14:11:18 GMT -5
Are you still doing these guns? I´m really interested to buy one
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Post by tinydata on Jan 3, 2009 17:26:01 GMT -5
yes, if you are looking for one PM him
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 4, 2009 3:48:26 GMT -5
I am still doing them in a newly revised configuration at $560.00 and the all wood configuration at $780.00. I did up a bunch of the newer configurations and have a few of the old less expensive versions for the Long Winter event this month and hence could do immediate deliveries on any. Normally deliveries average two to six weeks. Send me a Personal Message by clicking on my 2nd bat callsign and find out what wood shades and metal finishes I have available right now or how long a custom build would take. I'll also provide payment instructions and a precise shipping cost quote. To see the latest edition see either the Airsoft Impression thread or thread under Airsoft G-2
Contemporary note: I have dropped the all wood configuration (version two as described above) due to supllier issues (went out of business) and chronic cracking and broken stocks at the neck Even with the thicker grip they haven't proven durable with field use. My current offering however do feature the enhanced shaped and augmented lower stock that is more correctly shaped than my original mildly modified M14 stock. It is $425.00 with all molded components (handguards and gas assembly) and $560 with original wood and metal Garand handguards and gas assembly)
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Post by Polski on Jan 18, 2009 1:33:04 GMT -5
2nd Bat, you know what would relinquish all doubts and increase a universal confidence about your product? A nice video showing off your creation. If you do so, it would be very nice of you to have a real M1 Garand vs. Your Airsoft Version 2 Garand theme.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 19, 2009 13:34:59 GMT -5
That's a great idea and post it on U-Tube. The version two of course is now passe as I have a more contemporary and improved edition. I had hoped to do so at Long Winter as I had well over a dozen of my rifles there. (Six of them rifles I brought and rented out) Unfortunately my video camera batteries were dead!
I've asked Capt Johnston if he'll assist with such a video along with some of the Rhodesian Raiders in WW2 impressions and it's just a case of coordinating the shoot.
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Post by azapp on Feb 6, 2010 0:40:13 GMT -5
Looks great 2nd Bat, you got yourself an interested buyer in Denmark. Still got more rifles to sell ?
Kind regards
Azapp
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