Blank-Adapting the MG34.

[Blanksguy]

I had one guy that ordered a 2-pcs. Blank-Barrel-Assembly in 7.62x51mm/.308 cal. tell me that he was having problems with .308 Blanks "chambering" fully.

I went ahead and ordered new chamber-reamers (both 8x57mm and .308 cal.)....and then ordered different "surplus" Blanks.

What I found out was that (again) not all "surplus" .308 Blanks are loaded the same....."AND" that not all .308 "surplus" Blanks are even made the same.
When checked against the SAAMI Spec. Books that has not only cartridges-specs. ....but also manufacturing-spec. for "chambers"....I found that some "surplus" Blanks are slightly too larger in OD (Outside-Diameter) as the photos below show.

What does this mean (?).........??????
What hapens is that the larger diameter POF Blanks start into the chamber and slow down as the bulleted-shape-crimp starts to jam into that smaller area (forcing-cone) in front of the chamber......this basically will jam and stop an MG34/SA34 from running.....and some MG42/SA42s.
Well, to insure that your MG34/SA34 (which does have a slightly longer "lock-up" time than the MG42) you may have to slightly alter the area infront of the chamber (called the "lead") which is a transition-area between the chamber to where the rifling (land & grooves) starts. (A 5/16" drill at .3125" should do the trick......"but" you may not want to use that same barrel-assembly for anything but "Blanks".

The MG34/SA34 also needs to use the larger "L" shaped Feed-Tray-Spacer to help guide the Blanks down into the chamber "and" not allow them to raise up at the front and jam against the top-front of the feed-tray cut-out.

Regards, RichardS in MI.
Blanksguy2001@chartermi.net
PS: Maybe someone can post photos and measurements for the plastic-Blanks.....which will run better "if" you use a 2-pcs. Blank-Barrel-Assembly. It has less weight just trying to move that short rear-section/piston.
.....and I will be making more of these 2-pcs. Blank-Barrel-Assemblies up in .308 cal shortly.....e-mail me if interested.

[Chuckm]

This is a big THANK YOU to Richard for his 2-piece blank barrel for my MG42. I looks VERY nice and came well packed.



I will pick up another Barrel Carrier at Phoenix in December and be all set ! ! ! !

Again thanks Richard.

Chuckm
Carson City
Nevada

[Blanksguy]

Photo of the "L" shaped feed-tray spacer for firing shorter blanks in the MG34/SA34........such as the 7.62x51mm/.308 cal. surplus on the market now.

Notice how the front of the spacer's "tunnel" keeps the Blank from raising up at the front and hitting/stopping against the front-top of the cut-out on the feed-tray.

We are making a short run of these....and interested reenactors can contact me at my e-mail address for more information.

Regards, RichardS in MI.
Blanksguy2001@chartermi.net

[waffenmg34]

Hello all & Richard,

I have had a bit of experience with my MG-34 semi-Auto and blank adapting and this thread has been very helpful troubleshooting issues with adapting the MG-34 for blanks and reenacting use.Since 2004 I have fired over 55,000 blanks through my MG-34 and probably helped pay for Joe Swanson's business overhead as well.
I've noticed a few things that are very important if you start out with a new MG-34 semi-auto from TNW. First off, break the gun in with live rounds prior to blank adaption. This wears in the bearing surfaces and action of the weapon and loosens things up a bit as the MG-34 is known for having tight tolerances. I put over 1,000 rounds of live 8mm through mine before adapting. Compared to some associates who did not, my gun behaves totally different to this day vs. my friend's MG-34's that only were broken in using blanks. (?) Something to note I guess. Also, clean and lubricate the gun as you break it in. No different I guess from changing the oil in your car frequently as you break in a new engine. It also allows you to get to know your MG-34 inside and out. Adapting, I used a cheap booster cone adapter with a live barrel, it was hit or miss at first, yet once I found the right aperture it was pretty reliable. A question: I recently found my two-piece blank firing barrel for my MG-34, I know from this thread that I will not be using a restricted booster cone. What I wonder, is do I need to restrict the forward portion of the barrel? If yes, how should I go about doing that? As I don't like threading the end of the barrel as adapter screws (restrictor plugs) work loose with gas pressure coming from behind and can pose a sizable hazard if they shoot out the barrel at reenactors. My thoughts are to tap and restrict it from the back end of the forward section of the barrel. Is this correct?

Chris Sharp

[Blanksguy]

Hi Chris,
Thank you for the posting.

On your 2-pcs. Blank-Firing-Barrel-Assembly for your MG34/SA34........you will need to drill and tap the muzzle for an allen-set-screw. Trying to Drill/Tap the opposite end will give you too much over-pressure due to the small area left for the blank to expand its pressure.
The use of a "Tap" allows for a partially-treaded (where the threads are shallow) area for the allen-set-screw to "lock" onto.
We have used these for years and I have never heard of any working loose during a reenactment......we (and other reenactors use this same type/style of Blank-Adapting for the 1911-series pistols....the M1-series Thompson SMG....the M3/M3A1 GreaseGun.......Stens........etc., etc..

Remember to start large on the BFA Hole-Size and wirk down in smaller sizes by .010" at a time.
.....and that not all Blanks are loaded to the same pressure so never mix Blanks on the same belt.

Regards, RichardS in MI.
US Army, Retired
Blanksguy2001@chartermi.net