www.MG42.us

Hey all,
I'm in the final stages of converting my M53 into a semi-auto. I purchased several parts from BRP, including the trigger group/stick. After welding the charging piece to the bolt itself, I found that the lip of the BRP trigger housing that holds it in place won't allow room for the charging handle or welding charging piece to pass by. I've attached a picture of the belly of the gun showing all three components touching. Please help! What do I do to enable a full charge/cock?

Thanks!!!

First I would call Brian at brp and talk with him about whats up. Now I think that you will find that the brp set up calls for cutting the end lug of the charging handle back to engage with the new bolt lug. Double check with Brian on that.

Great to hear that the project rolls on. Good Luck!!

Later 42rocker

I have a Wiselite build, and the charging handle nub on mine was trimmed back to clear the trigger group. I used the photos on "Project Guns" site to modify my charging handle with a small notch to accept the bottom tab on the bolt. My charging handle kept 'sliding' off my bolt when I'd go to charge it. Do a little at a time, and keep checking the fit. After cutting the notch, I had to do a little trimming to the hammer on the trigger group to clear the charging handle as it slid back, again use the "Project Guns" MG42 build as a reference. You're basically making a channel in the hammer that the arm of the charging handle slides by it. I used a couple of cut off disks in a Dremel type motor tool, and a grinder bit. Works like a charm now as charging handle doesn't slip off the bolt.

Both of you guys are awesome! I took the advice, fixed the charging problem, and went on a test-fire run today. My NEW problem is that the bolt doesn't cycle back far enough to eject the spent casing after the shot... therefore not cycling the rounds. I guess I'll read up on potential solutions to that. Again, thanks again gentlemen!

Do you have any dummy rounds? Would the weapon be able to empty the round using the charging handle? Could be ammo, cone size, not enough lube, spring might not be it correct seated position, spring might be to long (check with Brian about shorting the spring if you used his semi bolt first) and I'm sure a few more things. Double check inside of bolt and bolt head and extractor rod length.
A few things to start with.
Good Luck

Later 42rocker

Also glad to hear that you got it to this point at least. RA RA RA

Later 42rocker

NDean wrote:Both of you guys are awesome! I took the advice, fixed the charging problem, and went on a test-fire run today. My NEW problem is that the bolt doesn't cycle back far enough to eject the spent casing after the shot... therefore not cycling the rounds. I guess I'll read up on potential solutions to that. Again, thanks again gentlemen!

I had the same problem with my Wiselite build. I had a shortened spring in it already. My problem was that the spring wasn't seated correctly. Make sure its flat against the bolt, and all the way down into the buffer. My cut spring was hanging up on the groves of the buffer, and not seated fully against the buffer. Looking forward to getting out Friday and putting a few rounds through it to make sure my modifications work too.

Thanks again, guys. When pulling the charging handle, everything seems to be functioning fine (ejects shell, loads another, etc.). I'm thinking that maybe the spring is too long/stiff. It came from BRP and is pretty stiff. I'm thinking about using the "stock" spring that came in the M53 kit and trimming it a bit. Your thoughts?

Thanks again, all!! You guys really are cool.

Call Brian @ brp and talk with him about it and then go from there. I'm sure that you will work it out as you have got this far with it.

Later 42rocker

Hey guys, I just wanted to give you a humble update. The M53 is up and running (as a semi-auto), after some "Southern Ingenuity" was performed. I'm now trying to convert to .308, but a guy named 42rocker outbid me on the barrel! (GunBroker)

But it's all good 42rocker. You've helped me a lot and I'll be honored to lose an auction to you... but I'll go down swingin'!

Thanks again all,
Noah

On the barrel I may have out bid you but it did not reach the reserve and has been relisted.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =257252199

Go bid on it.

Glad to hear that it's up and running. Enjoy....

Later 42rocker