Damn the front end is KILLING me! Help!

[gunslingerdoc]

Well, this week sucked so I took the day off - that's the good news. I decided to get started on welding and welded up the receiver sections except the front end. I then ground down the weld around at the 'trunion' cut and the 'trunion' fits fine. My problem comes getting the booster end positioned.

I installed the barrel and it moves freely in the receiver. I installed the lever that looks the flash hider (ww2) and all its pieces on the front end then....

I held the barrel all the way forward and slide the front end over the barrel. Here's the problem:

The front end will slide so far on the barrel that if it could it would overlap the receiver. I checked my MG42 manual and I have all the pieces installed, but its like the barrel is to short - its not that I tried with 3 diff barrels. When I use the loocking lever as a guide, I have about 1/8 inch of play rearward.

What am I missing????

[salt6]

Try installing the bipod to set the length.

[Pirate]

Are you sure the bbl is all the way forward?
is the front section the one that belongs to the gun?
there should be at least a 1/4" gap in the sections.
You can measure the overall length and tack it in place,
if the length is right it should be ok.

[TOM R]

DO YOU GOT THE NOZZELE that goes on the barrel end installed properly in the nose bearing?

[gunslingerdoc]

as far as I can tell, everything is installed correctly with all the parts - Im checking agaisnt J.Baums MG1/2 and MG42 manuals. I had my buddy check and he agrees. THe cuts seem to match in all the pieces (this is kit from Dan) so Im pretty sure its from the same gun. When I use the bipod to set the OAL I do get what I consider the correct amount of gap - the locking bar for the muzzle brake fits perfect when I use the bipod (based on its wear pattern).

Does anyone know if the OAL in Pirates tutorial (37. something) is the from the rear of the receiver to the front of the reciever or the muzzle brake or what?

I think Im going to use a BRP piece that overlaps my front cut as a guide to clamp it before I weld it. Im also going to check this position against the bipod fit.

Any other suggestions?

[TOM R]

mount in a ground tripod to check the length of your trunion area

[Karbinator]

Is the recuperator installed?
Sound like you don't have it in.

[stifeout]

Gunslinger the OAL on Pirates is of the reciever without the muzzle break...Did you install recuperator??

[gunslingerdoc]

No I dont have the recuperator in. DO I have to?

All Ive done, in order:

1. clean up cuts,
2. degrease,
3. SA mods
4. weld up back
5. clean up welds
6. fit trunion

I havent rechecked the tripod fit, since I welded, but it fit when I jigged it up and was setting spacing.

[Karbinator]

Install it !!
It holds the barrel forward by spring pressure, and the
front of the barrel sits fully forward in the Bearing of the
booster sleeve. It's the only way to really know your setting
to clamp and weld.

[jasond]

i think someone posted the the lenght was 37 11/16

[gunslingerdoc]

Ive got it fitting/postioned correctly I jsut need to weld it. and I have to go over my other welds in a few spots....

[Karbinator]

Ive got it fitting/postioned correctly I jsut need to weld it. and I have to go over my other welds in a few spots....

I've done the front ends With a .308 barrel (less expensive), bearing, and booster installed. slap some anti splatter on everything you're
worried about getting spots. It really does help align, and after you have 4 tacks around the cut, you should take the flash hider off, and
make sure the bearing compresses/releases in the sleeve with barrel movement. It should be freely.
If you mig this, I would double up the weld form the inside---the opening from the side allows good access.

This last part to weld will dictate where your bullet goes. Install--even if temporarily--the sights, and get an eye on alignment.
I went all out.. I installed a laser bullet in the barrel....and with the sights up, I could see I had it very close.

[gunslingerdoc]

Karb,

I was too impatient and lazy to check for much past square and straight. I had planned on your laser bore sighter idea, but I left mine at home and was using a buddies welder.

[Karbinator]

Karb,

I was too impatient and lazy to check for much past square and straight. I had planned on your laser bore sighter idea, but I left mine at home and was using a buddies welder.

Well, it's just an idea, but aim the first few shots you take straight into the ground about 50 ft out, to be safe you know.
Don't want you shooting an airplane when you think it's actually going at a target.