Advice on .308 build

[swilson]

I am in the gathering phase of a .308 build.

I started off with a Centerfire 8MM M53 parts kit w/ no barrel (that my lovely wife gave to me for Christmas!)

I just put my Dutch bid down on Gunbroker for a Steyr .308 barrel (19 more available for $79 from IO)

I have read through the stickies and old posts about conversions but am unclear about what parts I need for a .308 shooter. I will only be shooting .308 (no 8mm). After comparing the stickies to my parts I do have an 8mm top cover and feedtray. I also examined my booster (nozzle) and it is stamped 13.

I will probably be using a Wiselight SA receiver for my build. I have been checking with BRP and RTG about other needed parts (recuperator plunger, recuperator screw set, cam rivet, rail rivets, bushing repair sleeve)

The question is....what is the best route to go for the conversion. Do I need a .308 topcover and feedtray or can I make mine work (or is it not worth a hassle to convert?) Do I go MG2 or MG3. I want a shooter not an exact repro of anything...
I know there is not one answer, just trying to find a less muddled path!

[noonxnoon]

There are a few post around here that address this issue.

I had a few with pics, but I think the pics are gone and I somewhat recently had a PC failure and lost alot of pictures...

but I digress...

My view of shooting 308 in a 42/53 is:

* 308 barrel
* MG1 or MG3 topcover & feedtray
* MG3 flash hider - note, you do not need a booster cone!

I think that is it.

- With the MG1 tray, you can use MG1 assult drums

- With the 'new' MG3 tray, you can use the 'new' MG3 assult drum and 120 round box drum

RTG has put together some kits that got all what you need!

[noonxnoon]

oh, you did ask if you can utilize your existing feed tray...and I think the answer is yes.

Since the 308 ammo is smaller, I think some guys made shims on the tray and 8mm assult drums to hold the shorter 308 rounds...

but since these parts aren't too bad in price...I'd just get a dedicated 308 set

[swilson]

Thanks noon,

After more thought, I kind of like the idea of using M13 links ( I think I can get ahold of some) rather than belts, so this pushes me towards the MG3 route.

I see Robert has MG3 topcovers and he also has the flashhiders but is out of feedtrays.... guess I will have to get on the email list and keep my eyes open.

I had not been aware of the MG3 having a built in booster til you told me, so I searched a little more and read up on it. I don't have money falling out of my pockets so every little bit saved (not having to buy another booster) so it can be applied elsewhere, helps.

[drooling idiot]

http://www.dsarms.com/Other-Parts--Part ... cts/69/2/0
link to feedtray and drums for MG3 model.

[swilson]

Thanks DI...just placed an order for the feedtray!!!

[Lima]

I had not seen the late model MG3 feed trays at DSA - THANKS, I just ordered one!

When IO runs out of .308 barrels, Numrich them for $110. Mine arrived this week in like new condition.

I also treated myself to a Brand new MG3 AA sight for $62 and BFA for $26 which were good deal compared to RTG who list the same items for $78 and $62 respectively. I did order a late model MG3 feed tray from RTG however because no one else seemed to have them.

[fjruple]

Steve--

Sounds like a good set up for .308 Winchester (7.62mm). I also prefer to run my gun with the MG3 type Booster. Unfortunately, I had to machine off the flashhider due to local AAW laws but it still looks good. The good thing about the MG3 tray is that you can still use the belts in your gun.

fjruple

[swilson]

Well, just got off the phone with Brian from BRP. Have been trying for a couple of days to coordinate our schedules to place an order. I was able to pick up an MG3 flashhider and barrel guide, bushing repair piece, cam screw and nut, recup plunger, recup screw set (L screw), and a set of rail rivets.

I also ordered an MG3 top cover and 2 MG3 plastic drums from Robert at RTG.

Put that together with the .308 barrel from gunbroker (IO), and the MG3 feedtray from DSA and I should have everything I need for my build and .308 conversion on its way ..............except............



a receiver

Still haven't decided which is the best(easiest) route to go. A BRP receiver or a WLA receiver or look for decent cut one.

[noonxnoon]

I got most of my 308 parts from Robert at RTG.

Interestingly enought...about a month later he started offering 308 kits!

[swilson]

Feedtray arrived yesterday and it looks like new

Now the wait for the other three orders. It will give me more time to research which receiver route to take. Any opinions for ease of build? So far it seems the WLA will be the easiest, especially since the ratchet plate is already installed now since Pirate posted his build instructions.

[swilson]

Barrel just arrived and looks excellent.....nice buy for $79

Now just 2 more packages of goodies, and I still have to make a decision about the receiver.

[swilson]

You know, the more I try to read up on which receiver to go with the harder it gets to choose the right one.

I see FFL receivers like Wise Lite and BRP.

80% from Philadelphia Ordinance, ColdSteel, and Prexis.

Halves from BRP and Wise Lite.

Or just scrounge up a reweld.

Some of the posts on here go way back and pictures did not survive a hosting transition. SO now info is lost and makes it very difficult to compare products.

I know alignment is going to be an issue with the rewelds (as well as gap filling) and the halves. Haven't found out what ALL the 80% finishing requirements are from the different makers but PA has a machined receiver and Prexis built it like a 1919. Coldsteel I haven't heard many positive things about.

FFL receivers seem to be the way to go and now I see WLA has the ratchet plate (and I think the buffer tabs) already installed since Pirates build and the BRP doesn't. To me this makes up for the extra $ for theirs.

I would love to hear everyones input on this matter covering the pros and cons of the different build routes so that I can try to make a more informed decision. Thanks,

Steve

[swilson]

Allllllllllrighty then......I guess this akward silence means I need to spend more time with my search fu.

Let me ask this in the mean time. If I use a WLA FFL receiver to attach to my shroud, does it require that I use their FCG and grip or can it work with the BRP mods(grip and bolt) or Pirates mod (bolt)?

Searching shows that there has been some difficulty with the WLA grip on their receiver. Is this still the case?

Thanks as always,

Steve

[DougF]

I wish I could answer your questions but I'm just now finishing up my first M53. I used a cut up original receiver which no one is selling anymore. In my opinion, that's the best way to go if you can get one. Unfortunately, I only bought two originals and wish I had gotten more.

This was my first build and I didn't think it was particularly difficult just time consuming. I'm super slow anyway because I like to make sure I understand how and why the parts fit together before I weld things up. The biggest challenge is making sure that everything is straight. Also, the location of several of the parts depend on the location of other parts that depend on the location of other parts. If you read, think about things, and then examine everything carefully, it will make sense to you. If it doesn't, ask a question on this forum and people will help you out.

Good luck with your build.

[Michael J]

Why nobody has answered or helped you is beyond me! So let me give you a hand ...
BRP is what i would recommend, just because i find there have been quality control issues with some wiselite-built products. However that is just the assembly at fault, not the physical quality of the product.

Considering you would be installing rails and such yourself with either rears, i see no issue with either. Whatever one you find to be most economical, and doable to your capabilities. Depending on the cut of your shroud, the BRP ones could be sitting too far back? The wiselite rears are longer in the cam area. However wiselite rears are longer in the rear half, thus requiring the modification of your rear buffer (extra $$$).

So it is not quality you should be contemplating, but the amount of work required and how much you wanna fork out cash-wise.

Grips are another matter, but believe me when i say you can adapt any receiver to any grip you want. They all work the same, the only difference is how they install. And if you got a dremel, and possibly a welder (not sure about actually needing a welder), then you can make it work. They will try to convince you to buy their products, but in the end you are installing an AR trigger, sear, and hammer. The bolt goes back, and re sets it, done. I wouldn't worry too much about the grips, if you want it to fit, it can be done.

[drooling idiot]

I see FFL receivers like Wise Lite and BRP.
Halves from BRP and Wise Lite.

Comes down to how much your willing and comfortable to do, Vs how much cash you can spend. I'd say there about equal between BRP and wiselite.

80% from Philadelphia Ordinance, ColdSteel, and Prexis.
Phil Ord is a TON of machine work to make a firing gun, don't know anyone who has. Can be done but not practical.
Bad reports about coldsteel would make me rule them out.
Don't know the details about prexis, sorry.

Or just scrounge up a reweld.
Best option i feel.

I would love to hear everyones input on this matter covering the pros and cons of the different build routes so that I can try to make a more informed decision. Thanks,

Steve

Each alternative has its pros and cons. sounds like you've already done your research.

[fourfifths1911]

i did a reweld just to do it myself

[Intruder196]

I just placed a bid on one of the $79 .308 barrels from IO. I only plan to use the barrel to shoot 308 blanks out of it. I have loads of 8mm so investing in a caliber I dont currently shoot is not economically feasible for me. The parts set I used for my build was an original 4 cut IO kit, all German parts except the feed tray and barrel. I sold those parts years ago. I see that some have advised to get a 308 feed cover for this conversion. Since I only plan on shooting blanks with this barrel would I need to get a 308 cover? My feed cover is original WW2 and it came with the parts set that was sold as a 308 parts set.

Has anybody else used these German made plastic blanks?


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =154483114

[Michael J]

I see that some have advised to get a 308 feed cover for this conversion. Since I only plan on shooting blanks with this barrel would I need to get a 308 cover? My feed cover is original WW2 and it came with the parts set that was sold as a 308 parts set.

I can only speculate based on logic, but it would make sense you would require all the necessary .308 parts normally used in the conversion. The .308 top cover, feedtray, and whatever else is used. This is so that your gun will correctly feed the .308 and not jam or something.
On the bright side, a couple years from now when 8mm has possibly spiked in value due to shortages, but .308 is abundant, you will not be kicking yourself in the pants, because you made the right choice now !