Question regarding TNW MG34 and dust cover

[Claven2]

The dust cover on my TNW MG34 seems to be open all the time. From what I can gather, the little spring catch recessed into the front of the trigger guard is what engages the dust cover to hold it closed, but there must be something more to it I'm not getting. On my gun with the bolt closed and the gun unloaded, the catch isn't far enough forward nor low enough to engage the lip on the dust cover plate.

Is this normal? Is there something I'm supposed to do to engage the catch?

Also, I have a thread in the accessories forum that isn't getting much attention, but I need to know pretty fast about a belt loader I posted there. Need info on it by tomorrow or I'll lose it.

Thanks!

[ChevyM14]

my TNW is the same way. have not found a way to fix it thow.

[Claven2]

Hmm... I wonder if maybe it has something to do with the method used to convert the gun to semi or part of the process of converting it to fire from a closed bolt? Whatever the case, reading on the internet, it's supposed to clip shut until the trigger is pulled the first time which causes the catch to release and the door to spring open.

My TNW does not ever catch closed though.

Does anyone's TNW dust cover stay shut?

[pooka]

Hi, I had a TNW assembled '34, and I seem to remember it staying closed? I'm now building a '34 off a TNW rec and when gripstick on, the spring catch does not hold it closed, I actually broke the "m" shaped spring trying to bend it out alittle.,I ordered another one ($20), now it appears I don't really need it

[Claven2]

So... so far no one can report owning a TNW whose dust cover still latches huh?

[orione6a]

Well, let me chime in here. For what its worth, I have both a TNW and a Phil Ord dummy. I have the same problem you list with the TNW; the cover will not latch shut. Ironically, the Phil ord dummy, which is built on a matching parts set, latches. I think there must be a mod in the TNW grip stick that must be preventing the latch from functioning, since my unaltered grip stick on the Philly works just fine. I will try to look at it closer in the next few days, since i have both for comparison. I know that there is link between the latch and the grip stick, since when the ejector port cover is closed/latched shut, it pops open when the trigger is pulled. Thats my best guess. Hope that helps, I will post more info when i look at them closer

[bneer72]

I have owned over 6 different kits in my past lifetime and I found that the springs are usually broken that hold the dust cover closed. I found this out by comparing several different kits with both good and damaged springs on the grip assemblies. I noted that the undamaged springs stuck out farther than the damaged ones and when mounted to my Philadelphia Ordnance receiver only the one with the longer spring held the dust cover closed as per original intent.

[GrrArgh]

Does anybody know how to replace the spring? There is a pin in the gripstick that holds it. Is it pressed in? and how do you remove it?

[orione6a]

OK, Ive looked closely at my dust cover for the port. The spring that holds the dust cover closed is shaped like the top of a cane. If you try to close the cover by simply pressing on it, to swing it closed, it wont engage the spring. However, if you pull the trigger, the spring will retract (which is should). While squeezing the trigger, you can swing the ejection port cover closed, and THEN release the trigger. Once you do this, the spring will pop back into place, and hold the dust cover closed until the next time the trigger is pulled. SO, i think you will be able to close the bolt (empty chamber) and then close the cover. This would stay closed until you would have to squeeze to shoot. It should stay closed even while you rack the bolt, and load the weapon. Just prior to firing, the port cover will fly open. How neat!!

[dluch]

FYI - my TNW '34 dust cover closes & opens upon cocking gun.