MG 08/15 - Need Advice

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

Hi old friends!

I am in the process of purchasing an MG 08/15 from a local gentleman here in MN. It comes with 1943 canvas Lewis belts which I'm told work okay with it. My question is, which parts would you check for wear that would make the gun run less reliably? Is it possible to see wear and determine roughly how functional the gun is before purchase, so worn out parts can be procured to help the gun out after buying it? What spares are good to have to keep it running? It comes with one spare lock assembly, an entire spare water jacket, and a spare barrel. Basic, what should I look for? Knowing nothing about the maxim operating system, I really need your advice in this. The gun is being offered at an attractive price, so I'm looking for problems that may be revealed so parts can be located if needed.

Thanks in advance.

It would be so good to get a belt fed back in my life! I miss my MG-42!

Kurt

[JBaum]

Not personally familiar with the 08/15, but do have manuals for it.

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

I know you do John! That may come later. For the moment, what I really need at the moment is The Devil's Paintbrush by Collector Guide Publications, hopefully a used copy to keep the cost down.

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

I want to thank Pat Cassidy publicly for providing hours of advice and even parts support for my upcoming MG 08/15 purchase. I really enjoy learning from fellow members and sharing info.

All you guys are awesome.

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

Hey John, I just bought your MG 08/15 manual "German LMG. MG 08/15 Manual 1933 English Translation' off eBay. Just couldn't live without it. Thanks old friend!

Kurt

[JBaum]

not a problem here, but the ebay seller sells my manuals for more than I do

I charge $18, postage included.

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

Well the manual had unexpectedly clear photos for a copy. I can actually see what the photos are demonstrating. It also fills in a few informational holes that The Devil's Paintbrush doesn't show. Great manual!

[JBaum]

I scan the photos at 600 dpi, and use Photoshop to enhance them, and I print the manuals at 1200 dpi.
Every photo is the best it can be, but some of them were really crap to start with, and I can only do so much. Often the pictures in the translation are better than they were in the originals. My wife calls me a perfectionist pain in the ass. I take it as a compliment

Glad you like your manual. I've been doing them for 17 years now.

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

I scan the photos at 600 dpi, and use Photoshop to enhance them, and I print the manuals at 1200 dpi.
Every photo is the best it can be, but some of them were really crap to start with, and I can only do so much. Often the pictures in the translation are better than they were in the originals. My wife calls me a perfectionist pain in the ass. I take it as a compliment

Glad you like your manual. I've been doing them for 17 years now.

The attention to such detail shows in the excellent clarity of the photos! The rest of us obsessive compulsive military collectors salute you. Thanks John!