M53 .308 (it works)

[dsarms]

I just got a semi Wiselite built M53 in 8mm, it was a single shot till I installed a MG3 top cover, MG3 feed tray, MG3 flashider and MG74(7.62 MG42) barrel. Now it works perfect!!

The action in 8mm stuck, was hard to cock and would not advance the belt. I tried 8mm Yugo ammo, it was a fail. Now with the MG3 parts it is smooth and works great.

Whats weird is I left the 8mm booster in instead of replacing it(still waiting for the bearing) with a MG3 bearing.

I guess modern improved MG3 parts help these semi M53s alot.

[42rocker]

Great, glad that it's working for you now.
At some time double check the parts that you removed... It has been stated by others here that a mix of German and Yugo parts can cause problems..

Have fun with the mg

Later 42rocker

[dsarms]

How do I check is there a sticky somewhere with pics?

My cover has a crest on it and some small proof marks.

[42rocker]

I'm working on something to help with the German parts. I posted a list of Yugo parts numbers on this site. The main part is that you look for number on the parts under the top cover. With a big crest on the cover yours is probility Yugo. If the parts have numbers like (from my post)
Top Cover unit parts
main body s-s112-24913
Pawl units
top plate s114-19245
bottom plate s113-19241
Feed Lever s-s113-24914
pressure plate s-s114-24589
Feed Tray S-S114-2616
Then you have yugo parts. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll have pics and listings up on the German parts. One of the mods was stating that mixing the parts can lead to problems... He knows more than I do for sure.
Also another place to check out markings is
http://www.brpguns.com/mg42.htm
check out the markings that he has posted..

Glad to hear that its working with 308... RA RA RA

Later 42rocker

[dsarms]

For all I know it could have been the 8mm ammo i hear its only for bolt action rifles. But I don't really care I just wanted a 308 in the first place.

[42rocker]

Well at this point in time you have one that works in .308.. Me, I'm still looking at a pile of parts that I hope to build someday into something that works..
Also you have parts that might help you to get one going in 8mm at a later date.

Wish I had a working one. Enjoy LIFE....

Later 42rocker

[jamesw1]

Funny my M53 seems to work better with the 8mm booster with 308 ammo also but slower rate of fire. Go figure.

[noonxnoon]

Hmm...I guess it could be ok shooting 308 with the 8mm booster & flash hider...since the hole is bigger...guess no risk of blasting through metal with a smaller hole.

...but as stated...the 308 might not cycle as fast as one might think as the gasket isn't as tight so the gases aren't forcing the bolt back, etc.

If I am wrong...I am sure I'll be corrected!

I don't know if there is a risk of damaging your rifle though with using 308 through an 8mm booster/FH.

[dsarms]

I have a 308 Bearing to try in MG3 flashider/booster, The action seemed too cyclic normal with the 8mm booster.