I think it would be pretty easy to use either the MG3 or the WW2 style tripod to perform the same function as the Akins Accelerator. Just mount the mechanism to pull the trigger on the upper part of the tripod, but not on the part that moves. Therefore, as the gun recoils in the spring loaded mechanism, the trigger is released. As the MG moves forward in the spring mount, the trigger is depressed again by the relatively stationary mechanism that you devise to pull (press) the trigger.
Seems like it wouldn't take much engineering at all to set up. Remember everybody, it if works and is legal (it should be), I thought of it first!
Yeah! HE thought of it first! So, Atkins' patent lawyer can sue HIM instead of me! (As I understand patent law, the fact is that an IMPROVEMENT on an existing patented concept is still patentable by someone else, so the concept of taking an MG3 and doing this sort of thing SHOULD be workable, although patenting it for production would probably not be economically viable. Far too small a market and the vast majority of purchasers are those who build their own modified weapons in the first place, so all it would take is someone to buy the first one and take it apart on the website with pictures, and we'd all be making our own most likely any way. The only real issue I could see would be getting a prototype built and submitted to the tech branch to get a letter stating that they do not consider it a machine gun or a part to convert anything into a machine gun (as it would only extend the trigger to the rear as it moves with the gun, where one's finger could increase the rate of legal semi-automatic fire by proper technique) then the only question would be a matter of the most efficent and still legal design.
If ATF can rule that a shoe string is a machine gun, then they could certainly rule that a Lafette is one too. Ya just never know. If I didn't have an FA MG42 already, I'd sure rig it up to try. Even if you just held a J shaped piece of steel rod in one hand with the hook on the trigger, and rested your wrist against the stationary part of the tripod it would work.
Reichpapers - If you get totally confused and frustrated maybe I can come by and the two of us can figure it out. I am about 1-2 hours away, near Gettysburg. If you had a gunshow in the area, I could do the show and we could spend the rest of a long day with your pile of parts.
I got mine from aleg arsonal and it is nice just has apple paint over there is original paint visible underneigth where chipped and it was alot cheaper then 1400 and includes some shoulder straps and the aa leg
Great men are born in fire, it is the privilege of lessor men to light the flame, no matter the cost
FOR M60 GOTO http://WWW.M60MG.COM
nra lifer
mvpa 31698
46 cj2a
54 m37
56 CJ3B U.S. Navy
t24/m29 weasel
You are better off getting one from Allegheny, which comes with a nice set of repro sling straps: bought mine form them: placed my order over the phone and within a week received it, for $995.00 plus shipping.
The straps from IMA can vary in their finnish: bought an extra set and ended with an old looking piece full of cracks on one of the straps.
My straps from IMA were described and pictured as new made quality all leather construction for $95. plus $10.00 hand select fee. I suspect they are post war Yugoslavian as they appear very old. The leather would probably break if used to carry the tripod, and they are missing the D-ring and swivel hook at the end of both straps. I will return them. The Lafette I also got from IMA is a bit beat up but is otherwise a magnificant copy of the German version. I also intend to fully restore mine as time allows. The canvas pads and chipped yugo green paint makes me cringe sometimes but the basics are there.
(As I understand patent law, the fact is that an IMPROVEMENT on an existing patented concept is still patentable by someone else, so the concept of taking an MG3 and doing this sort of thing SHOULD be workable, although patenting it for production would probably not be economically viable. Far too small a market and the vast majority of purchasers are those who build their own modified weapons in the first place, so all it would take is someone to buy the first one and take it apart on the website with pictures, and we'd all be making our own most likely any way. The only real issue I could see would be getting a prototype built and submitted to the tech branch to get a letter stating that they do not consider it a machine gun or a part to convert anything into a machine gun (as it would only extend the trigger to the rear as it moves with the gun, where one's finger could increase the rate of legal semi-automatic fire by proper technique) then the only question would be a matter of the most efficent and still legal design. 
