Time to get started.............

Post by **paintmanmatt** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 1:35 pm

Well, I've come to the realization that I need to start collecting kit/parts and get an M53/mg42 started. I know I missed out on alot of deals & way better prices from not too long ago, but I was committed to other projects, not to mention work.
My original plan was to save up a large chunk of change & get everything I needed at the best "package deal". Reality has set in, & turns out I can't stop buying stuff, so I was thinking of collecting parts in stages.
First up always seems to be an origingal "kit"......I am thinking about getting one of the Centerfire kits. I've heard from a few guys that most of the current kits have the long cut shrouds and I'm aware of no bipod & de-milled barrel.
Next stage, thinking about one of the new US 8mm barrels. I'm not totally sure of the 922r count, but figured a US barrel wouldn't hurt.
I have a mig and a mini-mill, so BRP receiver halves would be next on the list.
Semi-parts are going to be last in the collection phase. I'm going to attempt to do as much as the work and mods that I can. As of now, thinking of using original grip-stick w/AR FCG.
Also aware that I'll probably need the other misc parts: bbl ext, buffers, bushings, rails (maybe), but the kit will dictate what I need on that end.
Will probably cost me a little more doing it this way in the long run, but I've been talking about it for a couple of years and don't have my first part yet..........what I do have is a built Thompson, AK, a couple of 1919 kits & tripods since I decided I wanted an M53/mg42. So maybe you can see why I'll probably just order the Centerfire kit tonight..........Once I start something, it's all good. It's just taking that first plunge.

If anyone sees fault in my method of madness, please let me know, Matt

Post by **BernieT** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 7:48 pm

Hi Matt..!,,and welcome....I bought my front shroud un-cut from Brian at BRP, and all the rest of it as a kit from him. tourch cut in 2 places,,super service and very knowledgable,,, a square front trunion will save tons of other alignment issues. I have not built a semi thou, so using a complete receiver, or weld together pieces (cold steel solutions etc.) are made easier with some viewing of the stickies on our board, they will guide you correctly..!
Good luck..!.Bernie

Post by **paintmanmatt** » Sat Jul 28, 2012 8:46 am

Got my kits in from Centerfire! Pretty happy with the kits (got 2 to be safe....glad I did). One kit is pretty nice, both have the long cut shrouds with plenty of meat left and pretty true around the cam section. Kit #2 is missing the rear sight and has a bullet hole in the shroud! Both have nice cuts at the nose, plenty of metal left to just cut the slag area off. Most of the internals look great.
On my way to a BBQ, so I'll have to upload pics later tonight or tomorrow.
Now for the fun part of figuring out which semi route I'm going to go & start collecting those parts.

Matt

Post by **paintmanmatt** » Sat Jul 28, 2012 8:53 am

Here's a couple to tide you over. These are of kit #1. More to come as I find time.

Matt

Post by **paintmanmatt** » Sun Jul 29, 2012 12:30 pm

I originally ordered 2 kits to have spares & I didn't really have the confidence I would get 1 nice complete kit. Kit #2 does have some small cosmetic issues, but with the bullet hole, I'm gonna have to build them both now (or actually later). Kind of like the idea of having one like new & the second as a battle field pick-up complete with bullet hole. lol I may even keep the bend in the charging handle, so I can have "before & after" operational semi-models...........