New MG42/M53 build

[Grapeape]

This is where I am starting from. How critical are exact dimensions? I am starting my measures using brp scamatics and am wondering if the cut length has to be to the .001" or is there some wiggle room. I plan on cutting off about .125" to square everything up. I took all my measures off the camming block and took the measurements for the front recuperator screw hole for the new receiver frame

[Der Alder]

Man, that is a super nice long front shroud section. Most like the ones I've built were cut in front of the first rail hole. Whatever you do keep as much of that length as you can and just square it. Having the rail and recuperator holes will be a big plus. I've used the Global Machining shells BTW, so I'm not familiar with the BRP shells.

The measurement from the rear of the cam section opening ("cam window") to the rear (buttstock end) of receiver is 382mm (15.039'') according to the MG42 armorers manual. Spec. say it can be short by .2mm .

14.562'' from rear camming piece face to end of receiver. First rail rivet hole 3.000'' from end of receiver.

Total length from end to end should be close to 37 11/16"

My overall length turned out 2mm long but had no effect on the gun.

Use your top cover for trimming the latch area leaving it proud and taking only off enough to get it to latch. Something I did to double check my grip hanger location was I used my Laffete tripod (if you have one) for a jig...pop the front shroud's mount in place and the rear mount will show where the grip hanger/mount will go on the receiver.

Hope this help you out.

[Grapeape]

Yes that is a help. I will take the measurements from the cam to my cut on the shroud and then measure cut to rear and add together. And that should be 15.039". Thanks

[WhitePatriot77]

Updated Build tutorial I am doing at the guild may help .Can I post the link here ?I have been a member here for awhile helping out now and then. I greatly appreciate a lot I have learned here as well as sharing.Now I am doing an updated tutorial over there but Im sure many here would find it beneficial.

[Grapeape]

i am finally back to working on my build and i have run into a hiccup. i am getting ready to cut the slot the changing handle and my measurements don't look right.

these measurements are taken from the buttstock end. the right hand mark is 8.110 inch as to the print.

when i looked at the bottom print. the measurements are different that are being used as a reference by .200 inch and that will take it closer to the corner but not all the way. i will still have to cut a bigger notch for it to be square

my question is which one do i go with for measurements and if these measurements are not correct, can someone give me the correct ones. i believe that the print that i am using is the one from brian at brp

[roadrunner]

I ran into this same discrepancy during my first build. Print hasn't changed. 8.310 is the right number.

[Grapeape]

so the 8.310 is just a rough number. it looks like i will have to go about 8.400 for it to be square. will that work

[Grapeape]

can i get someone to post pics of a charging slot so i can make sure that i am doing this cut correct

[along]

So I am just starting my build, and I bought a coldsteel 80% blank, it came with the charging handle slot cut out.

would you want a picture of that?