Jump to content

Semi Auto Build


lathehand
 Share

Recommended Posts

Your safest bet is to contact BATFE Tech Branch and ask them. This way you won't be taking an extended vacation at Club Fed when your stopped with the firearm. :cop:

CaptMax

OK, I was thinking that someone in the past got the official story on building a semi only BM-59.

To be clear I am asking about using a Garand M1 receiver and a parts kit to make a semi rifle, not converting a select fire to semi auto only.

Edited by lathehand
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't know if you are doing the machine work itself or having it done by some one else. I had mine done. BM 59e kit on a modified M1 receiver.

 

If you are looking for a mag fed Garand, the e-kit will work pretty well. If you are looking for something like an Alpine or Nigerian, you'll be wasting your time with a Sarco kit. Too many differences.

 

The e kit is essentially a modified Garand. Almost the same stock, little shorter because of being 7.62. Gas cyclinder is a Garand type as well as the Op-rod.

 

The true BM 59s use a "drop-down" gas cyclinder. There is a pronounced gap between the barrle and gas cyclinder. Also use a couple of different compensators.

 

Take a trip over to Shuff's Parkerizing and follow the link to the "Battle Tested" forums. Lots of good info over there as well as the names of several folks who do the conversions.

 

The full auto BM 59 uses a trip very similar to the M2 carbine. A semi auto version wouldn't have the FA parts and there is a cut-out on the receiver that isn't machined (where the selector sits).

 

Either way you do it, it's going to get expensive.

 

Good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info.

I bought a folder kit from Northridge. I wanted to find out how to legally build the kit.

Since other posts have shown rifles built from parts kits I was hoping the legalities have already been settled.

Expensive? I was looking at some HK builds, now that gets expensive.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Am thinking the best way to approach the build is the way Beretta did the BM62/69 rifles. Essentially they were the same as the BM59-- they lacked the parts and machining that would have made them a select fire rifle. They also complied with provisions of import restrictions at the time, which accounts for no bayo lug, and the "no holes or slots" muzzle device.

 

Pretty much the same as the M1A. A M1A is not really a M14, but it is a look alike semi-auto. So it goes with the BM62/69...Not really a BM59 but looks the same.

 

It looks like the Northridge kit will need a front mag catch, op spring guide, bolt catch, op-rod, rear sight, lower band/clip and maybe a couple small springs and pins.

I've only looked at one of the Northridge kits in person. The parts were very nice and my feeling is they are a pretty good value considering just the folding stocks were bringing $400. or more not too long ago. Depending where you live, the tri-compensator may be an issue.

 

If you have access to a mill and the skill set you could probably modify a Garand receiver. The barrel needs to be cut back and new splines and threads cut. The lower band platform needs to be redonet to accommodate a real deal BM lower band. So you have to cost out a donor receiver and barrel along with labor to figure in.

 

Tim Shufflin can do the receiver and barrel you'll need to do a BM62/69 clone. Tony Giacobbe has receivers that accept BM59 mags. I've done business with both and they are honest people. Best to contact Tim or Tony as to pricing based on where you want to go with your build. Both guys have the ability to deliver their product with fairly short lead times which has not been true of other builders.

 

 

The only legal limiting factor, I'M GUESSING, is what your local or state laws allow regarding clip fed semi-auto weapons and whatever features or accessories they have on them.

 

As far a total cost and what is considered expensive that's up the person commisioning the build. One of the nice things about these is that they can incorporate the features you want. So you end up with the rifle you want.

 

One other thing.....The more you look at the BM series rifles, you'll see that Beretta really put together an excellent an versatile platform. Judging by the input on various boards the rifles perform quite well.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Greg

 

What needs to be done to build a semi auto only BM 59?
Grind off the auto sear or install a semi only trigger?
Anything else to make it legal?

Edited by ordmm
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 10 months later...

lathehand--- The semi-auto has no parts that link the op-rod to the sear. If you don't have the full auto parts, it's a semi-auto rifle.

You'll need a dedicated barrel vice and a good action wrench, a GO gage and a good understanding of how they work and building a kit is no more complicated than changing shocks, it just takes the RIGHT tools.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...