Convert 1918A3 BAR to 1918 pattern,parts ?

[Ivan]

Have a OOW 1918A3. Even tho it shoots a bit slow,it is next best thing to a 1918A2.

Would like to convert it to WWI pattern 1918 type.It just seems to handle better as John M Browning designed it.

Where to get the wood and a flash hider ?

How about the early type trigger group without the "wings" ?

 

The early pattern rear sight. Can a M1917 Enfield sight work ?

Edited April 10, 2013 by Ivan

[anticus]

I think Deerslayer can make you a stock and forend.

[emmagee1917]

Agree , Dan Block is the wood go-to guy.

You will need to remove your stock buffer assmly , I believe. The 1918 stock is shorter OAL and your mount needs to be , too. The early stock uses the 1917 Enfield buttplate and screws.

The rear sight is based on the 1917 also , and I think the ladders are the same , but the base "U" it fits into is strictly BAR.

The charging handle will need to be changed to the early style.

You are aware of the trigger housing.

The barrel will need to be replaced with the lighter , early style.

The gas regulator will need to be the old style that does not have the hole for a brass case to adjust , not one of the two later styles.

The flash hider will need to be the early type without the bipod mounts.

Also , it will need to be refinished in the high polish period blue of the time.

Parts are a catch as catch can , and early parts are expensive.

This place has most of the parts you'll need. He is expensive-ish , but is an honest and trustworthy man , and he does have stuff noone else does. He might make you a package deal . He cut me a good price on an early wood A2 stock this last SAR show because I had bought a few parts in the past .

http://www.bmgparts.com/bar.html

Good luck and we want pictures !!!

Chris

[RoscoeTurner]

You can go to the reference area of the full auto section for additional information about the differences in parts.

 

http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14682

[Ivan]

Thanks for the info fellows !

Looks like this will be a long term project. Finding someone to do the high luster blue finish will be tough.Lots of Bubbas out there bluing guns.

Do not mind paying an arm or a leg,just do not want to pay an arm AND a leg.

 

Guess BMG has the parts. Always scared when I see "call for price".................

[anticus]

Whoever did the blue finish on my 21a clone did a superb job. PK farmed it out as part of the project, but I don't know who he uses.

Or try Turnbull Restorations, if your pockets are deep enough. Frankly it might be more cost effective to sell your A3 and shop around for a semi 1918.

OOW made a limited run of these a few years back and they are gorgeous.

Edited April 11, 2013 by anticus

[emmagee1917]

And most of the 50% or so more they charged for them was directly related to the high polish finish labor costs .

Chris