Sixty Gunner

RIA are ok for "civilian blaster-grade" guns but they're basically reverse-engineered copies of a real sixty, like most of the other non-military-contract manufacturers out there. However, if you get an M60--any M60--Desert Ordnance (the civilian-sales side of US ordnance, the MK43 people) will rebuild your gun to proper spec in about a week. They turned my old shot-out Charles erb gun into an as-new MK-43 complete with a warranty for less than the cost of a cheap 9mm subgun. They'll fix whatever ails any M60 you happen to buy.

Sean, Thank you. I now use these and they're fantastic.

Correction to the above. There is nothing wrong with Charles Erb's M60s. I think that they're among the best of the non-military-produced guns because he used quality steel and he put the serial number on the trunion, not on a side rail. The man has built hundreds of machine guns over the years and he's still out there and available for consultation of you ever have a problem with anything he built. But realistically, almost any gun built pre-86 has had any problems fixed by now, so I wouldn't be worrying about such things too much.

I just had this discussion with Charlie Erb last week. His take: the guns were designed with the thought that, as combat weapons, they would have a short life. The bolt/op rod wear issue is just something that any 60 operator is going to have to put up with. Grab replacements whenever you see them and keep an eye on your own for wear. As for the ones being flogged on Gunbroker, he says "trash". Another dealer I know says most should work or can be made to work. I personally hunt for those without repairs and that means I want to handle and examine the parts before buying, ruling out internet sale sites for me. If you want good ones, US Ordnance / Desert Ordnance sells new-manufactured stuff that's made better than the old mil-spec stuff, but you'll pay for it.

Took it to Charlie Erb today. He milled the bolt out. The out of battery detonation blew the extractor up into the barrel collar. Not sure if it was the ammo or a worn op rod/bolt, but the gun now has a new op rod and bolt and runs like a raped ape. Thanks, Charlie!

No success today. I'll be taking the gun back to it's manufacturer tomorrow. Big sigh. Five months for the transfer, two hundred rounds fired, and it's going back for extensive and undoubtedly expensive repairs.

Sixty Gunner, Did a steel case get stuck and tear up some parts, or was there more to it? David Albert dalbert@sturmgewehr.com Far as we can tell, it's just locked. After speaking with the gun's builder, we're going to try heating it today and see if that lets us get it open.

Well I don't think it's totally trashed...but it's not receptive to any quick and easy repair. Range report Moral of the story: steel case ammo bad.

Nice. I just want the big stuffed bear that I spend a ton of cash trying to win for my gal with those one night.

So what is the typical M-60 owner here using to mount 100-round belts on their guns? The cardboard and fabric GI bandoleers don't seem that durable or easy to come buy. Anyone using anything else?