Sarge

About as hard as it is to find ANY C & R Sten. They are somewhere between uncommon as hell and Rare! I would guess that 90 - 95% of the privately owned/transferrable Stens are tube guns. Sarge

You can buy one of the Yougo M53 tripods for not a lot more than the MG 3 and be 100% correkt! That's what I use. Some day I'll find a repro German range table and replace the Jougo one. No idea what you could do to increase the semi rate of fire on either a 34 or 42 repro. This is the first I've hear about Ft Campbell. Might, If I'm not out of the country, which is a good possibility at this point. I'll be back for a week in mid Feb, but am expecting to do a quick turn around. Sarge

I agree - WHAT are you doing using an MG 3 looking tripod/lafette? That doesn't even look close to an original. The true value of an MG 42 is the sound of the gun firing, since that sound can ever be duplicated with an SA you had just as well have a G 43. With an SA 34 you can "Almost" get the true sound. Hell the gas gun 42s are better than the semis for sound level/volume. Unless things have changed back east there was never a lack of 34s u. 42s at battles, maby not as many as we would like, but quite a few. Always varied from battle to battle what was there. As said before, there are both 34 & 42 semis for sale. You never know what will pop up when. Since there have been more 34s sold than 42s there will probably always be more 34s for sale. Sarge

Ahh, now you want to expands the discussion to ALL semi look alikes - WHY? I gave a specific reason for not liking the 42 semi and compared it to a semi that very much simulated an original FA. NO, I would not reccomend OR encourage anyone to buy a 10/22 - Or ANY ruger product. Have heard that the son is better than the old man, but bill r sure was not the friend of anyone who didn't buy a ruger! He supported such anti gun legislation as the mag capacity ban! I am not at all looking down my nose at those who have semi versions of the real thing! I very much understand the situation of those who live in the 10 anti gun states that do not allow FAs. They get what they are allowed. Same goes for those who can not afford the cost of the real thing. FA prices are beyone reason and have been for better than 15 yrs. My question was, and hasn't been answered yet, Why is he interested in a semi? Speaking of which I've heard from a lot of people that the 34s often gave problems till tinkered with, but then most worked fine. I've not hear much about the 42s exept that some have had problems with them as well. I'm fortunate that I started collecting this stuff in the mid 1950s. Of course what cost $25-30. then was almost as expensive as that same item at $10+K now because I was going to college and working part time for 50¢ an hour and it would take 2 or 3 months to save up $25-30. Sarge

I have the real thing so I've probably got a different view point than those that can't afford a real MG or live in a state that doesn't allow private ownership. To me the 42 semi is a total waste of time! It can never be made to sound like, or even close to, the real thing, which is what is attractive about a 42 - its distinctive sound. The 34 is a bit better, but still not real close. The semi BAR is one that can be worked fast enuf with a bit of practice to sound like a real one. Never been around a semi 1919A4, but it would probably be the same as the BAR. Soo, it depends on what you want and why you want it. If all you want is a 25 - 26 lb semi auto rifle that looks different and draws lots of attention at the range, then go for it. I see semi 34s with some regularity on the different boards and an occasional 42. Sarge

Got to disagree with you on this one - Big Time! If the grease gun canvas covers are not original - because they wouldn't have been "stored" with a mag inserted, then the same must apply to the canvas Thompson cases which came in both 20 & 30 rd mag variants. There is also the leather scabbard/case for the Thompson with a 20 rd mag, guess it is no good either. Also if these guns were not meant to be "stored" with the mag inserted then the same must apply to the M1 Carbine, for which cases to hold them with mags inserted exist in both canvas AND leather. Last but not least is the leather BAR case - which will hold the BAR with a mag, but not with the bipod. Guess it is also not an original item, especially since it wouldn't hold the BAR/bipod. Sarge

Darn good deal, even considering postage. Originals are near impossible to find and almost 10X that price. The few originals, including mine, I've seen or seen photos of were unmarked, but the early ones might have been??? Course the markings on that one are dufus! Typical European attempt to write something in English. Sarge

That went for a very good price! I'm surprised it didn't bring at least $400. I got $380 for mine about a year ago and figured I had priced it cheap as quick as it sold. There were no markings on mine except for something stenciled on the outside. I'd put up a photo, but haven't figured out how to do so! Sarge

This is the first time I have heard this info. Also a good posibility that he got enuf unhappy responses about the flash powder that he quit putting it in his reenactor blanks? He still loads his blanks way hotter than necessary on everything, as far as I know. The BFA hole size for all of his blanks that I'm familiar with is larger than for anyone elses blanks. I know of guys who have had problems with their weapons after using his blanks for a while. I have only bought 45 blanks from him, but have gotten them from else where for the past 3+ years. Sarge That's very good news. It means your flash and noise is only coming from the powder, not from something with more corrosive potential.

Hell, why not just remove the blish lock completely? I've heard that the Brits did so with many of their Thompsons. I had a friend many years ago who blank adapted a 21 Thompson. As far as I know all he did was install a BFA. I have 2 M1A1s and the hole size is different for each one because of the difference in recopil springs. The holes are drilled with #19 & 22 drill bits. I Do NOT reccomend swansons blanks as they are loaded hot as hell and at least some have flash powder to give a good muzzle flash for the movies. I reccomend Richard Satterfield - Blanksguy2001@chartermi.net. I've used his blanks for many years. Sarge

What kind of transport? For the M1/M1A1 there was the leather saddle scabbard as used on motorcycles & jeeps and there was 2 canvas zippered full cover cases made for guns with both the 20 & 30 rd mags. There was also a canvas case for use by Cavalry that held a 28/28A1 with pockets for the gun and the stock seperate. Seems like these also had a pocket for a 50 rd drum, but? Beyond that I have no idea. Sarge

Looks interesting, will have to go back and look it over in detail. There are several MP 40 II guns in the US. A friend had one 15 yrs ago. We took it out and shot it a couple of times. That showed me why the gun was not popular with the German troops and not many were made - some of them converted back to regular MP 40s - It is a Very awkward gun to carry or shoot because of all the extra weight. The houlsing probably weighs as much/more than a loaded mag so you have basicly 3 loaded mags hanging on an MP 40. Sarge

No reason it couldn't be done - IF the forging is the right kind of steel. You a class 2 or class 3? Sarge

Yep! Thanx! I was totaly blank on the mod & nationality of the gun. Same bolt & recoil assy but they did the fixed firing pin on the bolt face like the Grease gun and just put a plug in the end of the recoil assy. I got my set back when they were $100, but the current price beats the hell out of original parts! I probably should buy another set for one of my other 2 shooters but haven't gotten around to it, I just switch the one I've got between guns. When I got mine it was new & greasy, I expect what they have now is the same. I have 30+ FAs, but I've been collecting them for 55 years. My first MP 40 was about $20, the first MP 44 about $25. Course in those days I was working in the hay fields in the summer for 50-75¢ an hour so cost was a lot of money, near 40 hrs for the $20. Which was actually better money than when I went into the Navy at $72 a month. Sarge

I'd have to agree - $25-30K. A Winchester makes it a WW 1 M1918 with tube flash hider, no mag guides on front of thrigger hsg and w/o bipod. If it has been upgraded to 1918A2 configuration it would knock the value a bit, but not a great deal to the Winchester fanatics. Sarge

That is a not wartime German leather pouch. Pretty sure it is post war Norwegian. To the best of my knowlege all of the wartime held 3 mags were black, marked, and the mags fit flat just like the web pouches. I have seen quite a few sets and have a single dated 42. The side with the mag loader pocket has the pocket on the face of the pouch over the center mag. IMA is Not always truthfull about describing what they sell! They infer something without actually saying one way or the other. Best to specify if you want original and tell them you won't accept a repro or non original pattern item. Rather than the expensive original bolt/recoil assy you should buy one of the - can't remember the post war gun - with a fixed firing pin on the bolt face and none on the recoil assy that IMA is selling. Altho a good bit more expensive now than when I bought mine several yrs ago, beats using the orig and breaking a fireing pin or more likely, an extractor. The original recoil springs are also known to die. Is your fxo an all matching original? What are the markings on the phosfate mags? All I've ever seen, thru 44 dated, are blued. The unmarked post war, so called CIA mags, are parkerized. MP 40s are fun! I got my first one at about 17, my first Thompson about a year later. I now have 10 MP 40s - 3 tube guns & 7 originals - and 2 Thompsons. Thompsons don't really imprees me so sold the first one a year or so after I got it and it was 30+ years later before I bought another one. Sarge

I took my 10 yr old niece and 11 yr old nephbew out shooting last Aug and among the 11 guns I took was my M1A1 Thompson. Both shot it and enjoyed doing so. IF they are talking snapping turtles, most states don't have any restrictions because they are considered varmits, like a cyote. that does sound like fun. I used to lay on the pond dam and shoot them in the head with a 22. Here they are - posed for the camera because no one thought to take photos while they were shooting, and there were 2 cameras there. Oh well, what else is new? Well, I guess not, this site wants a url? - don't got no such! I'm used to sites that let you got directly to your computer for photos. Sarge

Very good point! I had forgotten about that fact. Best to get everything ready and then send it in about 1 Apr (lovely date) and request that the lisc Not be issue till 1 July. Unless you are willing to give them $500 for 2 or 3 months that is. It will take from 60 to 90 days to get the whole thing done and if you do not specify other wise those bastards WILL issue you a lisc effective 1 jun and the next day mail you a renewal form due back before 1 July. I've known it to happen!!! Sarge

No, I'm not talking about the tension spring that holds the muzzle nut in place. I'm talking about the lip above the nut that is to hold the K98k style muzzle cover in place. Sarge

All but one. I don't see the lip on the front sight to hold the muzzle cover that should be on all the early ones. That is also an MP 38 muzzle nut. Can't remember seeing that on a 40. That's one I need. I have a 122 40, but am looking for a 660 40 because I prefer Steyr. Course I also need 44 & 45 dated MP 40s too. Sarge

Either the 5320 or your C&R lisc and a copy - NEVER take the original, put it in a safe deposit box or similar secure stroage place, of your form 4 authorizes you to travel thru Non private ownership states - such as ill - but DO NOT stop and take the gun out to shoot it with a friend in one of those states, you loose your federal travel protection. It is also permitted to take it into a motel room at night if your travels require you to stop overnight in a non gun state. Best to pack the gun in a closed container, maby something that does not resemble a gun case, and put it on the bottom of all the stuff you pack in your trunk. IF stopped for any reason, Never volunteer that you have it! Most (90+%) of law enforcement have NO idea what a form 4 or 5320 is and how to respond to it when shown to them. I've had them tell me that my form 3 or 4 was no longer any good because the sellers lisc had expired a couple of years before. I'm a class 3 dealer and I carry a Thompson, Sten or CAR 15 openly on the front seat of my vehicle when on the road. I've had some interesting conversations with state troopers, deputy sheriffs and city polizei over the years. I've also taught unusual/uncommon weapons to the local PD & Sheriff depts, that is why I know that 90+% of them don't have a clue. Sarge

Well, all you need to do to get a "class 3 stamp" is to buy a transferrable MG. The stamp comes glued on to the approved form 4 transfer papers. IF on the other hand you mean that you want to get a class 3 dealers lisc that is a very different deal. That will cost you $500 a year + the cost of an FFL - IF you don't already have one. A new FFL now days will cost you about $200 for the first 3 years. So $700 to spend immediately and then wait for 2 to 6 months for the lisc to be approved and get to you. NO, All the pre 86 weapons have not been sold. They are bought and sold on a regular basis - Always for "higher prices!" MGs are just where ever you find then - there isn't a store to go to and take your pick. Watch the different gun boards, especially those who have sections on MGs. IF you haven't done a good bit of research then be prepared for a massive shock. ALL full auto weapons prices are in outer space - rapidly approaching Pluto!!! You say you want to "get a small inventory," That's not hard to do if you have around $100K to spend. For example that $100K will get you one Thompson, one Mg 42 and maby(?) an original Sten gun. I doubt you would have any $ left to buy ammo. The Deffiniton of SOT is: Special Occupation Taxpayer = Class 3 dealer. The single major problem you will encounter - Presuming you have a place of business that is zoned for what you want to do and thus can get all your licsenses (fed, state & local) - is a total lack of money to buy what you want when it pops up. I've been a Class 3 dealer for 30 years. Sarge

I had my 10 yr old Niece & 11 year old Nephew out shooting a week ago. They had never shot anything before. They shot my MAC 10, 9mm. MP 40 & M1A1 Thompson in that order. All shooting was standing, off hand. I then took them over the my Mod 92 Win, M16, FN FAL select fire and BAR. All were fired standing except the BAR. You've got to start them young! Sarge

If original try $12-15K. A tube gun now sells for $8 - 9K. Sarge

I'm not familiar with the book you referr to, but your MP 41 mags have the standard proofing. Don't think I've ever seen one marked differently. What do you mean by H in a circle - where is this at? Do your mags have MP 41 over Patent Schmeisser over Haenel in an arrow on the left side? Sarge