M1918 BAR back from John Andrewski

[nate129]

In a prior post (http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24898) I mentioned a few issues found in a Winchester m1918 recently acquired from Jerry at Recon Ordinance at Fond Du Lac WI. Jerry had me send the gun to John Andrewski for repairs.

 

I recently received the 1918 back from John. All issues have been corrected. The installed Winchester barrel was determined to be fairly worn by gauging but still had some life left. John found it would not head space correctly and evidence suggested a prior owner struggled with some problems due to this. Jerry sent a nearly new 1918 dated Marlin barrel, he traded for the Winchester barrel and covered all the costs of the barrel installation. The Marlin barrel headspaced and indexed correctly. John noted the gun had been re-blued in the past. I had John re-blue the entire gun plus all my A2 parts (previously parkerized) so everything is matching (the ROT A2 lower has that slight purple tone due to the metal). John was able to sand out all the scratches in the receiver and much of the pitting. He removed the A2 rear sight and replaced with a Winchester 1918 sight that I purchased from a board member. He was also able to secure the loose bushing in the foregrip. A reproduction 1918 early regulator from BMG parts was installed. Also a a new front grip screw from BMG.

 

I am on Mr. Dan Block's list for a set of reproduction 1918 wood so I won't damage this original Winchester wood when shooting. Apparently the high comb stock is a rarer variety. For now I will shoot it with A2 hardware, and probably the A2 lower to reduce wear on the original Winchester lower. I did try the A2 lower with 1918 (short) buffer, I was told the gun would function semi auto in "slow" selection with the short buffer but by hand cycling that is not the case. My main range is semi only (plus the national ammo crunch...) so not looking to do mag dumps.

 

Here are some photos. John did some great work, he really knows the 1918 platform. His costs to refinish the gun was reasonable. I would certainly recommend his services to others. Jerry at Recon Ordinance took care of the problems, I would also recommend him as a reliable dealer.

 

Edited December 20, 2020 by nate129

[jim c 351]

nate,

Thanks for your very valuable report and pics.

You ended up with a beautiful BAR and a mint barrel.

You will do just fine with Dan Block. He made 2 BAR stocks for me and they look great.

Jim C

[David]

Nice. Im having my Marlin BAR sent to be turned into a modernized gun.

[minimike]

Nate129 quote: I had John re-blue the entire gun plus all my A2 parts (previously parkerized) so everything is matching

 

Polished Blue or a Matte Blue? Couldnt really tell from the pictures. After the holidays, Im planning on having my A2 parts polished and Rust Blued. I need a M1918 modified hand guard too.

[heavy artillery]

Excellent report and it's good to hear they made it right: a nice functional BAR (plus a great set of accessories). They took care of you and you have a few great references to boot. We're fortunate to have such knowledgeable and competent gunsmiths available to the community.

[maxfaxdude]

John does great work. He totally rebuilt and refinished a broken Sten I bought for cheap that was in bad disrepair and now it looks great and runs like a top!

[jl7422]

John recently serviced, repaired and refinished a Group BAR for me. Excellent work and delivered as promised.

[NFA amnesty]

John does an excellent job.

Edited December 31, 2020 by NFA amnesty

[nate129]

Nate129 quote: I had John re-blue the entire gun plus all my A2 parts (previously parkerized) so everything is matching

 

Polished Blue or a Matte Blue? Couldnt really tell from the pictures. After the holidays, Im planning on having my A2 parts polished and Rust Blued. I need a M1918 modified hand guard too.

 

Matte blue. John was capable of polished blue job, but the price is higher and a longer delay for the work. I was not looking for a safe queen so decided against the polished blue. Plus to be able to go A2 now and then, the polished blue does not seem to fit that configuration as well.

[darrylta]

I wonder if John A. or you can tell us something regarding pricing.

Just a ball park would be good, knowing that the starting condition controls

most of the labor cost.

Thanks,

Darryl

[nate129]

Darryl, I don't have a complete picture on pricing as all of the barrel and head space work was paid by the dealer. John did say I could give out his contact info for those interested in his work, please private message me if you'd like it.