Semi Auto MG34?

[Willie_715]

Any of you know what modifications are made to make the MG34 semi auto? I know there is a couple of places selling semi auto versions and now that I have a parts kit I want to build one? I plan on buying a Phillie Ord 80%receiver and I have a couple of buddies who have access to CNC machines that I was going to have them finish the machine work. I would like to know all that I can before starting this project.

[Rivaltm]

i have the TNW semi auto kit/receiver

I would recommend going with their receiver kit. Not only does it come with the complete receiver, but the other semi auto trigger group parts, springs, etc you need, and a reasonably detailed isntruction guide on the conversion process

i don't have a machine shop, so mine isn't done yet, but the machine work is fairly straightforward

the toughest part is getting the threaded bit that holds the barrel jacket to the receiver aligned right. with the TNW you have to use the old receiver's part, and weld it in. If you don't get it at the right depth, the barrel jacket will be a bear to remove. The first time mine was done, it wouldn't close at all. Now it'll close but it requires a rubber mallet.

only other tricky part is the rivets to put the locking rings into the new receiver (Another bit you get from the old one). The rivets come with the kit but i haven't figured out how to use them yet.

[rynich]

Phil reseicer needs to be Broached a mill won't get it done unless you are very skilled. A long shapper may work, you better off getting the TNW, or rewelding a cut one. For more info go to panzer46.net.

[fire for effect]

Wow a semi Auto MG34 sounds very interesting. Tell me, What is the expectant cost of such a project???

[rynich]

Well, you would have to find a kit probably had between $400.00-$1000.00 anymore. A cut receiver you reweld to legal approved operation Semi only I do not know where you would find one at this time price who knows! You can get an approved semi only from TNW for around $1800.00 this would have to be shipped to your FFL. Then machining of parts for the Semi compliance $200.00 to $500.00 unless you can do that yourself. So your basically looking at $3000.00 to $3500.00 for one you can sell like any other rifle. You can always find stuff cheaper or trade or do most of it yourself etc... but if you don't have those skills then expect this kind of cost. Now I did find one for sale for $2800.00 the other day.

That is basically the going rate right now, I may have listed things a little pricey but I think it is realistic.

[rynich]

Rivaltm,
Send me a pic or post one of the rivets and I can probably help you out, rivets are easy most of the time it just takes the right tools bucking bars or plates.

[Rivaltm]

I can't put up a pic at the moment - i'll have to take a few in a day or two. for now all i can is describe them. The guy at TNW descibed them as "Hot rivets" but so far that description has drawn blank stares from machinists i've talked to

they're solid steel shafts with a slightly larger "head" on them.

they slide right into the holes they're meant for

[brownknees]

"Hot rivets" were designed to be heated to about red hot then "burred" at the shaft end while still hot, using a tool with a recessed dome or flat at one end & a shaped punch at the other. The idea was to have them contract as they cooled & make the fit even tighter than cold riveting can do.
I'm not sure if that applies here, but that's how it works in other applications.
(Its like those film clips you see of the construction of the Empire State building where 2 guys sit on the "I" beam & pound on something steaming going thru the vertical beams.)
:eek:

[rynich]

Brownknees is correct on the hot rivet. Just get some MAPgas and get one at a time a good red them hammer, press, or rivetgun them in place.