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MGMike

Corporal
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Everything posted by MGMike

  1. That is the reason why the late Blake Stevens labeled it "The Trigger Group from Hell".... The whole idea was to combine semi-auto and full-auto in a single trigger assembly without a separate selector switch. It was an early attempt at what we'd call today a progressive trigger, in which the length of pull determines the mode of fire. Short pull is semi, longer pull is full. In semi-auto the MG34's trigger's travel is mechanically blocked from going all way back; pulling the lower portion of the trigger for full-auto lifts the block so the assembly can go back further and hold down the disconnector. In practice it was more complexity and trouble than it was worth. One might imagine that the Germans would have learned this during the interwar period from the MG13, which had substantially the same trigger. But they didn't, and kept the MG34 trigger group essentially unchanged throughout the war. They did have enough sense, however, to eliminate another complication, a clockwork rate reducer inside the grip, present in prewar models. The real reason for the extra sear trip inside the cocking handle rail was to deal with feed stoppages in which bolt halted short of tripping the main release. Without the extra trip, yanking back the cocking handle to attempt to clear the jam would not release the sear, and the bolt could not be locked open. That's when you need three hands or a helper (which is about the same time that the bipod buckles and the muzzle drops into the dirt). Been there, done that, for 50+ years. M
  2. Given the frequency of stoppages with MG. 34s, it's madness (and dangerous) to have a gun that will not hold the bolt open so stoppages can be readily cleared. Replace those parts, and make sure they fit fit and function correctly. Sometimes one or more of the small tits on the lever are broken off. If you study this part carefully with the trigger group both on and off the gun (cycle the bolt without the recoil spring installed), you'll figure out how they work and why they are necessary. The little springs in the trigger group are critical, as they must be short enough to allow full travel in compression yet long enough to extend positively. They also have to be of proper diameter to compress within their cavities without binding or kinking. Often they are found damaged. Experiment with some of the tiny springs from a Walther PPK to find one that fits (or can be altered). Incorrect functioning of the sear lock will cause the trigger to stay back and not return. The sear will be depressed and you will have a terrible time trying to clear stoppages --especially if there is a round in the chamber. M
  3. Wear on the ejector plate is, in my experience, a secondary concern. One must ensure that the rear end of the ejector is correctly beveled. The ejector must be fitted to the individual gun. I've seen many almost new-condition bolts (usually gunner's kit spares) that cannot be inserted in the receiver because the ejector is too long when a cartridge is pressed against the bolt face by the extractor. These have to be stoned to the correct slope and radial angle, then polished for smooth operation so that the rear end of the ejector does not dig into the plate and cause premature wear. It requires very close examination from the rear of the receiver with strong light to watch exactly how the parts mate on the rearward stroke of the bolt and to determine where to stone. Dykem helps. Even worn plates will give very satisfactory service if the ejector is properly fitted. An abrupt striking of the ejector against the plate is not required; the gun works fine with a gentler push. M
  4. The federal law: "proof of registration" must be made available to "any ATF officer upon request". 27CFR part 479.101(e). State laws may impose additional requirements. M
  5. What is the purpose of a hold open tool for the loaded chamber indicator? M
  6. Before you go crazy changing out parts, try a different drum. M
  7. Excuse me but where did you learn English? M
  8. In the condition you describe, between $500-$600. M
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