Browning 1919 - Progress!

[Nick1911]

I finally got off my lazy behind and started work on my semi-auto Browning 1919 right side plate build.


 

 


After working with computers non-stop in college, it felt really, really good to work with my hands on something.  This part started off life as a piece of A36 Hot Rolled steel, .250" x 5" x 36".  Just a few more cuts and holes, and it'll be done.  Then to deal with modifying the trigger group for semi-automatic function, and final machining of the internal parts.

I'm sweaty, there's grunge under my nails, I have metal chips in my hair, and my feet are tired.  It's been a good day. 

[Sergeant Bob]

Wow, cool! Not to many people willing to try a project that complex. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[MechAg94]

So, are you building this from a parts kit I guess? 

[French G.]

What are you using in the mill department? Nice work.  I like seeing stuff like this, proof that the wackos will never put the gun genie back in the bottle. Where did you get the blueprint/parts kit and what do you think your total money and time will be to a functional weapon? In short, I want one!

[Nick1911]

So, are you building this from a parts kit I guess? 

Yea, I have a $300 parts kit from Ohio Ordinance.  The RSP is being fabricated from scratch.

What are you using in the mill department? Nice work.  I like seeing stuff like this, proof that the wackos will never put the gun genie back in the bottle. Where did you get the blueprint/parts kit and what do you think your total money and time will be to a functional weapon? In short, I want one!

I have a Rong Fu model 31.  Yes, it's a chinese mill, but it fit my budget and is very rigid.  The blueprint is presumably from the US government, I'm working with the one listed here.  This is my first real milling project, so I've been learning as I go.

I probably have about 4-6 hours of actual machine work into it so far.  Cost - $299 for parts kit, $12ish for sideplate steel, and $15 for rivet set.  I'm trying to find specs for the semi-auto sear so I don't have to spend another $100 on them.  So, not counting tooling costs, I'd say under $350 with shipping if I can make my own semi-auto sear.  There's probably another solid weekend and a half of work to be preformed.

[MechAg94]

So what are the legal issues with this?  I guess is it okay as long as you make it semi-auto and don't have the parts to make it full auto?  Just curious. 

Even a parts kit of something like that set up on a tripod would be really cool. 

It makes me wonder what a machine shop would charge to mill that plate.  I'm lazy. 

[Mabs2]

MAKE ME ONE.

[HankB]

. . . Then to deal with modifying the trigger group for semi-automatic function,

It's a shame you have to do this . . . the lengths we go to in order to avoid Club Fed or the Graybar Motel . . . 

[Nick1911]

So what are the legal issues with this?  I guess is it okay as long as you make it semi-auto and don't have the parts to make it full auto?  Just curious. 

To make a legal semi-automatic 1919 from a parts kit, you have to start with a thicker then normal sideplate, and mill most of it down except an island that covers at least parts of 3 internal parts. (Ie, bolt, lockframe, trunion)  The side plate is normally 0.187" thick, so what people do is start with a piece of quarter inch thick plate, and mill down most of it by 0.063".

Of course, you have to make relief cuts in the internal parts to make clearance for the island.  You also have to modify the lockframe and bolt to work only in semi-automatic capacity, and no longer accept the old full auto trigger.

It makes me wonder what a machine shop would charge to mill that plate.  I'm lazy. 
...
MAKE ME ONE.

Hmm... What's a fair price for an "80%" plate?    Although if I ever get into significant production, I want to CNCify my mill.