M53 build question

[DougStrong]

I am toying with the idea of building an M53. I am good with tools and am a very good welder so this seems like a natural fit for me. (For the last 25 years I've been building custom suits of medieval armour.) I've been reading a lot but I am still not sure what is needed for one of these builds so here is my question:

Does this
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/m538mm ... t-m53.aspx

Plus this
http://www.coldsteelsolutionsincorporat ... nc_003.htm (second from top)

Plus LOTS of time and effort equal a Semi-Auto M53?

Are there other parts that are missing? what might they be? Is there a better way to go?

[Michael J]

Centerfire $200 kit + a barrel is a YES, the best deal on the market right now.

I'd stray away from Cold Steel though , you want Wiselite or BRP. Or even a torch-cut rear (IMA rear) from the buy/sell section of the forum.

If you go with BRP, you can also get your semi-auto grip and bolt mods too!
http://www.brpguns.com/mg42semi.htm

I'm not sure where you can get the Wiselite rear, but i do know that they have bolt and grip mods for sale, around... try https://www.apexgunparts.com/index.php/ ... c4f94e1514

Whichever route you take, i wish you the best of luck, and welcome aboard ! Feel free to ask away, there are plenty of us on this board who will give you a hand. And build armor you say... Hmm, DA might just become quite fond of you (watch out ). His name is bright orange to warn you of his presence

[Sd.kfz.173]

Welcome to the site I agree with your choice of the Center fire kit,good kit for the money(a whole lot less than I paid ). On your consideration of the cold steel receiver,I would suggest you consider the other options as well. I did build my M53 using a Cold steel receiver and did have a few issues,however I don't think they were severe enough to keep me from buying another for my next M53 (2 is allways better than 1 )There are several threads with real clear photo's of semi builds,so if you have any experence with machining,I'd say give the Cold steel a try.

I know I'm gonna catch flack for this!!

Bill

[DougF]

I'm in the middle of rewelding an M53 and I bought most of my parts from BRP but Pirate at Projectguns.com and panaceabeachbum also sell parts. Brian at BRP is very helpful and I've talked with him at length when I ordered parts. Lots of guys, including me, are using MG3 parts so our weapons will fire the US military 7.62 X 51 rounds and use M60 links rather than 8mm ammo and belts. Robertrtg.com sells the parts for this plus other good stuff. Good luck with your build.

[wiselitearms]

You can also purchase M53 semi-auto parts and services direct from Wise Lite Arms.
These items are available thru our web site::

http://wlawarehouse.com/store_front/m53_mg42/

Regards,
Richard C. Hamer
Factory Representative
Wise Lite Arms
Class II Manufacturer
07 FFL SOT
FAX: (940) 433-8096
WEBSITE: http://www.wlarms.com/
SALES: sales@wlarms.com
INFORMATION: info@wlarms.com

[oakrodent]

I would definitely shy away from getting anything from wise lite. Stick with BRP, Projectguns.com, and Panaceabeachbum. Their quality control is much higher plus better designed parts. Just my 2 cents

[12thWaffenSS]

I would definitely shy away from getting anything from Wise Lite. Stick with BRP, Projectguns.com, and Panaceabeachbum. Their quality control is much higher plus better designed parts. Just my 2 cents

It's nice to see you never miss a chance to bash Wise-Lite Arms.

[DougStrong]

And build armor you say... Hmm, DA might just become quite fond of you (watch out ). His name is bright orange to warn you of his presence

I have known Kurt (DA) for years. I should have known he would be on this board!


I will go digging into the other possible sources for receivers and take a look at them as well. Thanks for all the advice.