My 1918a2(3) collection

[Embalmer]

the collection as it stands thus far

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1320_zpse41ucr5j.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1320_zpse41ucr5j.jpg.html)

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1319_zpsjm5go9t4.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1319_zpsjm5go9t4.jpg.html)

Original 1943 dated field manual, and expert B.A.R. qualification badge

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1317_zpsf8ndp1vj.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1317_zpsf8ndp1vj.jpg.html)

Original tool kit, with case, including spare bolt, gas regulator, flash hider/ bipod support

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1316_zpse2xsugxo.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1316_zpse2xsugxo.jpg.html)

original 1942 D.M. shoe co bar belt and suspenders, 1943 m3 fighting knife in m8 scabbard, 1918 canteen. first aid pouch and canteen pouch repro.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1312_zpslcl2f0u3.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1312_zpslcl2f0u3.jpg.html)

Original 1918 Bar bandolier (BAR entered WWI too late, and they had thousands of these never issues. They were issued in WWII, and due to quantity no new ones were made)

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1313_zpsbdbwtbve.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1313_zpsbdbwtbve.jpg.html)

Got Mag's? (still another 30 in a box in safe) restored M1A1 .30 can standing in for the Machine rifle ammunition chest M1 thats in proccess of being cleaned up

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1314_zps6bfp6zgo.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1314_zps6bfp6zgo.jpg.html)

last pic.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1311_zpsnwylynlk.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/_DSC1311_zpsnwylynlk.jpg.html)


if anyone else has one of these, and collects stuff for them like I do,please share pics. im always on look out for stuff to add to this collection.

[beebz]

3182331823318243182531826Where is your carry handle? You have me beat,I only have 26 mags.

[Embalmer]

Leave mine off for wwii look. Prob buried in 1919a4 crate in storage.

[RCS]

Note, handle was not used in WW2

photo shows late 1930's CV marked BAR firing pin and case harden Seymour WW2 magazine follower31829318303183131832

Also WW1 belt with metal cup and Model 1918A1 bipod

Early walnut stock for unipod

[Embalmer]

Still searching everywhere fir one of those sling swivels

[beebz]

Did you know that the leather tool kit was made to fit in a pouch of the BAR belt? I just picked up a tool pouch last week.Sears 1943.

[Embalmer]

Yeah usually they ate inside my belts (2 kits 2 belts)

[Ltdave]

are these all Class 3 or are there any Ohio Ordnance pieces here?

i played around with one when i was in the Air Force (we had a WWII themed museum with all the parts and bits and pieces since the base was armored training in WWII)..

[Embalmer]

Mines Ohio ordnance, that I "Defarbed" to look as it should in WWII

Lil tutorial of work I did to it I posted on another couple sites

Starting off with it just opened from the box 3 years ago

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/467354_3374887701587_1996363718_o_zpsduhpjdgn.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/467354_3374887701587_1996363718_o_zpsduhpjdgn.jpg. html)



Mod #1 the bolt. I picked up a NOS USGI bolt assembly, as I read that if the bolt was in "satin" finish was probably a swedish bar bolt. Took mine out, and discoved was a ROT usgi bolt. know is post WWII, but markings arent seen while in gun, so will suffice. Ill keep the other bolt as a spare, as the one in gun is already headspaced to gun.

Original bolt, in satin OOW finish.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/20150712_134108_zpsravmegnx.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/20150712_134108_zpsravmegnx.jpg.html)

Quick stop at gunshop down road, got some birchwood casey gun blue, and went to town on it. Was my first attempt at bluing, so was not perfect. couple inner portions didnt really take to the solution. overall gave it an 85% on appearance. FAR better than the silver bolt look.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/20150712_140107_zps69uyu3da.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/20150712_140107_zps69uyu3da.jpg.html)

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/20150712_152129_zpsyycgmvai.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/20150712_152129_zpsyycgmvai.jpg.html)


Mod #2 the buttstock. I love the look of the american walnut, on iron firearms. So without hesitation that was the model I chose.

after some research, realized the buttstock was a dead giveaway to being incorrect for WWII. The main giveaway is the rear sling swivel. short and straight. Obvious korean war era

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/467354_3374887701587_1996363718_o_zpsv3j49ykz.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/467354_3374887701587_1996363718_o_zpsv3j49ykz.jpg. html)

So after some searching, I finally got this 1943 made firestone bakelite stock. Afterwards, had heck of a time finding the sling swivel to match the cutout profile.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/20150712_155418_zps080dup8g.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/20150712_155418_zps080dup8g.jpg.html)



This stayed on my gun for about a year. I searched high and low for an original walnut stock in the WWII profile, but was like finding hens teeth. One day happened to be browsing the bmgparts.com site, and saw he stocked the WWII 1918A2 profile walnut stocks. I leaped at it. had to drill the holes for the sling swivel screws, and do some minor wood removal to get the buttplate to fit properly so could be screwed on. HUGE difference in appearance.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/20150712_160237_zpsiaibgusm.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/20150712_160237_zpsiaibgusm.jpg.html)

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/20150712_160252_zps0aidvv7d.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/20150712_160252_zps0aidvv7d.jpg.html)


Noticable mod #3 the gas regulator.

as we know, from OOW they come with a korean war screw type adjustable gas regulator. Obviously, if going for WWII, this wont work.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/20150712_160857_zps7b0t2anc.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/20150712_160857_zps7b0t2anc.jpg.html)



I went out and searched for a WWII key lock regulator. before doing so, make sure your gas tube has the 3 notches for the regulator key to lock into. OOW used both wwii type, and korean war type that had the notches machined out. Also the vent holes will need to be drilled. I modded this one, and also picked a premodified one as an extra that OOW sells now (ask for type 2 regulator)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/Military%20Firearms/20150712_160936_zpsb0ihca1q.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/Military%20Firearms/20150712_160936_zpsb0ihca1q.jpg.html)




It came with a carry handle, but wasnt implimented till late 1945, so wouldnt have seen use in WWII. Also the web green sling it came with, had to go. Found a nice 3 hook repro m1907 sling for it on ebay for under 30 bucks.

[beebz]

Mine is a Ohio Ord. rifle also.I picked up a leather sling as well. Looks much better than the one that came with it.

[Griff Murphey]

Beautiful display

[bnrg]

Just curious, how do these shoot? Any reliability problems?

Bob

[Embalmer]

Very accurate (very heavy, being semi auto is almost March grade). Only issue I ever had was brand new ejecting spent cases would get stuck in ejection port. After 50 or so rounds has run like a Swiss watch ever since. Among my 3 favorite guns I've ever owned.

[bnrg]

Thanks, that is good to hear. Brass damaged any more than other semi autos? That is a cool looking rifle. Is there any functional difference of the rear swivel that you added?

[Embalmer]

Functional no, does same thing. Just I was doing everything I could to give it its look of wwii service. Brass marks are a way of life on receiver rear of ejection port.

Great rifle, and a crowd gatherer at range as is a rifle you dint see much. Had a wwii marine vet (3rd marine div?) fire it one day. Said he carried one throughout the Pacific. Even showed me what said was 4 bullet scars (2 in side one left calf and one right forearm). Had other old vets come look while on display at wwii things, and told me stories.

[emmagee1917]

If he can find the " holed " swivel , He'll be able to spend a lot more money and attach a monopod to his stock.
:1948:
Chris

[Embalmer]

Why I'm glad wife doesn't visit these sites, or my "oh was only a $10-$30 part" excuse wouldn't fly anymore:icon_lol:

[bnrg]

How are the sights to use, for older eyes? My WW1 vintage '98 is a great gun but the v-notch in rear is so small and the front (upside down V) so fine that I really cannot use it well any longer. Do you reload for it?
Bob

[Embalmer]

It's an adjustable peep sight, Lil easier to use than a garand. Knob on top of sight for range (ladder marked 100-1200 yards) then a knob on side fir windage. Then filed down got the battle notch sight.


Don't reload yet. Still got 19k hxp rounds for it and 1919a4

[emmagee1917]

Depends on the rear sight . Sounds like Embalmer and I have the same one . Some of these don't have the cut behind the peep and can't go down to the 100 yd setting . I believe those stop at 200 or 300 yards . Worth checking if that matters to you .
Chris

[Embalmer]

well got to work cleaning 70 year old ddried duct tape residue off my m1 ammo chest... lot of people said will probably have to be bead blasted and painted (still could go this route, as did like way the M1A1 chest for the 1919 came out...


anyways. can after peeling the old tape and label off... gonna need more beer..

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150814_154844_zpstvzniped.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150814_154844_zpstvzniped.jpg.html)

3 hours of go off, swearing, meticulous picking slowly away with a flat head, more swearing, and a case and half of yuengling up to about 94%...

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150814_190823_zpse5ijzhvm.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150814_190823_zpse5ijzhvm.jpg.html)

also show off more mags that arrived... including 5 mint blued WWI mags

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150814_190845_zpsp25f3gjn.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150814_190845_zpsp25f3gjn.jpg.html)

[bnrg]

Nice BAR article in the AR magazine that arrived today, saving my lunch money...

[Embalmer]

well ended up restoring the bar can as the residue bacome too much to get off, and took paint of the latch. Bead blasted to bare metal, used original paint palets, and luckily found a guy with an original pre wwii stencil cutter to replicate the stenciles for me on oilboard.

came out nice.

m1a1 can for 1919 finished..

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150820_192156_zpstsjxjhms.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150820_192156_zpstsjxjhms.jpg.html)

bar ammo chest m1

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150821_095216_zpsbszzhylw.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150821_095216_zpsbszzhylw.jpg.html)

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150821_095451_zps4bruusri.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150821_095451_zps4bruusri.jpg.html)

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/maninblue1861/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150821_102241_zpsvwqjvzwh.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/maninblue1861/media/1918%20Browning%20automatic%20rifle/20150821_102241_zpsvwqjvzwh.jpg.html)

[bnrg]

How did you apply the paint? Very nice job...

[Embalmer]

Exact wwii paint colors avaliable in spray can, including red zinc primer.

[Sarge]

Isn't that magazine can for use on a half track?
I've got 2 M1918A2 BARs, both are Korean War mfg so I had to change the flash hidder to make them look WW 2.
I have a variety of accessories, but have never taken photos of them.
Here they are with their little brothers.
Sarge
32563

[Embalmer]

Isn't that magazine can for use on a half track?
I've got 2 M1918A2 BARs, both are Korean War mfg so I had to change the flash hidder to make them look WW 2.
I have a variety of accessories, but have never taken photos of them.
Here they are with their little brothers.
Sarge
32563

was implemented in 30's I believe, to be used with cavalry bar gunners. originally mounted on saddle frames for horses and donkey's. then vehicles in early wwii before being disused. same with the 1917/1919a4 M1A1 can. Got it cause its a rare and expensive accessory to find today (almost 2 years to find one not rusted out, or run over by a tank.)

[bnrg]

My 1918A3 arrived today, and what a piece of workmanship! Built like a battleship, everything is massive and very nicely machined, amazing. I thought the M1 was heavy...

What do you use as a reference for those small technical details (lower swivel, bolt color, ...)? I am happy with mine as is, but might consider some of those changes later. Will be a few weeks till I can go to the range, but can't wait. Found some PDF copies of field and maintenance manuals on this site:

http://www.forgottenweapons.com/light-machine-guns/browning-automatic-rifle-bar/