M16 or M4 into LMG (eg Bren / MG34 / MG42)

Hop could be 'cut and shut' (in a similar way to your Sten ??), but I don't think it would work with a top feed, due to the hop workings/lever which pushes down on the hop nub already being at the 12'oclock position.

I've looked at the possiblity of using a M16/M4 as a MG34, which may be more successful -

* The long, vented barrel can be screwed onto the M16 receiver, via the big barrel nut (can't remember the correct term )
* Bi-pod/Tri-pod could authentically be fixed at the point that the barrel meets the reciever, so no strain on the barrel joint/front end.
* Mag-wise, there are some useful ACM M16 saddle mags, which will clip in/under as normal, but painted up would look similar to the MG08/34 saddle mags, and no buggering about with hop units.
* A wood stock could be fab'd up and slotted onto a M4 stock tube.

There's also various project floating about using AK's for MG34's which work well.

The other 'issue' with using the M16 mags as Bren mags are that they are, obviously, appreciably smaller; possibly AK mags would be closer as 'look-a-likes' ??

Thanks joker - interesting and helpful thoughts - cheers.

Just by way of 'here's one that I made earlier' ...................

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I've just cobbled this together using bits from the bit's box (well, bits room really ! ) -

M4 upper (would be better to use an A1 if available, as no fwd assist stuck out)
Retaining ring
Piece of scrap waste pipe (black is available, and easier for painting but the only piece I have handy is 2.3m long ! )
AK Spetz Flash Hider coupled to
SD Front Sight via
Threaded Adaptor

Inner barrel tube assembly can be extended to screw to the adaptor to support/protect the brass inner barrel
Bi-pod attached where the waste pipe meets the receiver,
Saddle-mag from RSOV etc painted up,
Stock fab'd onto sliding tube,
and job's a good 'un !!

NB : There may be a little more effort and a lot more swearing involved than that brief 'build-guide' but you get the general idea !

Hi, just for info, I have dressed up an M249 as a Bren with a real Bren mag clipped to the RIS, sandbag hessian as disguise and a longer barrel and flashider made from tube and a small chair leg from B&Q. The next step is to finish the carry handle and stock with wooden parts to repalce the hessian.

I have had a few problems with battery consumption but I think I know what has been causing that, and it needs the longer inner barrel fitting!

There are pictures of at the Gunman DDay2 and Husky events. I use short mags on the side feed port and disguise them with a flap of sandbag.

Looks OK from a distance and (when it works) is good fun.

Inspiring stuff Joker and Peppered! Thanks.

I think something like this will be my next gun project.

Peppered, is this you;?

And here is one of the 47th RM I was with, with his M249 based BREN (note the "champaign-glass-base" conical flash hider );

Brilliant - does the trick.

Hi, McVickers, yes me at the top and Bleeder with a CA M249 below. Mine looks a bit better now as there is a thicker outer barrel and a larger cone flashhider (as per the Husky album).

Husky was a bit of a letdown as the batteries died after only 2000 rounds, there was three of us with the extra mag pouches and a spare barrel bag between us which would have been a bit of a laugh if we could have got a bit longer out of it(BedsnHerts and his mate were the others).

There was one bit at Husky where we first assaulted the Germans and I got hit and rolled over, Major Chommley shouted 'N02 get that gun firing', BedsnHerts got it firing - awsome, just like te movies.

Done some more fab'ing ............

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Just need a suitable g/box and the gun's virtually skirmishable !!

(G3 mos-mag fitted, for sake of pics)

Edit : Apologies Steve for slight thread hi-jack but hopefully it will give you some further inspiration

Hey Joker don't apologise.... I'm loving your work!

Looking most excellent.

Cheers

Latest pic - bit more cosmetic work done, ACM drum mag (MG15/34 ish) fitted, just need to build the g/box for it ..................

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Great stuff - I'll change the thread header to include MG34 so it might attract the wider audience it deserves.

Soz! Header changed again.

........ And what about the Degtyarev DP DPM RP-46 (Russia / USSR) ????

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Careful the dog doesn't get hold of that

Careful the dog doesn't get hold of that

Yeah, I know - I took a bit of a flyer with that photo .................. !

OK, I'll get me coat now ....................