WWII M-1917A1 Browning MG dummy - Just about done w/ pics

[Quest Master]

So, I'm just about done with my build of an original parts WWII M-1917A1 Browning dummy water cooled MG, so I figured I'd share the pictures. It has been a real pain to assemble the gun using mostly original parts. The only parts that are not original are the top plate (from Iron Creations LLC via M1917A1.com), BATFE compliant dummy 1/2" thick right side plate (Halo Mfg) and the brass water jacket front cap (being made by me).

For the front cap, I went back and forth sourcing big pieces of brass to machine. Most distributors charge roughly $300-$400 for a piece of brass that big. I figured out a much more inexpensive route. The bottom of a U.S. 105mm M14 shell casing is large enough to machine down to 4.2" in diameter, the size of the water jacket:

The next step is to plug the primer hole, machine the face completely smooth and add the barrel gland, steam plug, front sight and water hose casting.

I will post pictures of the completely assembled M-1917A1 BATFE compliant dummy gun when I am done. Otherwise, enjoy for now!

[woodey]

Looks good so far

[AROOGA]

"Looks good so far" !?!?! That's a helluva job. "ATTA BOY" Van.

SF, Bob

[mmike]

Man that looks good!

[TopKick]

Outstanding work!

[Quest Master]

Thanks guys! Was a real pain finding original parts. But....you guys know that! Very pleased so far.

[stever0_3]

This will be an amazing M1917A1 when finished. How long has it taken you to source the parts and build?

Regards

Steve

[Quest Master]

Thanks! About a (expensive) year.

[stever0_3]

Are you going to vehicle mount when finished or use for a display?

Keep posting pics of the built its a great project.

Regards

Steve

[Quest Master]

It will be mounted on my M-1917A1 tripod. I have a thread here showing the restoration I've done on the three I own:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=242576

[stever0_3]

Thanks for sharing this, its an excellent project.

The M1917A1 Browning is an awesome machine gun!

Regards

Steve

[Quest Master]

Progress on the M1917A1 water jacket front cap. Since I couldn't find an original, I opted to may a replica from the base of a 1942 dated 105mm shell casing. The casing has been turned down on a lathe to 1" tall and 4.2" wide. As you can see here, the primer hole has been plugged with brass and machine faced. These photos show the progress and all of the pieces that will be connected to the replica cap.



Next step will be drilling and tapping the holes.
Enjoy.

[Quest Master]

So, here is the replica front cap that I made from the bottom of a WWII 105mm shell casing. I am still looking for an original, but this will work for now.
Since this is a dummy gun it doesn't have to be perfect, but it does look good on the original water jacket.
I still have to file down the screws and solder the tops closed as per the original drawings. And, I still have to give it a final polishing to get out all of the little scratches and stuff...but I will not do that until I do the final assembly. This shot is just for fitting.
Hope you enjoy.

[wreckless]

Why didn't you just build up a semi-auto out of the original parts? The price would be the same and you would have a much more valuable product at the end of it. Not to mention that you could fire blanks out of it or pull some range time if you wanted. Just seems like you went through a lot of money and effort for a lesser result. I say this as the owner of a semi-auto M1917A1, btw.

[Quest Master]

First, the LSP is an original M-1917A1 plate, but was torch cut in three sections as was the original water jacket damaged too. The bottom plate was also damaged when someone removed the rivets while taking apart another gun. The trunion was repaired at some point, probably due to leaks in the thread area. So, I took the option of taking damaged original M-1917A1 parts, probably not-safe for an actual firearm, and turned them into an original parts dummy gun that displays well. Preserved history with total safety.
I'm sorry you think of this as a lesser result.