which belt fed?

[Cheezle56]

So I'm looking into getting a belt fed and I'm still considering the different options, to buy or build and which one... and the pros and cons as well as any other suggestions. Currently I'm looking at, RPD, M1919, M2, possibly Gorunov, M53/MG3, PKM. Price limit would probably be around 5k tops except for the M2, and it needs to be a common use caliber or readily adaptable. What I'm seeing right now is RPD, M1919 and M2 are probably the easiest to get parts for and I can buy ready made. Gorunov is cheap to shoot and I know a guy with a reweld jig but I don't see where I can get belts or barrels, apex has M53/MG42 kits with parts missing. For the RPD, reweld, Dros, or buy DSA? For MA DEUCE, kit and 80 or buy outright? Also, I'd prefer it to be a full power rifle caliber rather than intermediate if anyone has suggestions. Please don't suggest mag fed LMG's as I already have one. Thanks.

[Capybara]

I am no expert, but there are several owners/experts here who will chime in, but I have had the same thoughts as you about wanting a belt fed toy. In only being able to use 10 round links here in California, I then promptly talked myself out of it. If I were to buy a belt fed here, it would undoubtedly be a 1919, set up to work with .308 or better yet 7.62x54r.

From owners I have spoken with at out of state MG shoots, observation and research, it seems to me that the 1919 has the best value ratio, one of the most reliable, a manageable physical size that I could actually keeping my safe and I love the history. The other guns you listed are tempting as well, if you have not looked, get Centerfire Systems catalog, they have some good deals on parts kits, not sure how mechanically adept you are, although you could always hire a gunsmith to assemble for you?

I think all of the models you mentioned are interesting guns, but for me, it would be a 1919, hands down.

[GunWhore75]

For 5g's you are pretty much limited to an SG43, RPD, MG34, MG42, M53 m37 or a 1919. A PKM will run about 12,500+, UK59 will run about 7,000+, M240 will run about 13,500+ M60 will run about 13,500+, M249 will run about 11,500+ and the M2HB or M3HB will run about 12,500+.

Now keep in mind if you get a shoulder fired belt fed, you will need to put a muzzle break on it or a thread protector on it to eliminate that evil feature. Likewise, you will have to put a fin-grip on it as well to eliminate the pistol grip evil feature. And if it has a collapsible stock, it will have to be pinned to eliminate that evil feature as well. And word from the wise, do not put a forward grip on it for that you will be adding an evil feature to it.
Thus you would be making it an assult weapon per CA law.

On the other hand, if it is non-shoulder fired, as long as you do not put a flash hider on it, you will be just fine.

Belt Feds can be a lot of fun and give a lot of people a Shock & Awe at gun ranges. I hope this helps you a little in your decision making. And if you have any questions about a particular belt fed, ask. Odds are, I have one and would be more than willing to give you my 2 cents.

[dingos]

I'm impressed and shocked that som of you guys thought about and know so much about this. props to you gents

[anyracoon]

Might want to check out http://www.beltfedshooters.com/ or http://1919a4.com/forum.php. Lots of good info.

And yes 10 round belts suck!

[redcliff]

.

On the other hand, if it is non-shoulder fired, as long as you do not put a flash hider on it, you will be just fine.

If the belt-fed is not shoulder fired, my understanding is it's not a rifle by definition; that's why we can still have .50bmg M2's. So why can it not have a flash hider? The section that describes a flash hider as an evil feature 12276.1a only references when installed on rifles.

I'm not saying you're wrong I just haven't been able to find the code that requires flash hider removal for a non shoulder fired weapon when I've looked in the past.

[Ronin2]

Which belt fed? There can ONLY BE ONE!

[gunsmithcats]

I've owned at one point 6 different belt feds. To be honest you're handicapped by the fact u have no pre ban belts. Or do u? Do u happen to have some old belts sitting in the closet somewhere? If so I'd say your cheapest and eaisedt approach is a RPD by dsarms. They have good warranty in case of issues. Take into consideration it is easy to make featureless by adding a grip wrap. And ammo is dirt cheap. And its man portable or tripod mountable on an anti aircraft tripod. The problem with larger belt feds like the 1919s and m2 and Vickers are the size and weight. Everytime u go to the range u bring a crap ton of extra stuff to shoot it. The Rpd is load and go. If u had the money I'd say check out the uk59 by marcolmar. Its easy to make featureless with a grip wrap plus it shoots the cheap 762x54r. I had one and loved it to death. Surprisingly light and easy manual of arms. Unfortunately I never got to shoot it and had to sell to buy a house. Definitely I will own one again someday. I also have a lakeside 22 upper which is tits with a full auto sear. The benefit there is its cheap to shoot and u don't have assault weapon features because its rimfire. Very finicky though and not as much boom factor.
If u got the cash to burn go michaels machine mm23e or mm21e. Manportable HK belt fed that's sear capable if u ever leave the state. But that will set u back 12k

[GunWhore75]

If the belt-fed is not shoulder fired, my understanding is it's not a rifle by definition; that's why we can still have .50bmg M2's. So why can it not have a flash hider? The section that describes a flash hider as an evil feature 12276.1a only references when installed on rifles.

I'm not saying you're wrong I just haven't been able to find the code that requires flash hider removal for a non shoulder fired weapon when I've looked in the past.

Being that law enforcement (in most cases) are the least educated when it comes to gun laws, I have a habit of say no flash hiders for all firearms in CA. But I do believe you would be correct and I apologize for the inaccurate statement.

[GunWhore75]

Which belt fed? There can ONLY BE ONE!

Nice Duce! Who's the builder?

[anyracoon]

Cheezle, check out http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=901064

[Ronin2]

Nice Duce! Who's the builder?

It's a JNC semi M2HB.

[hks95134]

I know these are popular in Kentucky. Didn't think you could get away with it here in The Golden State.

What all I remember about the M60 is that it is heavy and feels like a fire hose when you pull the trigger while shooting from the hip.

But whenever I get nostalgic, any ordinary M-14 is just fine and dandy.

Been there, done that.

[freonr22]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=897767&highlight=maxim

dam this just went

[CSACANNONEER]

Tipton or Lakeside Machine are the coolest beltfeds you'll ever find.