[msp2640]

Gents - I've been reading here for better than a year, had my Cole's USGI kit and ORF 80% plate and a bunch of other stuff gathered up for nearly as long. Tried to learn as much as possible before starting in. Been very delayed in starting the build due to children and work, etc. I've read and re-read the tutorials and have a just a few questions.
1. Can I build leaving the top plate still installed on the RSP - wondering how to drill the rear top plate cover hole - take measurements?
2. Basically same question regarding the front cartridge stop and how to set that rivet into place.
If it helps - I'm building it in 30-06 and the best I can tell all parts on the kit I received are RIA marked, wonder if it was an all original gun prior to the demill.
Thanks for the help - Bill L

 

[30calmachinegunner]

Bill, not sure where you are but I am having a build party April 26, you may want to come if possible. We can get it together, parkerize it and try it out if you want.

As to your question the top plate needs removed, the front rivet has been cut to remove the RH plate. As to the front stop are you wanting to locate the hole or are you wanting to know about setting the rivet.

Good luck

 

[msp2640]

Thanks

I've seen your post on the build party and I'd love to attend, especially to learn alot more first hand, but I'm in Mass a little to far for me at this time. I'm in no rush to get it done anyway as it's been over a year so far since I started to aquire the parts and accessories. I'm all lined up to get it parked when completed, by a friend who has done a bunch of garand work for me.
I was hoping to avoid the top cover removal, the kit was nice and square and the side plate fits nice and tight. But will do what is needed to get it assemled. I know you were loaning out a jig to set those rivets - any chance you'd have a photo or dimensions - my brother inlaw runs a machine shop and could fab up something to get them set for me.
I was looking for both on the f/c stop - to locate and set the rivet. I did try to search the info, but could't find exactly wht I was looking for.
Thanks again - Bill L

 

[MSG]

There's a drawing including the hole locations in the "Resources" section of the site home page. Look under "1919 Blueprints."

MSG

 

[30calmachinegunner]

Bill, Mass. is not that far, I went up there to shoot before . If you send me an email I will send you some pictures of the bucking bar setup I made to do the rear top plate rivets.

 

[msp2640]

E-mail sent

Thanks for the help - email sent. I do have two side plate drawings that I found on the net, was just wondering if there was an easy way to locate the front c/stop hole and once located, how to set the rivet.

 

[MSG]

Thanks for the help - email sent. I do have two side plate drawings that I found on the net, was just wondering if there was an easy way to locate the front c/stop hole and once located, how to set the rivet.

With Halos plates, locating the holes wasn't an issue. Just make sure you attach both the front and rear cartridge stops to the RSP prior to assembling the "box." To set the front stop, drill a hole (5/16" I believe) in a piece of scrap bar stock to stabilize it while peening.

MSG

 

[30calmachinegunner]

when penning the stop use light blows, I don't know how many I've seen ruined by people penning it like the other rivets .

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

msp2640, you have mail.

 

[Armorer]

In addition to the front and rear cartridge stops being installed before riveting the side plate on, make sure the two rear rivets of the pintle pad are installed. I managed to install the front cartridge stop after assembling the side plate to the gun. It wasn't easy but it can be done but is not recommended.

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

In addition to the front and rear cartridge stops being installed before riveting the side plate on, make sure the two rear rivets of the pintle pad are installed. I managed to install the front cartridge stop after assembling the side plate to the gun. It wasn't easy but it can be done but is not recommended.

I've used a .308 stop as a buck with some drillings inside it to raise it up so the 06 stop sat high and it's shoulder flush against the inside of the RSP then heated the 06 stop and peened it flush, polished it up with a die grinder and a scotchbrite and it came out perfect.

I've done the rear stop after assembly also, with a rectangular piece of steel in a vise and the gun rested on the inside head of the rivet.

Granted, doing either of them is a little easier before assembly of the receiver but neither one is really that difficult after the fact. I guess it really depends on one's metal working skills and tools available.