JonnyDingDongs

Oh yes, you will be dealing with a wonderful PITA any time you ask companies to do something out of the ordinary... I wish I could help you with finding a local welding shop, but I'm a few states away. Never owned an AK, so I may be wrong here, but I believe the retainers were originally spot-welded in place? That would probably be the best bet. However, (please don't laugh) I have no idea what JB Weld is composed of. I realize it is a very powerful adhesive, but I've never used the stuff. As a welder, I can tell you this, though: nobody's going to want to weld on that after you glue it. Wit

Cobra did this awhile back: Cobra's AKS-12 Conversion Details It's pretty involved, though.. Not sure just how much you want to go through, but it's an option..! The handguard comes in down at post #9

+1 to Bridis. The instructions that mine came with made perfect sense 'till I had the thing in my hands for twenty minutes, gnashing my teeth, and swearing to God that if that spring didn't line up, the whole gun was going through the window... Watched the CSS video, and it was done in about one minute. I ordered my RAM S12XC from CSS, and I love it. I think the best part is watching people who've never used a Saiga try to figure it out.

Too many impurities in the welding process, and I had to make multiple passes. Warped the bolt! Guess that leaves me one choice... Thanks anyway, everybody!

Yessir! I'm heading to the local welder's supply shop to pick up some 4140 filler and hopefully get this thing fixed tonight. I can order a new bolt from 'Auto Ordnance,' but since the company was bought out and the factory was moved, who knows if it'll meet the same specs.

If memory serves (last time I looked into them was 2-3 years ago) Auto Ordnance wants about $60 for their 30 round stick mags. I think Cheaper Than Dirt has some used GI's for around $20. Important bit of info I picked up about a week ago- original Thompson mags don't fit the reproduction magazine catches without some work. However, you may be sitting on some very valuable magazines. While doing some research for my busted M1, I came across a really good sight: The Machine Gun Boards These guys are kind of purists, though. I think most of them will tell you that a 'real' tommy gun hasn't come

I've wanted a suppressor for a long time now, actually drooled over a few at a gun show last year, but it's not really practical for me. This gun is one that I just keep as a sidearm when varmint hunting and break it out now and again for plinking. I'm still very curious as to why they make a difference, though? I'm betting there's already a thread on this somewhere...

I'm a welder with access to a TIG, so I'm hoping this could be a DIY fix, but it's off to a bad start.. I've got an Auto Ordnance M1 Thompson (Semi-auto) made in West Hurley, so apparently I'm screwed on factory parts and service. Lesson learned: I will always research my firearms before purchasing from here on out. First issue: Fired brass not only has the primer indented, but even the rear of the cartridge has the oval indentation from the firing pin. I've always assumed it to be a 'querk' of Thompsons, but have no basis for comparison. Is this normal, or was this my worst impulse buy ever?

Ok, so majority vote is bad ammo. I was hesitant to pay the extra for CCI, especially since the gun was running Federal so well before, but I guess I've got to suck it up and run quality stuff. I should probably have researched before asking, but does anybody know where i can find exact specs for the P22? Still not completely ruling out that extractor...

Thanks for the quick responses! My local gun shop owner suggested I stop firing, "That cheap Walmart shit." I picked up a brick of Centurion and I'll give that a whirl maybe later today (if this insane wind ever dies down.) Hand-cycles without issue. The extractor looks fine as far as I can tell, though the seat for it in the side of the chamber (not sure of nomenclature there) seems ever-so-slightly worn down. One would think that this would aid in the removal of the brass, if anything? This one was made by S&W, or at least the slide was. It has markings for both on the slide and only Wal

Love my little plinker to death, but it's causing a bit of a headache.. It's always run fine until a couple weekends ago. I've only ever run Federal Lightning through it (except the occasional Rem Yellow Jacket when grounhogs are present ) and it's never really had any issues. I let my girlfriend fire it, and it's suddenly FTF after FTE. I cleared it, checked for anything unusual, and dumped the mag without issue. Reload, double tap, and it's good. Hand it back to her, -pop- stovepipe... I figured she was just limp-wristing it, but now it's pulling this crap with me. Somehow, I can mag-dump ju

Indeed, Sir!

Congrats on your Mosin! I miss my 91/30.. Never should've sold her... .30 cal. bore brushes work well, and they're pretty easy to find. I'd reccomend a .45 for the chamber, though. I'm sure you're already aware, but beefcake's post reminded me- be sure to get that firing pin tension set correctly. Over-tightened mine the first time and didn't know it until I'd fired the first shot and the bolt absolutely refused to open. Any factory stamps on the stock? Good luck with the new toy, and enjoy the cosmoline!