January 1940 Gas Trap Conversion......Restoration?

[browningautorifle]

leaving the original parts and just changing the barrels, gas cylinders and front sights

Yes, the original barrels were shorter and slightly different configuration. Not sure why some of the others haven't come in yet...

[RCS]

If a receiver has had the 7th round repair, most of the time there is a discoloration where the ribs were built-up, reducing the ribs back to the low rib configuration will
not hide the discoloration nor will Parkerizing (unless jet black). All the dated 1940 barrels were used in the early direct conversions, then later barrels as rifles were
cycled-in for rebuild. Canfield states new SA GHS stocks were used but I have seen alot of early stocks converted to used the trapdoor butt plate. It is really difficult
to prove your rifle is a direct conversion and an easy restoration. The saw cut gas cylinder was used later on and would be incorrect on a direct conversion

[SRiverrat11]

The saw cut gas cylinder was used later on and would be incorrect on a direct conversion

I have read that they did the saw cut for barrels that did not have a snug fit with the gas cylinder. do you know the period that was, and this being a restoration is ok, its still a very nice rifle that I could afford.

[RCS]

Scott, you have a nice looking rifle but I would change the gas cylinder, but thats your choice and your rifle.

Here are some photos of a rifle that I worked on as to represent a direct conversion, I had a good start already, just had to finish it.

[Bob Seijas]

C'mon, guys, this is well known history... when the gas port system was introduced, the decision was made to continue to produce the "spline type" until all the parts were used up. The rationale was that it would be more economical to upgrade them when they came in for normal rebuild after about 18 months in the field. Gas Port and Gas Trap were thus produced side-by-side until the last several thousand were made. The theory of "direct conversions" by SA doesn't hold water. The only ones SA converted were occasional guns returned for repairs and fixed after the gas trap parts were used up. This has all been explored in detail in older GCA Journal articles.

[Rick B]

Many years ago I had a close one to yours. Rick B