Trying to install L4 mag adapter/ejector block in factory original '42 Daimler Mk II?
Ummmm......Help?
I have an all-original, untouched, factory made 1942 Daimler-Monotype Mk II, so we'll get that part out of the way so as not to bring up questions surrounding "....is the receiver in spec?" Yes, just the way it was manufactured in 1942. NEVER touched. This gun has not been altered in any way since the day it was finished in the factory. (yes, of course, it is a machine gun...)
So, I have an L4 magazine adapter-ejector block I want to try and install for experimentation purposes.
It is just a RCH too wide along the sides to slip into the Mk II receiver mag well at the rear end.
So, my question is- during the course of the MoD-ifications to these guns originally when the L4 program began turning them into 7.62mm guns, did they "open up", i.e. machine away any portion of the inside rear area in the .303 magazine wells??
If so, is there a dimensioned drwg or print of the machining to be done at this location?
You're right Tact! They did indeed open up the rear sides of the magazine well area to suit the mag well adaptor of the L4 type magazines. But it wasn't that simple because while the guns were all supposedly built to a spec, they were built at different factories and even then with allowable tolerances - to suit the zillions of magazine variables.
It is simplicity itself to open up the mag well to accept the adaptor but just open it up to suit your adaptor. Everything was machined to suit the known datum....., the retaining pin.
Off at a tangent a bit now......... The same sort-of applied to the front of the magazine well. The wide tolerances to cater for the zillions of magazine manufacturers also applied there. In fact the front of the A2 onwards mag well caused a LOT of problems that seemed to be insurmountable. That was until a new body was cut in half vertically and longitudinally and then the problem could be seen, identified. and acted on. It resulted in the barrel nut retainer plunger spring being slightly shortened, the slot opened up for the front magazine positioning block and a pin inserted downwards to support the now shortened spring.
Don't watch this if you want an accurate history lesson........ L4A1 was converted to take FN type small front knib magazines. The L1A1 rifle magazine have a larger, sturdier front knib and this conversion was the cause of the problems.
The rest of it was a bit lightweight - which is more than you could say about the Bren!
The A1 had a troublesone holding open device that lasted for about 20 minutes on a GOOD day. Your average Bren gunner didn't need a holding open device. He just knew when the magazine was getting low and that metallic ring when the bolt closed without firing a round just confirmed that it was time to put his practice into real time and repeat the mantra '..... gun stops..... Cock gun, magazine off, new magazine on, carry on firing.....
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