M14 rifle/M2 bipod failure

[jmoore]

After 20 some odd years usage (roughly 1984- Not all in my possession) the angled side plate of my Bipod, Rifle,M2 decided to part company with the rest of the assembly. Unlike the "cheap" copies, the original is welded to the two cross pieces only at the locating tabs. (The copies, some of them, are welded the full width of each cross piece as well.) The tabs show a fairly classic "fatigue" failure; the hardened outer surface failed early on and were burnished whilst the softer core held things together. Just taking the rifle from storage, and CLANK, off comes the leg and sideplate- didn't even touch the assembly...

So, off to the TIG welder and to buy a "crappy" knockoff for everyday use.

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