Lets talk Lanchesters...

[Peter Laidler]

I think BP is dead right in that assumption. Screwed-on components don't last long on vibrating machines. Yes, the one I saw at their place was just like that. I photographed it but it didn't make the book. It was probably worth a premium.

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[Vincent]

Screwed-on components don't last long on vibrating machines.

Yes. You’d think they would have known that. The MP28 components were screwed on and silver soldered. They didn’t vibrate loose.

Looks like I have just landed a display item which has a dummy receiver tube but the rest of the parts are original. Best looking SMG ever IMHO. I am stoked just to have it for display but also wondering if there are semi auto conversions possible if i pop out and buy some more bits...anyone know this?

I didn’t know you can build a semi-auto in the UK. I thought that was verboten.

Here we can build semi-auto guns as long as they comply with our laws. One of the laws requires a closed-bolt system be used. That creates a challenge with the Lanchester because the sear is quite far back on the receiver. One system that seems to work well is a bi-metal bolt. The front is steel and the rear is aluminum. The firing pin and drive spring are similar to the semi-auto Sterling system in concept. The tang on the firing pin is extended and runs in a channel in the aluminum rear section of the bolt. This allows the firing pin tang to be held by the sear when the bolt is closed. The bolt would be too heavy if it was solid steel. The aluminum section keeps the bolt weight where it needs to be to operate correctly. Another option is to move the sear forward, use a trigger linkage similar to a Saiga and a semi-auto Sten bolt. The trigger pull is then up and back.

[Brit plumber]

I think he's in the USA, there's bound to be a Newcastle in the states, after all there's probably a US copy of every city in the U.K. We even have a New York so I suppose the big apple should be known as New New York!!

[Vincent]

Click on the blue icon next to “Thanks” in his posts.

[Brit plumber]

That's an option I don't have but I've been told his blue button shows him in the UK. If that is the case Newcastle, I suggest you read up on U.K. Firearm laws, they are available on line and will save you a lot of money and worse, time in detention.

[bigduke6]

Newcastle lives in the USA, I recall some of his old posts etc, maybe just here on holiday ? I think he does originate this side though.

[Gil Boyd]

It didn't sound to me like he had a deactivated weapon there at all, saying it had a "Dummy Reciever" no mention of working parts welded or indeed the barrel unless I missed something, so I go with Brit Plumber on the issue of licensing here and possession.

A hefty jail sentence in the UK if it is here, but in certain States in the U.S they are legal to own as issued, but he would know that!!

[Bruce_in_Oz]

The "continuous" weld seems to have been an "improvement" on the earlier spot-welds, which are apparently an "improvement" on screws.

Not unlike the business of "improving / ruggedizing" the M-60 GPMG by a bit of welding to ensure the "rails" stayed attached and "true" to the trunion.

Repetitive, acute, dynamic loading; a test for ANY fastening method.

[newcastle]

Hi sorry for the brief absence. I live in the USA so I can create a semi auto version (even here in CA) legally. However unfortunately the sale fell through so i am back at ground zero. Still want to get one though and I appreciate the information available on this forum. I shall keep scouting around and see what I can come up with. NOTE; annoyingly, because I'm in CA i cannot get a full auto version which my father in law CAN because he lives Nevada.

[browningautorifle]

because I'm in CA i cannot get a full auto version which my father in law CAN because he lives Nevada.

Just get one and keep it at his place, then take a case of ammo when you go visit...