1919a4 Information needed

[kenwest516]

I also have a huge advantage on this project. I have access to a cutaway trainer. I will try to get it torn down this week to see exactly what all is missing or different.

[browningautorifle]

I could never really get our Canadian C5 Browning to work properly

That was because they didn't completely change them over until just before we scrapped them. You may have had a C1 Machine gun, (C4, C5) came later. They all had mods, but the first was really a .30 cal with a barrel and bolt...maybe discriminator changes.

[Peter Laidler]

Ours was the later pattern Jim, as confirmed by Gary when he came over to see what we could do. It seemed as though the 7.62 just didn't have enough puff to cycle the recoil action.

[fjruple]

The reason I was thinking of going 30/06 was because of the barrel I have. But I have no problem staying 7.62x51. I'm just learning about these so I'll answer what I can. When I learn how to post pics I will so you know what I'm working with. It was all together for display. It has a bolt and barrel extension in it. The bolt is marked 7.62. The lock frame is gone the trigger was cut off and welded to a flat plate just so it was there for display. sights top cover and latch are there, It needs a little bit of work to close but appears complete to me as far as my knowledge of it goes right now. The chamber of the barrel is welded shut. It has the pistol grip. The rod and spring that you push in when taking the grip off(can't remember what its called). The barrel shroud is on it. The side plate is marked NO.(no number)BROWNING MACHINE GUN. US. CAL. 30 MFG. IMA. It is about A half inch thick and appears to be smooth on the inside. The only thing cut out is the slot for the bolt handle. The only other markings I see so far is the flaming bomb and P on the top and left side plate 7.62 on the bolt,rear sight, left side plate and the pieces in the top cover and receiver that would guide the belt in. BCI on the top cover latch. And what looks like a square with no bottom on the left side plate and top cover. aside from that just a few numbers on some other parts.

kenwest516--

Sounds like you have one of the IMA display guns. The guns are built to preclude swapping parts to prevent either semi-auto or full auto fire. The internal parts are toast for conversion to semi auto. You will at least a new semi-auto right side plate, a new barrel and a set of semi-auto internals to get started. All of which are obtainable in the US. I believe the IMA parts sets were from former Israeli modified guns. If you have all of the original Israeli modified by will find "7.62" marked on the left side plate. All other Israeli parts will have a "n" marked on them. You will also have to obtain Israeli M2 links for the gun to work.

--fjruple

---------- Post added at 06:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:38 AM ----------

Ours was the later pattern Jim, as confirmed by Gary when he came over to see what we could do. It seemed as though the 7.62 just didn't have enough puff to cycle the recoil action.

Peter--

Sound like the gun had the .30-06 instead of the 7.62mm booster.

--fjruple

[fjruple]

That was because they didn't completely change them over until just before we scrapped them. You may have had a C1 Machine gun, (C4, C5) came later. They all had mods, but the first was really a .30 cal with a barrel and bolt...maybe discriminator changes.

Jim--

Not to hijack this thread here's several pics of my semi auto C5A1.

--fjruple

Attachment 73442

Attachment 73443

[browningautorifle]

It seemed as though the 7.62 just didn't have enough puff to cycle the recoil action.

Quite so. Remember what cartridge it was designed for. Seems for every major mod there's about 8 minor mods. It was never right so enter the C6(MAG 58)...and the problems stopped.

Sound like the gun had the .30-06 instead of the 7.62mm b

Sound logic but by this time, I'd have been surprised if all that stock hadn't been expunged from the system. Possible though. I did come across a Centurion tank ranging gun barrel once when we ordered new .50 barrels.

here's several pics of my semi auto C5A1.

Nice, nice...I carried those a long way when I was much younger. I was specially proud to because my dad had done so before me...all through Europe. I'd love to handle that one a bit.

[kenwest516]

Thanks fjruple I see what all is cut down now that I looked around more. Yes it israeli. Before I cut the rivets out. Does anyone know if IMA done anything to the left side to make it inert? I hate to cut it apart to find its junk it makes a nice display. I would still love t make it semi if I'm still able.

[fjruple]

Thanks fjruple I see what all is cut down now that I looked around more. Yes it israeli. Before I cut the rivets out. Does anyone know if IMA done anything to the left side to make it inert? I hate to cut it apart to find its junk it makes a nice display. I would still love t make it semi if I'm still able.

The leftside plate should be OK. I would just check the feed cams to make sure they are not broken or damaged. If you post pics of your concern areas on the forum or PM for my email address we can better access your issues. You main concern with the casing (receiver) is to make sure the trunnion, bottom and top plates are not damaged. I have seen several display models were these parts were welded to the right side plate. These parts are available in newly manufactured form but are expensive. I see you are located PA which town? I am located in Southern New Jersey. You make also want to become a member of the 1919A4.com forum. Lots of expertise there as well plus vendors that specializes in the Browning MGs.

--fjruple

[kenwest516]

Central PA close Altoona . I don't see any welds anywhere. I'll try to get some pictures up tonight if not then this weekend. Thanks for all your help.

[kenwest516]

Ok O got some pictures on here but I cant figure out how to get them in the post. They are in the photo gallery under my user name. I see now the bolt and barrel busing are junk as just as fjruple said they would be.