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Post by malegant on Nov 5, 2010 9:55:26 GMT 8
Hello everyone! I've been going through this forum for just 2 hours and I have to say I'm loving what I'm reading! I'm especially impressed with the M14 to M1 conversions, and is seriously considering getting one and trying it out. Shout outs go to the WiP thread authors. However, I was thinking, if it's possible to convert an M14 to M1, why not try it with the new WE GBB M14?  I'm sure it's going to be difficult, but we can start with superficial changes such as stock, barrel extension, etc. Clearly, the challenge will be the mag conversion. I'm willing to get one and donate it to science (well in this case, my passion for the M1), but I wanted to get the thoughts of the veterans from this forum first. Of course, any help would be welcome . It's gonna be hard, but we're meant to be surrounded. hehe 
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medic
Oberleutnant

'Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum'
Posts: 650
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Post by medic on Nov 5, 2010 11:33:47 GMT 8
The easy route would be to wait for My Airsoft Shop's M1 Garand's delivery. I think this was mentioned in a thread in the forum. However, that never stopped people from accepting challenges!
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Post by malegant on Nov 5, 2010 16:52:57 GMT 8
Hi Medic! Yeah, Albert just told me about that. Haha i think I'll jsut wait for that. 
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jimmiroquai
WW2AAA Board Chairman
Walking the endless steppes...
Posts: 1,326
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Post by jimmiroquai on Nov 5, 2010 17:38:29 GMT 8
I think it would be even easier to convert the WE GBB into an M1 garand than the AEG. As there is no gearbox to worry about and it's as close to RS as one can get. The only (major ) problem would be the magazine. There would be no choice but to use the M14 mag because this is where the gas is stored. To be honest, i wouldn't mind using the M14 mags. I'm also considering doing this project. But of course i wouldn't mind if someone started it first and then shared it here  . It will also depend on how much opoy's Marushin garands will be. If you break it all down, this is what you get: 1) AEG conversion = cheapest, flush magazine option, average performance stock/ excellent upgraded, firing fun factor 2/10 2) WE GBB = more expensive, reliable (based on reviews so far), M14 mags only, firing fun factor 8/10, looks easier to do 3) Marushin GBB = extremely expensive, not reliable and very delicate (based on reviews), 8mm rounds, 8 shots, aside from the hard to find 8mm bbs, you'll have to buy gas and a lot of plastic or metal clips for it (which you'll have to pick up during the game). Firing fun factor: 9/10
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Post by malegant on Nov 5, 2010 23:59:16 GMT 8
Good points. I'm considering it now. I could just get the WE GBB simply because of the reliability and strong blow back. However, I think this is more expensive than the Marushin because the M14 alone costs 18-20k, whereas (if I'm not mistaken) the Marushin is around 20k. Add required work and parts and you've got quite a steep price for the WE M14 conversion. The mags are not the only major problem. I tried out the stock WE M14 and it was really heavy, considering the stock was made of plastic. What more if it was converted to wood? I also don't mind the mags, to be honest. Jimmiroquai, if I do decide on this, would you be open to working together? I've very little experience with conversion, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to complete the project. 
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jimmiroquai
WW2AAA Board Chairman
Walking the endless steppes...
Posts: 1,326
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Post by jimmiroquai on Nov 6, 2010 7:23:56 GMT 8
Sure thing! I think if we're talking out of the box, The marushin will be cheaper. But if you factor in the 8mm bbs, the necessary ammo clips (along with potential in-game loss of these clips), the delicate nature of construction, and the lack of readily available parts...i still think the WE conversion will end up cheaper in the long run. The marushin will have to be babied while i think the WE will be rugged enough for regular use. But then again, there is the difficulty in acquiring the necessary M1 parts. It'll cost you probably another 6-10K to get the parts and you'll be extremely lucky if you can find these locally.
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medic
Oberleutnant

'Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum'
Posts: 650
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Post by medic on Nov 6, 2010 10:33:04 GMT 8
Heh heh, give me a sub machine gun anytime.
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labrador
Feldgendarmerie  
kriegsberichter
Posts: 1,988
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Post by labrador on Nov 6, 2010 11:38:39 GMT 8
Actually an M3 greae gun has been announced.
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medic
Oberleutnant

'Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum'
Posts: 650
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Post by medic on Nov 6, 2010 11:45:18 GMT 8
Really? By what company?
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labrador
Feldgendarmerie  
kriegsberichter
Posts: 1,988
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Post by labrador on Nov 6, 2010 12:16:29 GMT 8
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Post by malegant on Nov 6, 2010 17:47:07 GMT 8
@doc jim: Hey doc! I passed by Vince's shop earlier after hanging out with Albert. Pleasant surprise that you guys know each other. I'm seriously considering the WE m14 GBB conversion, and slowly acclimating to the magazine issue hehe.
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jimmiroquai
WW2AAA Board Chairman
Walking the endless steppes...
Posts: 1,326
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Post by jimmiroquai on Nov 7, 2010 10:09:51 GMT 8
@ malegant - Yup, it's a small world! Vince of ToySoldier also mentioned you when i went there last Friday and i had just seen your Normandy pics that morning. I think i was staring at the WE M14 on display for a really loong time contemplating on the M1 conversion.
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Post by malegant on Nov 7, 2010 10:23:17 GMT 8
Update:
I've decided on going with the WE M14 GBB to M1 Garand conversion. After consulting with Doc Jim and Albert, this seemed like the best choice.
It all really boiled down to two things: my love for Gas Blowback Guns and WE (I have an M16 and FN SCAR-L) and practicality.
For me, practicality is the dividing line between authentic re-enactment and themed airsofting (if there is such a word). It basically guided all my decision-making processes. For example, even if I wanted the highest-quality reproductions for my impressions, I knew that in no way was I going to wear them for airsoft. Conversely, if I wanted something rugged, effective, reliable, and cheap, then I would have to sacrifice quality. In effect, I went with local reproductions, which are amazing, but admittedly far from being exact reproductions. The end-all was a great themed airsoft experience, and this is why I want the WE M14 GBB.
Pros: reliable, kicks like a mule, it's gbb, powerful, and really fun. Cons: weight, price, magazines
As you can see, practicality far outweighs the cons.
Next Chapter: Required items
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Post by malegant on Nov 7, 2010 10:40:48 GMT 8
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labrador
Feldgendarmerie  
kriegsberichter
Posts: 1,988
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Post by labrador on Nov 7, 2010 10:58:06 GMT 8
The GBB mag will definitely not fit in the cartridge belt. You might want to either put the mags in your tunic or pants pockets, or get a BAR bandoleer. In my opinion pockets are far more handy.
May i order a ferrule front handguard as well?
How do you plan to bring them in?
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