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xm21 Sniper Weapon System


Kokanee

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Essentially a modified M14 National Match rifle, the

XM21 began to be fielded in the second half of 1969 and remained

the U.S. Army's primary Sniper Weapon System until it began to be

replaced by the M24 SWS in 1988.

 

The M21 is a very practical sniper weapon maintaining

acceptable accuracy out to about 700 meters. Besides the

problem that it is semi-auto and sends brass flying, the M21

was, and still is, a very capable military sniper rifle.

 

Well it's finally finished, my xm21 sniper rifle!

 

xm21project.jpg

 

 

xm21butt.jpg

 

I've been working on this for the better part of a month, some

chiseling here, a few swipes with a dremel there. I wanted to

take this real, real slow.

 

This rifle is based on a Tokyo Marui M14 wood version. Previously

while waiting for parts from CONUS I toyed with a desert version

(http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=27034).

The following realsteel components have been incorporated into

this rifle;

 

- "Big Reg" pine M14 stock

- M14 heatshield /wo vents (classic chocolate brown)

- M14 buttplate assembly

- M14 rear sling swivel

- M1 M14 Sling

 

Recieved the stock in good condition, however it had been previously

issued and had quite a few dents and dings. Most of these came out

with steaming, after the old finish was removed with some easy-off

oven cleaner and the sparing use of sandpaper.

 

Refinishing included a two-part, custom mixed wood stain of;

 

Part 1 - 1 TBsp Dark Brown Rit Dye / 0.5c denatured alcohol - 15 coats

Part 2 - 1 TBsp Wine Rit Dye / 0.5c denatured alcohol - 5 coats

 

After the stock reached it's (extremely rich and deep if I do say so

myself) desired colouring, the entire stock was sealed inside and out

with a coat of tung oil. Then after drying for a day a coat of boiled

linseed oil was hand-rubbed into the wood. This is consistent with the

correct manufacturing process for M14's during the post WW2 time

period.

 

Right now the stock is in the same condition one would be that had been freshly issued

with a coat of linseed applied by it's owner. Further coats of linseed oil

will in time produce a nice matte military style finish.

 

Full auto firing has been disabled on this rifle by removal of the selector

bar. Currently velocity is *above forum regs* on the ball.

 

Internals:

 

- Prometheus ms1**sp

- Guarder v7 steel gears

- Prom. v7 Spring guide

- Prom. Bushings

- 8.4v 3000mah battery

 

Btw props go out to John/Blastyman for being the first in Canada with this mod, and for being great about answering questions.

 

So now I'm all set for the premier 'NamSim event in Ontario this

year, Task Force Charger http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=24207

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I'm planning on modding a real stock to my M14 also. Are there any particular modding tricks I should know about?

 

Thanks

 

 

Take your time, and a good chisel set would be a great idea.

 

Also make sure to dip your whole stock in tung oil after you're finished, this seals the moisture in and prevents it from cracking down the road.

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