Kokanee Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 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! 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 Link to post Share on other sites
Shard Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Lovely stock, good work ! Definitely worth the effort of doing the extra work to get the real stock to fit Link to post Share on other sites
tmas Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 I'm planning on modding a real stock to my M14 also. Are there any particular modding tricks I should know about? Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
CapaciousZepher Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Lovely. Very, very nice. Cheers! - CapaciousZepher Link to post Share on other sites
Kokanee Posted June 17, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2006 I'm planning on modding a real stock to my M14 also. Are there any particular modding tricks I should know about? Thanks <{POST_SNAPBACK}> 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. Link to post Share on other sites
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