View Full Version : HK53 build
dwalker460
11-02-2012, 08:01
Picked up a very nice HK53 kit and am building it back up. Think of it as an earlier version of the MP5, only in 5.56 instead of 9mm. It is an SBR and is just really a cool weapon.
This kit is a demil so there is no telling how many rounds have gone through it but the bore looks new. Fortunately the kit has all the hard to find OE parts like correct sights and barrel, but is missing the stock, a couple of small bolt parts, and lower receiver and the trigger group.
The receiver is only available as a "flat" and so much like an AK build, I will be folding some formed sheet metal. The trigger group is fortunately available as a semi auto and there are a half-dozen stocks that will fit it easily available. The only hard to get parts look to be the mags, as everywhere I have looked has had them out of stock.
The 53 will probably get Duracoated or similar finish in flat black to keep that sinister subgun look to it.
I will post pics when I have a moment to take good ones.
Picked up a very nice HK53 kit and am building it back up. Think of it as an earlier version of the MP5, only in 5.56 instead of 9mm. It is an SBR and is just really a cool weapon.
This kit is a demil so there is no telling how many rounds have gone through it but the bore looks new. Fortunately the kit has all the hard to find OE parts like correct sights and barrel, but is missing the stock, a couple of small bolt parts, and lower receiver and the trigger group.
The receiver is only available as a "flat" and so much like an AK build, I will be folding some formed sheet metal. The trigger group is fortunately available as a semi auto and there are a half-dozen stocks that will fit it easily available. The only hard to get parts look to be the mags, as everywhere I have looked has had them out of stock.
The 53 will probably get Duracoated or similar finish in flat black so the wife doesn't find out about another new rifle.
I will post pics when I have a moment to take good ones.
Fixed
dwalker460
11-02-2012, 08:53
Hahahahahaha.... True true...
RYAN50BMG
11-02-2012, 19:52
just another tree in the forest.
UncleDave
12-07-2012, 02:04
If it is an SBR anyway why not go ahead an put a sear in it?
BPTactical
12-07-2012, 07:06
Might be worth a bit of due care.
Is it a true "De Mil"/ De Wat" or an actual "parts kit"?
In the eyes of the BATF a "De Mil/De Wat" is still a "machinegun". Once a machinegun, always a machine gun.
From what the NFA branch told me a "DeMil/DeWat" must remain in its original form.
Great-Kazoo
12-07-2012, 08:16
If it is an SBR anyway why not go ahead an put a sear in it?
A SBR is a different Title II / NFA stamp item (2 stamps are required for a SBR & Sear) than one with a SEAR. Separate paperwork + a hell of a lot more cost to buy a sear pack. I have a SBR IF i was able to afford a DIAS, or other select fire unit, i would need to submit another Form 4.
dwalker460
12-07-2012, 08:55
If it is an SBR anyway why not go ahead an put a sear in it?
Basically what Jim said, its just a fair chunk of money and hassle. The biggest PITA is that if I bring an auto fire control anywhere near the thing once the receiver is formed its considered a machine gun and could cause me a lot of trouble, so I am sticking with semi auto.
dwalker460
12-07-2012, 09:11
Might be worth a bit of due care.
Is it a true "De Mil"/ De Wat" or an actual "parts kit"?
In the eyes of the BATF a "De Mil/De Wat" is still a "machinegun". Once a machinegun, always a machine gun.
From what the NFA branch told me a "DeMil/DeWat" must remain in its original form.
As near as I can tell this particular "kit" was never titled as a machine gun and was imported as a parts kit and came with two of the three receiver cuts. I have been extra careful with buying any of these kits because from my understanding is there are some kits out there that are ex-police and military subguns, esp MP5's and 93's that have been turned into parts kits. These I think would be registered somewhere as a machine gun already and could cause me an issue later. Sort of a grey area because the receiver obviously gets replaced with a fresh one, but all the other parts minus the auto fire control are still there. I am choosing not to take the chance.
As an update I have the receiver flat and am just waiting to see if I can borrow this guys jig or not. If no then I am going to either build or buy my own. If that happens its like a couple more HK's and clones get built up, since the jig is going to be either pricey if bought and time consuming if built. The flat I picked up came with the trunnion and other weld in bits and looks like a decent flat. Like others have noticed, the stamped in rail is not formed "square" and is more like a "U" channel. This apparently has no real consequence but may bother me. If it does then fortunately others out there have already devised a press jig to form the rail properly, which saves thinking on my part. Easier to just copy.
Also stopped ordering parts until the receiver is formed or close to being formed. I have enough crap laying around as it is, and tend to change my mind about which configuration, and thus which parts are needed, quite often. I think the one thing I am really convinced I want is one of the skeleton style stocks, but have not been able to locate one at all.
Anyways, thats my latest update.
I built a semi G3. If you convert or buy a semi trigger group, modify or buy a bolt carrier, and modify the lower so that only modified trigger group will physically fit, your good. Also you have the USA parts rules. You used to be able to find semi conversion kits for the SEF trigger group (it's steel so it's easy to weld) and since your refinishing the weapon welding is perfect.
Check out the conversion process before you start. It's not too difficult but a drill press, welder, hack saw, file, dykem, calipers, die grinder ect. are needed. Can you get all the USA parts still?
paddywagon
12-09-2012, 08:16
The HK is a great weapon system to build. I have built several and there are always a few challenges along the way. The most challenging for me was a HK51. EVERYTHING had to be cut! Bolt mods are easy and US parts are available. When you build it if you are doing it as a semi make sure you do everything in the proper order to prevent from committing a felony! There are several fake cans available that look good if you do not want to do it as a SBR.
If it is an SBR anyway why not go ahead an put a sear in it?
After all, its just $15,000-20,000 right?
dwalker460
12-09-2012, 19:56
The HK is a great weapon system to build. I have built several and there are always a few challenges along the way. The most challenging for me was a HK51. EVERYTHING had to be cut! Bolt mods are easy and US parts are available. When you build it if you are doing it as a semi make sure you do everything in the proper order to prevent from committing a felony! There are several fake cans available that look good if you do not want to do it as a SBR.
Do you have a folding jig? My buddy is supposed to have a friend with one but I have not gotten anywhere with that yet, and am looking for alternatives right now.
And yeap I have been looking into all the semi-conversion. It seems like the easiest thing to do is to just buy a pinned complete semi lower and fire control.
I have honestly been really looking into running this gun as a 300blk using the hkparts barrel and possibly run it suppressed.
ChunkyMonkey
12-09-2012, 20:02
The only hard to get parts look to be the mags, as everywhere I have looked has had them out of stock.
http://www.hkparts.net/shop/pc/HK93-33-53-Magazine-30-Round-US-156p13969.htm
Browse through it, they have different mags.
dwalker460
12-09-2012, 20:12
http://www.hkparts.net/shop/pc/HK93-33-53-Magazine-30-Round-US-156p13969.htm
Browse through it, they have different mags.
I actually browsed through that the other night and saw those. Not bad pricing either.
BPTactical
12-09-2012, 23:19
It's pretty hard to beat Adam @HKparts.net for anything HK related.
Good guy and a wealth of knowledge.
paddywagon
12-10-2012, 23:55
Do you have a folding jig? My buddy is supposed to have a friend with one but I have not gotten anywhere with that yet, and am looking for alternatives right now.
And yeap I have been looking into all the semi-conversion. It seems like the easiest thing to do is to just buy a pinned complete semi lower and fire control.
I have honestly been really looking into running this gun as a 300blk using the hkparts barrel and possibly run it suppressed.
I do not have a jig. I built all the ones i built on JLD receivers. Doing the clip and pin job is easy work unless you get one for a steal.
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