M2 - belt fed semi .50 - what to look for?

[marktx]

Found what looks to be a good deal on a TNW built semi auto M2. Dealer that has it on consignment doesn't think it has been used much if at all and that is my impression as well. The thing looks to be all there and in new shape but I don't really know what all to look for. It doesn't help that the receiver alone weighs probably 60 lbs along with being a good bit more complicated than your average gun. I'm going to do some Googling but figured it was worth asking here first. What should I be looking at? Any serious no-go type issues?

 

[Wes Janson]

Make sure that the barrel doesn't rotate freely when in battery (although you should be able to turn it and feel the clicks, when you push back on the charging handle and pull the bolt back slightly). If it rotates while locked up, there's likely a problem with the barrel latch.

Right now, you can get a decent semi M2 for ~$6-7k. If it's much more than $7-8k, and doesn't include much in the way of accessories, I'd pass on it. A tripod is worth about $1k, ammo can be had for $2-3/round if you look. You'll need a headspace gage to shoot it, and it's highly recommended to have a broken shell extractor.

 

[Bobarino]

be sure it comes with the head spacing tool and manual. if i recall correctly, they get, um, rather unhappy when headspace is not set properly.

Bobby

 

[Ian]

You don't actually need a tool to set headspace an M2, especially a semi M2. I'd be much more interested in getting a tripod with the gun than a headspacing tool.

I would check for the same things you might look for on a 1919. See if the trunnion surface is worn, and inpect the fire control pieces for chips or cracks. I don't know the details on the M2 semi triggers, but on 1919s the conversion requires milling down some areas, and those can crack or break if not done right.

You might also contact TNW and see if they will warranty the gun, just for kicks. They probably won't, but ya never know.

 

[50 Shooter]

If you can't find the answers you're looking for, go here http://www.m2hb.net/m2phpBB/index.php and ask the guys that build them from a kit.

Other then that you've got some good info already.

 

[briansmithwins]

I've had the guys at TNW do some work for me with excellent results. I've been to their shop (they are local to me) and was impressed.

Give them a call or e-mail of you have any questions. The guy that was answering e-mail is a shop guy so it may take some time for him to get back to you. OTOH, he actually knows what he's talking about. BSW