OP emmado22: I'm not trying to hijack the thread, but would like to share the progress of the kit assembly. If you would prefer that I don't, please PM me or state here, and I will delete my posts.
Best,
-Ken
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT ADVERTISING NOR PROMOTING FOR SANTAN FABWORKS, I don't receive any compensation for discussing this product, and if the way I am posting violates the rules, moderators please delete ALL THE POSTS. All I'm trying to do is discuss one option for MV armament, for display only. I researched replicas for hours, and this was what I considered my best option. If I could have gotten an M2 Airsoft, I would have.
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![IMG_9612_web.gif IMG_9612_web.gif](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/562/562477-1a96c2447248c7cc4a5a19fff109496d.jpg)
The kit as received (without the printed instructions, which I produced). Purchased in May 2020, price was under $1,000.
![IMG_9880_web.gif IMG_9880_web.gif](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/562/562478-cc4bd20fe1c45d65d2ec7292b5997be2.jpg)
Outside of left side of receiver. I used a 5 1/2" grinder flap disc to break/smooth all the edges.
![IMG_9883_web.gif IMG_9883_web.gif](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/562/562479-523a5e611bb7fcd8ac11065f92214f7e.jpg)
Inside: note welded rivets
![IMG_9884_edit.gif IMG_9884_edit.gif](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/562/562480-52fe289dbaea5e2c9cedab6f754433fe.jpg)
First thirty steps (or so) completed. My 17-year-old daughter calls this "Legos for adults"
![IMG_0259_web.gif IMG_0259_web.gif](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/562/562481-16ab68d41fbd60fb63fb24a91d9d7354.jpg)
Around Step 66. The instructions require either a cradle with pins, or Santan's holding fixture (jig).
![IMG_0325_web.gif IMG_0325_web.gif](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/562/562484-fb7f4c393e8a4d2eac73e057e4209c82.jpg)
Original M2 charging handle. I had to weld-up the plate and drill and tap for 7/16" fine thread;
also a split lock washer was used as a spacer because the inside bore of the "skeleton" plate
was not big enough to pass the handle hub.
![IMG_0326_web.gif IMG_0326_web.gif](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/562/562485-4bc3af884b0db9b2f10af73adab82efe.jpg)
Charging handle as provided in the kit. It's longer, smaller diameter, and not ovalled. It looks
great from a distance (read: by civilians curbside at a parade), but I desired greater authentic
appearance.