How well dose a Vollmer 51 run in semi only

[mustang67]

Hi all, Building a 51 and 53 at the same time. I just picked up a Vollmer bolt carrier with a 53 carrier. I had to buy them as a package. I would like to know how well dose a Vollmer 51 run in semi only. I don't have the money for the fun stuff yet so semi for now. I was thinking of building it like a Vector but know I have a carrier I just don't know wich way to go.

Thanks Mustang

[hkinak]

It runs great in both semi and full auto. I have had my Vollmer 51 for almost 7 years and it has never failed me. You have to remember that the recoil spring and rod are cut down, so you will need to make sure you trim yours.

In my opinion, Vollmer had the best design for a 51 -- other than IDF who made the original ones for the SAS.

[AviatorDave]

It runs great in both semi and full auto. I have had my Vollmer 51 for almost 7 years and it has never failed me. You have to remember that the recoil spring and rod are cut down, so you will need to make sure you trim yours.

In my opinion, Vollmer had the best design for a 51 -- other than IDF who made the original ones for the SAS.

And I think IDF actually had them built by Bill Fleming, or at least I've been told, so it's no surprise that they would be regarded as the best.

[mustang67]

Thanks for the reply guys. I think I will go with the Vollmer set up.

Mustang

[kevin917z]

does anyone have any pictures or details on the volmer design? I am having a 51 pistol built for me but am not sure on the setup for the recoil system.

[Shattered Mind]

does anyone have any pictures or details on the volmer design? I am having a 51 pistol built for me but am not sure on the setup for the recoil system.

Alright, I'll help get you started. Here's a pic of three 308 carriers. Top one is an unmodified G-3 carrier. Middle carrier is my copy of my Vollmer 51 carrier. Bottom carrier is my version of a Vollmer style, but for my 51K. If I relieved the cocking tube for that extra bit of length (to keep the tube from kicking out of the ejection port), I'd bet the bottom carrier would work in my Vollmer 51.

[HART1]

Hi all, Building a 51 and 53 at the same time. I just picked up a Vollmer bolt carrier with a 53 carrier. I had to buy them as a package. I would like to know how well dose a Vollmer 51 run in semi only. I don't have the money for the fun stuff yet so semi for now. I was thinking of building it like a Vector but know I have a carrier I just don't know wich way to go.

Thanks Mustang

mustang,
I personaly wouldn't Make it like Vector. I have had all kinds of problems with the recoil rod on mine.
Found these Vollmer Clone 51 plans. It might help?


HK-51 dimensions.
9.540 - end of recoil spring TUBE to flat surface inside stock, where other end of spring rests. Not including tapered part in end of tube. Replace rivets with 3/32 "tension pins" $.13 each at hardware store. Grind or file flush with tube so spring doesn't catch. Tube length MUST allow cocking handle to travel all the way to back of slot in receiver. Do this last, after building cocking piece and bolt carrier.
4.080 - overall length of bolt carrier. Weld is .250 out from bolt carrier body.
.725 - length of spring sleeve inside snout of carrier. MUST be flat, square and tapered slightly on inside on rear end so will not catch on recoil spring guide.
5.660 - length of cocking slot from rear of plug that serves as front stop for cocking piece to rear of slot.
4.422 - overall length of cocking piece. I made an extension by turning 3/4" OD x 1/8" wall DOM tubing to .700 and welding to original cocking piece. Trim to provide .010 between "snout" and cocking piece when bolt is locked. Do this after bolt carrier is done and cocking tube is installed in receiver.
5.18 - Centerline of forearm push pin hole to front of trunnion. Check YOUR MP5 forearm fit on this.
4.200 - length of larger portion of cocking tube.
7.250 - tip of barrel to trunnion
5.610 - REAR of front site to front of trunnion.
(Add 1.176 if you want to measure from chamber end of barrel.)
OD to turn barrel for site should be based on ID of site used - they vary a little. A new barrel I have measures .643, yet a used site measures .651!!!!
Use 4 flute end mill to make hole for site pin - doesn't walk like a drill bit may. Ream to size.
Modify front site sleeve - remove bipod part that extends from rear of site. There is only room for thickness of site!
15-1 RH metric thread measures .585 over threads. Don't even THINK about a set screw brake!!!!
The cocking tube is a pain to do! Can't readily turn it in a lathe as it is thin and got that darn slot. 7/8 OD steel tube, .065 wall will make satisfactory replacement. (Federal arms includes these with some kits.) Looks different so not for the purists among you.
Turn to .778 where it goes in front site. .787 x 1.249 long on end to go inside receiver. Don't bother if you plan to butt weld to old tube in receiver. Grind groove for forearm pin. Taper entrance to thin edge. Cut cocking slot on mill - after turned and welded in - .204 wide. Hand form the "latch open" area at rear of cocking slot, as required, with file.
If you look at left side of receiver, there is a rib. (One that claw mount grips bottom of.) Top edge of that rib is top edge of cocking slot viewing from the side.
DON'T forget to drill hole to disassemble cocking piece!! .214 diameter in top of receiver that registers with cocking piece/handle. Try 2.340 back from front of receiver.
Jig pin for bolt carrier. Brass, .518 x 5" long.
Jig pin for cocking tube. Brass, .790 x 16" long. Turn front end to .738 for .520 long. Customize to fit your receiver and cocking tube if you wish. Not so tight you can't remove it!! Not so loose your weld sags inside or alignment suffers.

[kevin917z]

do you guys use a #18 locking piece?

[HART1]

do you guys use a #18 locking piece?

I bought mine from mrhustler. It was one that Vector made. mrhustler worked for Vector at one time. The last I knew, he had locking pieces and also makes Vector recoil rod conversions.