xm21 Sniper Weapon System

[Kokanee]

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 420-425fps.

Internals:

- Prometheus ms120sp
- Guarder v7 steel gears
- Prom. v7 Spring guide
- Prom. Bushings
- Guarder Cylinder Enhancement Set for Marui M14
- 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

[Lakonian]

very nice work. my buddy is really into the 'nam-sim stuff, he'll probably cream when he sees this... :|

[LUTNIT]

Thats pretty much what I wanted my M14 to be except I cant afford the stock and all the real steel bits. Now I know exactly what upgrades to get in my M14 to get the fps I wanted though I am most likely keeping the full auto and just not using it.

Excellent job though :cheers:

[Bravo One-Six]

Josh man..

What can I say! That's beautiful! Can't WAIT to see her in person!

looking good dude

[CDN_Stalker]

Ok, that has got to be one of the BEST airsoft guns I've seen yet! Oustanding Josh, completely outstanding! The other stock you painted desert was nice (even if it caused you to get shot when sneaking up on me), but nothing compares to real wood!

[SEALs]

Really nice! Are you planing on getting the Leatherwood 3–9x ART scope?

Its not that expensive and it would really add the finisihing touch on that beautifull project!

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=177741

[Ghost Snake]

Damn nice. My only complaint would be that the stock almost looks too shiny. Kind of gives it a plasticy look. I'm sure it's just the flash though. Great job.

[CDN_Stalker]

I'd assume that after some use the finish would dull up nicely. If it stays shiny, light rubbing with ultra fine steel wool will fix it nicely.

Now that I look at the pic again, nothing shiny about the stock at all. Looks like it was sealed in tung oil or something.

[Laike]

Oh sweet drooling Awesome job.

That's f*ckin awesome man, good job on it.

[Blastyman]

Hey awesome Job there Josh. That definately turned out nice. I will let you do my next wood stock for me. I definately didn't spend the time and effort on the finish that you did!

Great work. I really don't deserve props I didn't help you that much. Your a very smart guy and I know you would of be able to do it anyhow. ;-)

[fasterbassdrums]

all i can say is shit man you are a wizard! thats one hell of a nice piece of work
if i ever get an m14 ill have to get you to do it (im not patient enough or smart enough for that quality of work) :salute:

[Kokanee]

Yep Mike, Tung Oil to seal, then linseed oil.

And sorry, but this was a bit of a hairy project to do, and I really have no desire to do another one.

[CDN_Stalker]

Good choice in finish!