Bergmann MP18 Submachine Gun (BUILD THREAD!)

[Caldwell]

I'd like to start off by saying this is my first build thread, something I've wanted to do for a while now, and I want to apologize for any inconsistency in the posts I make. Due to working a job, there's no guarantees of when I'll be able to work on this project I've waited so long to begin. But, never let obstacles clog to progress of something long overdue! HERE WE GO!

So for quite some time now, I've been meaning to build an inert movie prop based on one of my favorite vintage firearms: the Bergmann MP18 submachine gun. This weapon, first produced in 1918 at the tail-end of World War I by the German arms manufacturer Theodor Bergmann, was the first successful submachine gun to be mass-produced (More info here). It's an extremely stylish weapon, and something I've wanted to tackle for quite some time now.

One thing I would like to make clear is that I am NOT going for 100% accuracy here. While working down to the minute details is something I would love to do, it's not something I really have the ability to do with my current work station and abilities. While it will look very similar in overall shape, do not expect a perfect replica (Hope this doesn't ruin the fun).

I hope you all enjoy this build. It's something I've been wanting to do and I hope everyone else is excited about it as I am. If you have any comments or suggestions to contribute to the build along the way, please do not hesitate as I value your esteemed opinions.

 

[Caldwell]

I've started off by doing something I never thought I would have to do while building a prop...MATH...
I took the measurements of the Bergmann from the Wikipedia article, and then made up a list of rough measurements based on a photograph (The weapon is just under 33 inches long).

I figured out the rough length and varies thicknesses of the different parts of the furniture running from the foreguard to the grip to the stock. After converting the measurements taken from the photo I drew out some guidelines onto a piece of pine I got at Home Depot. I'll cut out one stock blank, then a second from a trace I'll make of the first one.

(The website of the great Blind Squirrel Props can be seen on my iPad. I'm referencing his astonishing PPSh-41 building during this process, as he used similar materials to build a (vaguely) similar weapon)

Note that the drawing seen on the wood in the picture above has WAAAAY too steep a drop in the grip area. This has been remedied and will be less dramatic in the final cut.
Also seen above is a lovely piece of PVC I purchased along with the wood that's the perfect diameter for the main part of the gun. Since the barrel jacketing runs back into the magazine well and then into the receiver, this will all be made in a single piece of pipe. I've measured out the length of the individual sections (using the same photograph) and marked them out.

Time to get on the saw and start cutting!

 

[loose bolts]

most mp18 were converted to mp 28's. there are some parts you can buy around the internet including the receiver tube to build a replica. with a little back dating they are nearly identical. also British lancashire (spellings off) is a copy of one, parts there and there numrich . com has a lot of bits and bobbles

 

[CFR]

Here is a link to a British copy for sale,

http://www.ima-usa.com/british-lanchester-display-smg-wwii-desert-rat-issue.html

 

[Caldwell]

most mp18 were converted to mp 28's. there are some parts you can buy around the internet including the receiver tube to build a replica. with a little back dating they are nearly identical. also British lancashire (spellings off) is a copy of one, parts there and there numrich . com has a lot of bits and bobbles

Here is a link to a British copy for sale,

http://www.ima-usa.com/british-lanchester-display-smg-wwii-desert-rat-issue.html

Thanks for the comments! I'd love to buy my own replica/real parts to build a replica, but unfortunately PVC piping and plywood is what's in my budget right now

 

[loose bolts]

even so my friend pvc is a lot easier than steel. there are the paper template for the cut outs around the internet. glue cut and drill. they are meant for the steel tubebody but will work just as well on PVC as long as the pipe is the same side. search. template mp 18 or 28 and throw in "80%" in the search if the results are lacking.