Need help: Bipod mechanism for prop/model.

[armamentfactory]

Hi everybody,

I'm working on a model of this bipod. It's from the rare Stoner 63A light machinegun.
I need it to complete my 'Nam/MGS3 costume.

These are about the best reference pics I could find, and the rest of the homework says trying to get the real thing is a pipe dream.

I got half-way into the math, then realized I couldn't figure out exactly how the locking device & leg extension worked (model accuracy, go figure ).
It's probably a long shot, but I'm hoping somebody has more detailed information on this?

Thanks!
-armamentfactory

 

[breen2057]

Re: Need help: Bipod machanism for prop/model.

you could use this, Vietnam war era m16 bipod.

 

[armamentfactory]

Re: Need help: Bipod machanism for prop/model.

you could use this, Vietnam war era m16 bipod.

View attachment 350303

Thanks, but I really want to have an accurate bipod to complete this look.

I was lucky enough to get the LMG replica, the manufacturer just never made a bipod to match.
Also, Ebay prefers to not ship these items to my side of the world.:cry

 

[GrenadeKing]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the lock is a simple push button. Knowing Stoner's work and guns in general, it would be very simple. Probably a tab behind the button to keep it from popping out of the front. It's probably held in place by simple spring pressure, the same spring that would keep it in the locked position until you push on it.

From pictures I have, it looks like the leg mechanism is similar. There are 6 notches on the inside track and latches that fit into the notches to lock each leg into an extended position. No clear photos of the mechanism but you could probably guess easily enough. Heck, I'll see if I can do a quick drawing later.

 

[armamentfactory]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the lock is a simple push button. Knowing Stoner's work and guns in general, it would be very simple. Probably a tab behind the button to keep it from popping out of the front. It's probably held in place by simple spring pressure, the same spring that would keep it in the locked position until you push on it.

From pictures I have, it looks like the leg mechanism is similar. There are 6 notches on the inside track and latches that fit into the notches to lock each leg into an extended position. No clear photos of the mechanism but you could probably guess easily enough. Heck, I'll see if I can do a quick drawing later.

That's about my guess for the clamp lock as well, and my best guess for the legs was a leaf spring attached to the locking tab, similar to the M60 bipod. (could it really be that simple?)
But I can't seem to figure out how they're mounted in the clamp & legs without over-engineering.

 

[GrenadeKing]

These pictures should help. I found them on another site. It's an earlier bipod without the lock but, the legs should be the same.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/...1-366D-40F8-A35A-3D230C8C8208_zpsr28qlxhv.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/...2-CF40-486E-83DF-A6C2C600F9E0_zps933h0hji.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/...E-9389-44FB-A31B-2364786BD724_zpssp5fiigh.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/...D-C4B5-4C20-A9E6-90F8EE925021_zps8wtmg6s2.jpg

Looks like a simple leaf spring that extends out and acts like a button. Push it in and extend the leg to one of the 5 notches.

 

[armamentfactory]

These pictures should help. I found them on another site. It's an earlier bipod without the lock but, the legs should be the same.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/...1-366D-40F8-A35A-3D230C8C8208_zpsr28qlxhv.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/...2-CF40-486E-83DF-A6C2C600F9E0_zps933h0hji.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/...E-9389-44FB-A31B-2364786BD724_zpssp5fiigh.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/...D-C4B5-4C20-A9E6-90F8EE925021_zps8wtmg6s2.jpg

Looks like a simple leaf spring that extends out and acts like a button. Push it in and extend the leg to one of the 5 notches.

Thanks! That's a huge push forward!
Now I have to resolve what the pics show vs what the manuals say. The field/tech manuals say you can extend the legs without pressing the button.
I suppose it's a matter of orienting the spring correctly.