Good news from the folks at LMT in USA

[breacher]

So, being as my LMT is very slow to sell, I e-mailed LMT USA to see how costly it would be to ( if even possible ) convert to semi-auto..........in case it just does not sell here. Because, taking it over is possible ( already got permission and paperwork to take my BSA Martini and Stalking rifle )

Well, the good news is that it CAN be done ! It would need a new barrel ( $600 will get me the same barrel as it already has but with gas parts - the 16" stainless ) and it will need either a gas key ( a few dollars ) or a BCG ( a bit more ) depending on whether my BCG has a bleed hole under the existing trimmed gas key. If no hole, I am told one can be drilled which might negate the need for a new BCG.

So, all in all, very reassuring - maybe a new barrel and a new lease of life if it does not sell..................or if it does sell, a new LMT anyway - its nice to be in a win / win situation for a change !

And the really nice chap at LMT said it would really please him to help me restore my LMT "to the way it should be".

Hats off to LMT by the way - thoroughly helpful and e-mails replied to in seconds !!!

[Blackstuff]

I'm surprised they can't just drill the gas port in your existing barrel?

[Airbrush]

I’d keep it as it is as a curiosity for the Yanks & spend the money on a .223 AR. Probably be more accurate in its current state too.

[Alan D]

I’d keep it as it is as a curiosity for the Yanks & spend the money on a .223 AR. Probably be more accurate in its current state too.

Great if you can take it to the US.
.More accurate in its SP state? How do you work that out, considering the rifle dosent unlock until the bullets left the barrel in semi automatic anyway?

[breacher]

I'm surprised they can't just drill the gas port in your existing barrel?

Because gas parts.

The new barrel has them built in.

[Andy632]

I'm surprised they can't just drill the gas port in your existing barrel?

Because gas parts.

The new barrel has them built in.

Yup, when I had my M14 made for me, they charged an Extra 100 dollars to supply a barrel without the gas hole!!!

[DaveB]

Carl Lewis is a pretty resourceful guy - if it can be done, he'll figure out a way to do it.