Got a package from South Africa today (Another rifle project begins)

[Pamwe Chete]

 

[adipose]

So the journey begins (uphill battle)! Good Luck.

 

[Pamwe Chete]

So the journey begins (uphill battle)! Good Luck.

I've already sourced a bolt in the US and paid for it So just the Gasblock remains and then the rest will be pretty easy.

 

[Machinegun Messiah]

I'm in the same boat. Need real SA gas blocks. Just curious, were did you source your bolt?

 

[lcastillo]

Been in the same spot guys with SA gas blocks. So here is what I came across. SA gas blocks and barrels are the serialized items of a rifle in SA (it's like or AR-15 lowers here in the U.S.) that being said, within SA there are not many serialized gas blocks to go around for the South African civilian gun owners. This makes it less likely for anyone that owns a gas block in South Africa to want to sell it. Another thing you will run into is that many South Africans are not willing (not all because SA parts do make it into the U.S.) to sell parts abroad because they where under a arms embargo for so long they just don't want to take any chances importing parts. So when it comes to serialized parts they are less willing to take the risk importing them to the U.S.A. especially if they don't know you personally. I have seen a member here on Gtalk import 4 R4 gas blocks into the U.S. and they seemed not to be serialized. Personally I found and bought an original R4 gasblock for sale on GunBroker. Lets say that cost me over $200.00 and I almost passed up on this R4 gasblock because I thought it was a U.S. made one. Only after I sent pictures to Ruski5181 and Ady in SA they both confirmed it to be a R4 gas block. Again when I finally recieved the R4 gas block it did not have any serial numbers. I am going to assume some of these gas blocks could have been meant for selling to surrounding African countries while under a arms embargo. So my friends SA gas blocks are a SOB to find, but I won't say its impossible. When I put all the parts together to build a R4 & R5 "the thrill of the chase" was finding hard to get SA parts. The reward: I have 2 awesome rifles to show off Don't give up you will get there.

 

[Machinegun Messiah]

I wonder how difficult it would be for us to get CNC warrior to do "knock offs" off of original examples? I'd rather have an original gas block, but a duplicate would be cool too. Just a thought.

 

[lcastillo]

I'm am sure CNCW would be open to casting gas blocks if approached with a committed group of buyers in order to cover cost and make a little money. In the long run it will be less expensive and less time consuming (while gas blocks are produced) to just buy a IMI gas block for your SA build. To be really honest most people can't tell the difference between a R5 gas block from a IMI SAR gas block. I know members here can ��

 

[Pamwe Chete]

I'm am sure CNCW would be open to casting gas blocks if approached with a committed group of buyers in order to cover cost and make a little money. In the long run it will be less expensive and less time consuming (while gas blocks are produced) to just buy a IMI gas block for your SA build. To be really honest most people can't tell the difference between a R5 gas block from a IMI SAR gas block. I know members here can ��

GB problem has been solved Also the R5 Gasblocks are serialized for sure. Some of the ones that my connection in SA has told me is a lot of the R4 ones don't....It's mostly the R5 ones which do.

 

[RSR]

If you have a solution/connection for SA gas block, let me know. If you can get two, I'd be happy to split shipping.

The R4 one I have from Mr folgers isn't serialized that I can see, but it's also covered in nutria paint...

 

[Pamwe Chete]

If you have a solution/connection for SA gas block, let me know. If you can get two, I'd be happy to split shipping.

The R4 one I have from Mr folgers isn't serialized that I can see, but it's also covered in nutria paint...

It might take a few months but there might be a possibility of a small number of these we shall see.

 

[tat2steve]

I would be interested in one also.

 

[lcastillo]

GB problem has been solved Also the R5 Gasblocks are serialized for sure. Some of the ones that my connection in SA has told me is a lot of the R4 ones don't....It's mostly the R5 ones which do.

most of the R5's still in service belong to the SAPS (South African Police Services) Ruski5181 said that many of the R5 where recently re-engraved with laser engraving. They engraved the bolts, bolt carrier, receiver and gas blocks with all matching serial numbers so there is no parts swapping.

 

[Mr Folgers]

SA Gas-blocks are about as easy to acquire as complete R4 assault rifles.
I've joked with a few people that asked for them -- the only way you will get an SA gas block is to take your closest Johannesburg police officer's rifle.

The problem is not that they are serialized components (you wouldn't believe how many guns 'on the books' go missing and are never found), but the fact that they do not survive the de-mil process and are not ordinary spare-components. For example, there are many handguards and pins because these will either become damaged or worn over time and need replacement. If you have a worn-out gas block, cracked receiver or shot-out barrel then you just ditch the whole rifle, hence why these parts are unobtainable.

My understanding is that the only parts that survive de-mil and become surplus are the ones that can be removed during a quick field-strip or with a hammer. Again, this is why you never see front-handguard retainers or gasblocks or magazine-releases since they are permanently affixed to the weapon. The 4 SA blocks I acquired were all specifically saved during de-mil (that's why they were on barrel sections), something that doesn't happen very often.

If you can find an SA block, you will likely pay a fortune. I'm aware of SA civilians/police with LM4 rifles that cannot get the blocks regardless of the price.
Your best bet is to just wait for Jeff to make his reproductions of the type-1 ARM block. It could take years before he gets around to them, and hassling him won't make it go faster, but I trust he will get them done and done right at some point.

 

[Pamwe Chete]

Folgers I can't name names right now but the person I am corresponding with has solid connections overseas and honestly when he says he could get a small number in I believe him it will just take time.....Ill update as things progress but as of right now it's a one off conversation nothing more.

 

[lcastillo]

Mr Folgers, I have to give it to you that you managed to get some R4 gas blocks in the U.S. which I think is a incredible feat. With that being said you have gained my full respect with your ability to secure a source for R4 gas blocks. I just want to point out that with my source within SA we have failed to acquire R5/R6 gas blocks because of serialization or just a strait refusal to sell us R5 gas blocks. Maybe I should let you talk to my source and see if you can get somewhere with them. I have yet to see a R5/R6 gas block imported to the U.S. since I have been actively seeking this type of gas block. Best Regards Lou

 

[Sharky1528]

Guess I'm going to try the " Up hill battle " !! After enjoying my Galil SAR Jeff did for me I'm looking for another one and for some reason the R4 is calling me...

Any help with parts would be great...

Sharky

 

[Ady]

I like to think i have pretty good connections and i haven't been able to source a gas block. They are very scarce, even new, and not through a lack of trying. I could get a barrel at one point, but not a gas block.

If you can get a SA made gas block jump on it, no matter the price, because you wont see one again. Lou hit the jackpot.

Parts generally seem to have dried up in SA.

 

[Machinegun Messiah]

Ok, so we surely have the numbers! There are enough of us wanting R5/R6 gas blocks. There are a few members who could provide an original example here in the US right? CNC Warrior can do copies if we all commit to a group buy. Let's rally to make it happen!! ��

 

[Machinegun Messiah]

If no original examples are available to copy, CNC W. Can most likely do a close copy from studying pics I'd imagine

 

[Pamwe Chete]

Bolt arrived today