Soliciting Parts for Muster Project; The 1895 Colt Potato Digger Machine Gun

[Niederlander]

Gentlemen, My plan is to build a full scale mock up of an 1895 Colt "Potato Digger" based on a Ruger 10-22 to use on 1/4 scale targets at our Brigade Muster.  I've got a receiver coming, but now I'm looking for .920" diameter barrel, either 26" or 28" long, and a regular wood 10-22 stock, the more beat up the better.  In fact, the stock could be broken at the wrist as long as the action and barrel inletting are okay.  I know there will be more needed, but that would get me started.  Just thought I'd see if anyone has stuff laying around that would work!

[Dusty Tagalon]

If you can't come up with the longer bbl, I have a 24" .920 barrel. If too short, sleeve it, & make the sleeve a fake muzzle break.
Only stocks available are synthetic.
Brian

[1961MJS]

Hi

I sold the Rugers decades ago, they patterned as opposed to grouped.

Later

[Major 2]

I'm trying to envision a "Potato Digger" from 10/20 that would use the wood stock ? unless its the core to cradle the actual exterior.

I've seen   10/22 conversions into Thompsons, a Garand , M1 carbine, even a twin barrel machinegun in two different designs....

I'd like to see your design...sounds cool

[pony express]

I've been wanting to do something like that for a while, but never had the time. Was considering using either an SKS or an AR for the basis. SKS might be easier because it's top loading. Potato Digger should be easy, since the body of it is just a rectangular box. But this morning I had another thought. What about a completely hollow mock up, with something like a Ruger 22 auto pistol , or some other fixed barrel auto pistol, clamped into the rear where the pistol grip would be anyway. Just firing through the body of the machine gun, or even clamped into the barrel tube and firing through it? All the normal controls would be exposed, no complicated trigger linkages needed. But....I wonder if it might draw disapproval from the BATF, converting a .22 pistol into a crew served weapon?

[Pitspitr]

I have a crank somewhere 

[Delmonico]

Have you found an oliphant yet?

[Niederlander]

We could mount it on the wooden horse!

[Niederlander]

If you can't come up with the longer bbl, I have a 24" .920 barrel. If too short, sleeve it, & make the sleeve a fake muzzle break.
Only stocks available are synthetic.
Brian

I will definitely keep that in mind, Brian.  Thanks!

[Niederlander]

I'm trying to envision a "Potato Digger" from 10/20 that would use the wood stock ? unless its the core to cradle the actual exterior.

I've seen   10/22 conversions into Thompsons, a Garand , M1 carbine, even a twin barrel machinegun in two different designs....

I'd like to see your design...sounds cool

Just need it for the inletting.  I envision it cut down and firmly epoxied into the body of the gun.  I've got the design in mind, now I just need to make it all work!

[Sam Perfye]

Ned, I'll send the stock with the other parts. Let me know if you need anything else. Al

[Niederlander]

Sounds great!  Thanks!

[Major 2]

Please photograph the progress/steps , looks to be worthy project.

[Niederlander]

I will try.  Should be an interesting project!

[Major 2]

This one is cool    early Tripod-mounted Maxim machine gun, chambered in .303 British.

The first automatic portable machinegun in the world was invented and created by Hiram Maxim in 1884
The Maxim Gun was adopted by the British Army in 1889. The machinegun was first used by the British colonial forces in the Matable war in 1893-1894

[Major 2]

Colt Potato Digger

[pony express]

The Maxim wouldn't be too hard to copy, either. Especially the tripod, much simpler than the one on the Potato Digger.

[Major 2]

That was my thought and why I posted it.....Hmmmmmmmmmm !

I need to fid a 10/22 myself 

[Capt Quirk]

I don't want to be guilty of hijacking a thread... But I really want to know more about the Tommygun conversion. More precisely, where can I get the kit?

I found posts and reviews, saying the kits we're simple to use, and only a couple hundred bucks. Can't seem to find anything. I did find a completed one listed on a gun auction, and listed at like $1,500.

[Bat 2919]

10-22 fun gun Thompson conversion

https://www.tactical-life.com/gear/fun-gun-kit/

https://www.brownells.com/aspx/learn/learndetail.aspx?lid=14457