M96 forum is dead, and needs a jump start

[imanaknut]

All right, with all the AKs, ARs, and C&Rs, does anyone else own an M96? Yes, I said anyone else, because this AK-nut just came home from a gun show with a new toy that has had a place being held in my safe for a long time. I just bought an M96 Expeditionary and was wondering if anyone else has one, and what they thought about it. I do intend a range report once the temperature gets above "Darn that's cold" and the snow and ice stop falling.

You know the M96, based on the old Stoner, with an adjustable gas system like the FAL, removable barrel, piston operated recoil like the AK or FAL, and a lot of other neat stuff made by Robinson Arms, better known for their VEPRs.

Anyone?

[recon]

You did? All right! I'am looking to get the Recon model myself! So how do you like it? :cool:

[recon]

:(

[imanaknut]

Would you believe I got it almost 2 months ago and haven't shot it yet? Bad me, bad bad bad. I have gone shooting only once this year because of the weather (these old bones don't like damp cold anymore). Didn't take the M96 the only time out because there were too many full auto toys to play with. If next Sunday (March 14) is nice, there should be a range report that evening.

[ezed!]

I love my M96 with the Bren conversion. Just ran a few hundred rounds through it yesterday. It runs smooth, it is very reliable and very accurate. It definitely is more fun to shoot than the ARs. My 13 year old says it is his favorite shooter also. Would like to save some money and get a recon some time in the future.

[imanaknut]

OK, there was a gun show this past weekend that kept me away from the range. Made money, so I can overlook not going shooting. Another show this weekend, so that leaves March 28th as the next attempt to find out how nice the M96 is.

[recon]

Man I just wish these were a little cheaper!;)

[Jaybird]

Well the good news is used M96 are coming down in price. You can find a nice one for 900.00. The bad news is the delivery on beltfeed is still not good. A few gunsmiths are trying to build bf systems, but nothing definitive. Nothing coming from Alex. I am hoping for the 6.8 SPC to be avail from Robarm in the near future, as the 7.62x39 is dead. AK-nut, I cant beleive you have not taken your new acquisition to the range. They are smooth, accurate and sweet. You will get lots of looks. I have all three barrel lengths and really like the rifle barrel the best. The recon has a better upfront balance, and is real popular right now.
I hope this thread will become more popular. The M96 is really a nice weapon and I would highly recommend it to anyone sitting on the fence ( uh RECON, hahaha).
Jaybird

[recon]

I know!;) Hey are sure about the 7.62x39 model? Dead? Was hoping for that to take off! I know there starting to come down a little. Where would be the best place or web site to check for decent price's? Been to a few but nothing really great! Also do you think there done doing improvments to the Recon model?

[Jaybird]

Recon,
Its dead alright. Alex had too much trouble converting .223 weapons and with the 6.8 coming, I think he is working that deal for US military instead. He did produce The RAV in 7.62x39 for military only, and I think the deal was to no avail. Never avail to civilian and those in the know stated he has put any 7.62x39 to the back burner indefinitly. Check Biggerhammer, its the most authoritive site for M96 info and used rifles for sale. I check it everyday, not as an active site as it was 2-3 years ago, but still plenty of info and updating avail.
I do think the improvements are completed. The weapon has been around since 99 and alot of consumer feedback was given to help with the mods. Biggest mods were to the barrel retention button, gas piston and the trigger/disconnector setup. Chromed and shortened barrels were consumer demands, not saftey mods. Well good luck on finding a nice weapon. I know you will like it.
Jaybird

[Jaybird]

Almost forgot!

http://www.biggerhammer.net/m96/wwwboard/index.cgi?

[imanaknut]

OK, just got back from the range after playing with the M96. Yes, it is a sweet shooter, but I have a question. The manual has more in it about disclaimers to keep lawyers at bay, so forgive me, but I could not find the part that tells you how to release the bolt after the last round holds it open! I put in a filled mag, and could not find a release lever, or button. Shooter2, who is very knowledgeable with firearms was at a loss as well.

After the first mag, I removed the lower, and tapped on the carrier which caused it to move forward into battery. After the second mag, when I installed a loaded mag, I just smacked the rifle on the butt to chamber the first round. Looked and felt funny that at each mag change, I had to smack the M96 on the stock to release the carrier. Pulling the charging handle did nothing, it just moved back all the way without engaging anything.

Why do I get the idea that on this previously never fired rifle that there is already something broken.

On the other hand, I had a ball with my STG-58. It was flawless!!!

[RJ Shooter]

When the belt-fed upper comes into production, I'll get one. ;)

[recon]

Nut that doesn't sound good! Damn!:(

[RJ Shooter]

Originally posted by imanaknut
...but I could not find the part that tells you how to release the bolt after the last round holds it open! I put in a filled mag, and could not find a release lever, or button....Pulling the charging handle did nothing, it just moved back all the way without engaging anything...Check page 19 of your manual!

It says to pull the charging handle back when you put a loaded mag in on a locked-open chamber. Not sure why your's isn't working. :dunno:

[imanaknut]

Thanks for finding the page RJ. I have never seen a manual so filled with warnings and disclaimers. I like the one about making sure the rifle is pointed down range when you chamber the first round, that the spring loaded firing pin can still impact with enough force to fire the first round all by itself!

I completely disassembled the rifle last night and could not find anything obvious. I thought that the pin by the charging handle might have broken, but it is still there. I was super careful to make sure it reassembled correctly, but it had to be right the first time because it fired and cycled flawlessly. Next range trip is two weeks away. I'll see what happens then.

[RJ Shooter]

Try locking the bolt open, and then try to drop it with the charging handle with no mag inserted. Could be a mag issue instead...

Just trying to speculate.

[imanaknut]

I'll give it a try when I get home later, thanks!:cool:

[Jaybird]

Nut,
Just read your post. Sounds like the charging handle was not installed properly by the last to reassemble the weapon. I have reinstalled mine incorrectly before, not allowing the charging handle to activate the bolt. Possibly, this was the problem as when working correctly, after the last shot, and bolt in hold open postion, simply engage the cocking handle to close. Let me know if you have resolved the issue. When your reassembled your rifle you probably corrected the problem. Let me know.
Jay

[jt325i]

Originally posted by RJ Shooter
When the belt-fed upper comes into production, I'll get one. ;)

Same here. That is the big selling point to me. :D