Not a true 551...but close enough for my budget.

[Dirtyboy333]

Finally got my stamp back and got to complete my conversion. Very very happy with the end result. I started this project before the surplus 551's were available on top of the fact that I really could not afford one of those since I've been married.

Ive been infatuated with 551's for a while now and I wanted to have a 551 type Gun that looked pretty much exactly like this. This picture is not mine but it has been my dream rifle for a long time.

Pics of inspiration rifle (551):






Pics of my conversion:



























In the absence of 922r, this gun can be 100% Swiss in a matter of minuets from every spring to even include the Swiss ilaflon paint (excluding the stripped upper of course).

The gun feels absolutely rock solid and is without a doubt the nicest feeling rifle I've ever had in my hands.

I did a little bit of backyard testing on the Swiss barrel conversion and I've not noticed any problems whatsoever. It has no POI change from cold to hot and I've had the barrel literally smoking.

The rifle is head and shoulders better feeling then the 556 it started out as. The recoil impulse is also much nicer with the 551 spec gas system/valve.

The best part is that with much help from people on this site like JoshNC etc., the total investment including the donor rifle is right around $2300 (with black furniture) compared to the real surplus 551's (with black furniture) that are $5k. After selling the black furniture and buying the green, the cost went up a couple hundred.

Anyway, I've always wanted a real 551 and while it's not a 100% true 551, it has more than satisfied the itch that I had and for about half the cost (and the rifles in "like new" condition). I never plan on selling it so resale value is of no concern.

Thanks again to all that helped with this.


Here's a vid.

http://youtu.be/hAQmrku83XE

[Moose-Knuckle]

Damn, that is sweeeeet! Congrats!

[Dirtyboy333]

Thanks bud. I like your profile chic...I mean pic. Ha

[bighawk]

Damn.. nice stick!

[SteyrAUG]

I did a little bit of backyard testing on the Swiss barrel conversion and I've not noticed any problems whatsoever. It has no POI change from cold to hot and I've had the barrel literally smoking.

Quick question. Did you use a factory 551 barrel? Just wondering what the "conversion" is.

[NongShim]

Other than the rail and the auto position on selector, looks like my 551.

[Dirtyboy333]

double tap

Yes, it's a true 551 barrel but the threads were machined off and a grade 8 steel sleeve with the correct threading was pressed and pinned on. Was also headspaced etc. I don't know what the torque spec is but I do know that it wouldn't budge when I tried to remove it.

Other than the rail and the auto position on selector, looks like my 551.

Don't tell me that first picture of the real 551 is yours? Haha I've been secretly envying you for years.

Oh, I had the diopter and was considering getting it welded on but in the end I decided to sell it and put a rail on. I'm still questioning that decision to this day. I like the look of the diopter

[JoshNC]

Very very cool. Congrats on a nice looking rifle. Can you post some photos of the barrel-receiver interface? Who did the barrel work? I think you made the right decision re: the rail vs diopter. I personally like the rail better. I've also considered leaving the fixed front sight for use with the flip-up rear.

[Dirtyboy333]

Thanks Josh. I agree that the rail will be more useful in the long run. I just like that nostalgia look of the diopter as well.

Give me a few minutes and I'm going to find some pics of the conversion

[Dirtyboy333]