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Review: 1919a4 Sideplates from Sten Parts and Four Horsemen Arms by staff@1919a4.com Many of the visitors to this site are interested in making their own semi-automatic 1919a4 using one of the many surplus full-auto parts kits that are available (see our review of some of the best). By using such a parts kit, and perhaps a set of templates from PIE Industries if they use an 80% sideplate, an individual can create their own legal semi 1919 with a bit of work. The work comes from the modifications to the internal parts and the right side plate that are required by the BATF. You see, the BATF requires that semi builders use a 1/4 inch plate, and that it--and the bolt and trigger box--be milled down so that the sideplate has a ridge that slides in a groove in the bolt and trigger box. This is done to ensure that the internal parts can't simply be replaced by full auto parts to create a machine gun. Additionally, the right side plate must be welded in place with "deep, penetrating welds," not just rivets. Again, this is to ensure that you can't simply replace the right side plate with a full-auto plate so the full-auto internals would fit, making a machine gun. The most difficult aspect of building your own 1919 is thus, the milling of the internal parts and the creation of the right side plate. Fortunately, several kind folks have stepped up to the plate, pardon the pun, to help the home builder out. Two of those companies, Sten Parts Corp and Four Horsemen Arms, make semi 1919a4 sideplates. The Sten Parts semi sideplate, which sells for $100, is sold as an 80% sideplate--that is, the plate is cut, is the right width, and has 80% of the holes cut out. It still needs to be milled to work with the modified internals, and some of the holes still need to be cut out. Sten Parts PO Box 563 Safety Harbor, FL 34695-0563 (727)725-4700 email: tokarev@earthlink.net As you can see by the pictures above and to the left, the 80% sideplate is great for folks with metal working experience. It wouldn't hurt to have a milling machine available, as this is going to be a very tough job with just a drill press and a vice. Since it has not been completed, the Sten Parts sideplate does not have to be shipped to an FFL, and can be shipped directly to your home. The Four Horsemen Arms semi sideplate, which sells for $225, is 100% completed, and as such, must be shipped to your local FFL holder or gun shop. As noted in the pictures, the Four Horsemen Arms sideplate has all the holes drilled, and has already been milled to accept the modified internal parts. The plate I received was very well done, and was practically polished, which caused the apparent "streaking" in the image at the top of this page. This streaking is essentially milling marks, and will not be visible once your rifle has been parkerized (this is done once the rifle has been rivetted and welded). The folks at the gun shop I had it shipped through even commented on the high quality work represented by this sideplate! Four Horsemen Arms, LLC Type 07 FFL, Class 02 SOT P.O. Box 50 Fairburn, SD 57738 Phone: (605)255-5548 email: fharms@enetis.net So there you have it! Once you've got your sideplate, it's time to think about your rifle's internal parts and the modifications they will need. We had a late arrival in the sideplate reviews, and you can check it out right here. We'll cover the internals, modifications and companies who will do the modifications in the next review.

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