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Review, Part 3: 1919a4 Semi Sideplate from Rapid Fire |
by staff@1919a4.com
We've recently had a chance to take a look at another semi 1919a4 sideplate, this one from Todd at Ohio Rapid Fire. If you've already dealt with Todd, you know that his work is top notch. I own a Rapid Fire 1919a4, and have been very happy with it, but this is the first time I've had the opportunity to check out one of his 80% semi sideplates.
Todd starts out with laser cut blanks made of 4140HT Steel. They're Blanchard ground on both sides prior to machining, and are then CNC machined. The sideplate arrived in great condition--these are some nice looking plates! Here's a pic of the one I'm reviewing:
Please note that the "scratches" that appear in this pic and the one below are due to the fact that I can't seem to take a picture of the plate without getting a reflection glare--the plates are very smooth to the touch and those marks won't show up at all once the plates are parkerized. Rapid Fire's sideplates come with all of the internal machining completed, and they're available engraved or plain. The engraved version comes in two styles (Machine Gun, and S-Machine Gun), as shown below:
The sideplates that are not engraved retail for $115.00 shipped, while those that are engraved in either style sell for $135.00 shipped. Since they're 80% completed, all you'll need to do is to drill the rivet holes (and the countersink holes on the other side) and you're ready to weld. Unlike other plates that I've reviewed, the Rapid Fire plates have the lock frame slot cut out, as seen below, so that chore is also done for you.
the sideplate was scanned on a flatbed scanner for this pic
Todd at Rapid Fire is a gentleman and a scholar. If you've got a problem with your plate (or anything else he makes), he'll make it right. If you've got questions, drop him a note. If you're finally ready to build your own 1919a4, you won't go wrong with a plate from Ohio Rapid Fire.
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Ohio Rapid Fire 537 North Elm Street Troy, OH 45373 email: tgrove1293@aol.com |
