Mongo's Machine Gun Pages Modifications to the Stoner 63 Weapon System

The modifications made in 1966 by Cadillac Gage at the militaries request include:

  • Modification of the butt stock pad from a 2 piece design to a single piece design. This corrected a problem with the butt stock pad coming off in the field.
  • Trigger housing modification included changing the selector from a 3 position “Safe”, “Semi”, “Auto” to just “Safe” and “Semi” with a separate M1/M14 style of safety. This made the selection of fire mode less likely to be confused. The trigger guard was now welded to the trigger group housing with this modification. Since the winter trigger arrangement was via the removal of the trigger guard, which was often lost in testing, a new winter trigger stud adapter was designed.
  • An ejection port cover was installed on the receiver since when the gun was in the LMG or automatic rifle mode it fires from an open bolt and dirt could infiltrate into the gun trough the ejection port.
  • The magazine well for the rifle, carbine and automatic rifle had a flare added to help in inserting the magazines during darkness.
    The cocking handle was redesigned and moved from the side of the receiver to the top. The     rifle/carbine cocking handle now incorporated a method for forward assist. This modification also allowed for the use of a bottom cocking handle later on when a right side feed was designed.
  • The gas cylinder diameter forward of the barrel guide was increased and the cylinder was made from 14-4 PH stainless steal to increase service life. A groove was also machined inside the end of the gas tube to keep the piston rod from freezing up from carbon build up. These modifications also required the bi pod to be modified.
  • The barrel life was increased by additional hardening.
  • The carbine folding stock was redesigned to a polyvinyl chloride covered wire style side folding stock. This reduced the number of parts in the stock from 22 to 14.
  • A new plastic forearm was designed for the rifle/carbine and automatic rifle/LMG. This replaced the wooden forearm and required the relocation of the mounting bracket on the receiver.
    A new     sling was designed to allow slug “ready” carry. A sling attachment ring was added to the carry handle rod.
  • The feed tray for the LMG was redesigned to be manufactured from investment castings. The previous feed tray was manufactured from stampings and could be warped when not carefully handled in the field.
  • The feed cover for the LMG was constructed so that dirt entry points were enclosed, the link ejection port had a spring loaded cover installed, and the internal frame of the cover was constructed of more rigid investment castings.
  • The feed actuation roller was redesigned to allow the feed cover to be closed when the bolt was in the forward position without damage to the feed cover mechanism.
  • A variable gas port was added to the LMG barrels.
  • A new bell crank assembly was designed for the new remote control solenoid for the fixed machine gun.
  • The bi pod was modified by adding a spring locking feature that permits the operator to lock the bi pod to the weapon so it can not become dislodged by underbrush. The gripping jaws of the bi pod were also modified to fit the larger diameter gas tube.
  • The plastic ammunition box was changed from 150 round capacity to 100 rounds. This was deemed to less effect the balance of the weapon.
  • Ammunition drums of 100 and 150 rounds were designed to be slung underneath the centerline of the gun. The 100 round drum never made it past prototype stage.
    Aluminum 20 round magazine was designed, original     magazines were 30 rounds and constructed of steel.
  • A cleaning rod bracket was designed for the rifle/carbine configuration.
     Pistol grip storage was added.

Modifications made for the Mk23 Mod 0.

  • The butt stock was redesigned with sling mounting point on the top as well as a “window” that could be used to dismantle the cold carrier group.
  • The gas block interface on the quick change barrel was changed from a male to a female mating.

Modifications made by NWM.

  • Two new types of folding butt stocks. One plastic that folded to the right side instead of the left side and a MP40 style of under folder.
  • A new removable bi pod that attached to the front hand guard and can be folded along side of the hand guard.
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