Armory Sponsor
AP53 SBR (Page 2 of 4)
|
Originally Posted By USMC_JA: Thanks. Yeah. I am aware of the rit dye. But Im weird. I kind of like the mismatch. And if anything, I'd like to try to dye the foreend "HK green" than vice versa. https://i.imgur.com/V2GjR82.jpeg Looks good to me |
TEAM GIMMICK 2026
|
Originally Posted By USMC_JA: Thanks. Yeah. I am aware of the rit dye. But Im weird. I kind of like the mismatch. And if anything, I'd like to try to dye the foreend "HK green" than vice versa. https://i.imgur.com/V2GjR82.jpeg This looks so F'n good, now I think I may need to order one. |
Joined:
Mar 2025
Posts:
868
EE: 0% (0)
FL, USA
|
Just got mine finished. The stamp took a little over a month and a half to come back approved. Took it into work and engraved it this morning. Picked up the recoil rod assembly from HK parts, and the stock from Atlantic firearms. Took off the muzzle device and replaced it with a keymo one. Dyed the stock black, threw on the surefire handguard, and got a rail from UTG, which I was shocked to find out they're making in the USA now. Attached File |
|
Originally Posted By markfall: Just got mine finished. The stamp took a little over a month and a half to come back approved. Took it into work and engraved it this morning. Picked up the recoil rod assembly from HK parts, and the stock from Atlantic firearms. Took off the muzzle device and replaced it with a keymo one. Dyed the stock black, threw on the surefire handguard, and got a rail from UTG, which I was shocked to find out they're making in the USA now. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/142593/IMG_1132_jpeg-3732629.JPG Looking good. Guess it will be a while before my stamp comes back if others are taking 45 days. |
TEAM GIMMICK 2026
|
Originally Posted By markfall: Just got mine finished. The stamp took a little over a month and a half to come back approved. Took it into work and engraved it this morning. Picked up the recoil rod assembly from HK parts, and the stock from Atlantic firearms. Took off the muzzle device and replaced it with a keymo one. Dyed the stock black, threw on the surefire handguard, and got a rail from UTG, which I was shocked to find out they're making in the USA now. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/142593/IMG_1132_jpeg-3732629.JPG Goddamn that looks nice |
1(800)kbi 4cat
Montani Semper Libre
Qoute : FCSD - Hold up! I could have tip toed around here with just my hand covering my ass, instead of jamming my thumb in my asshole? Y'all motherfuckers need a user manual or something.
Montani Semper Libre
Qoute : FCSD - Hold up! I could have tip toed around here with just my hand covering my ass, instead of jamming my thumb in my asshole? Y'all motherfuckers need a user manual or something.
|
Originally Posted By markfall: Just got mine finished. The stamp took a little over a month and a half to come back approved. Took it into work and engraved it this morning. Picked up the recoil rod assembly from HK parts, and the stock from Atlantic firearms. Took off the muzzle device and replaced it with a keymo one. Dyed the stock black, threw on the surefire handguard, and got a rail from UTG, which I was shocked to find out they're making in the USA now. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/142593/IMG_1132_jpeg-3732629.JPG Looks awesome. What optic are you going to go with ? |
|
Originally Posted By markfall: Just got mine finished. The stamp took a little over a month and a half to come back approved. Took it into work and engraved it this morning. Picked up the recoil rod assembly from HK parts, and the stock from Atlantic firearms. Took off the muzzle device and replaced it with a keymo one. Dyed the stock black, threw on the surefire handguard, and got a rail from UTG, which I was shocked to find out they're making in the USA now. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/142593/IMG_1132_jpeg-3732629.JPG This may well have just cost me a lot of money. 
|
|
Originally Posted By Damon_23: Looks awesome. What optic are you going to go with ? Originally Posted By Damon_23: Looks awesome. What optic are you going to go with ? Originally Posted By Damon_23: Looks awesome. What optic are you going to go with ? |
|
Originally Posted By vanrichten: That looks fantastic. I hadn't even thought of using a SF forend on mine. I wonder if it will work with a SF SOCOM suppressor unlike a 3 lug on an MP5. This may well have just cost me a lot of money. |
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: Sigh. I didn't get one earlier because the stock problem hadn't been sorted out. It's been sorted out now? ...maybe I need to order myself an...easter? gift... Which stock problem? Fixed or collapsible? Fixed goes right one once you take the end cap off. Just 2 screws. The collapsibles they sell for the 53 work fine. |
TEAM GIMMICK 2026
|
Originally Posted By southerncross: Which stock problem? Fixed or collapsible? Fixed goes right one once you take the end cap off. Just 2 screws. The collapsibles they sell for the 53 work fine. Originally Posted By southerncross: Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: Sigh. I didn't get one earlier because the stock problem hadn't been sorted out. It's been sorted out now? ...maybe I need to order myself an...easter? gift... Which stock problem? Fixed or collapsible? Fixed goes right one once you take the end cap off. Just 2 screws. The collapsibles they sell for the 53 work fine. When I was looking at them right after they came out, because they didn't use the normal HK53 setup, there were a lot of questions as to how to make it all actually work - if the genuine HK53 things would work with it without problems, etc. Supposedly MKE was going to make something specifically for it? Like I said, this was all when it first came out, more than a year ago. |
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: When I was looking at them right after they came out, because they didn't use the normal HK53 setup, there were a lot of questions as to how to make it all actually work - if the genuine HK53 things would work with it without problems, etc. Supposedly MKE was going to make something specifically for it? Like I said, this was all when it first came out, more than a year ago. @Damon_23 is my answers guru. He'll get you set straight. |
TEAM GIMMICK 2026
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: When I was looking at them right after they came out, because they didn't use the normal HK53 setup, there were a lot of questions as to how to make it all actually work - if the genuine HK53 things would work with it without problems, etc. Supposedly MKE was going to make something specifically for it? Like I said, this was all when it first came out, more than a year ago. Correct. The AP53 is made a bit differently than an actual HK. They welded the recoil rod directly to the end cap, like how a G3 is. Not great for plug and play with aftermarket stocks. Easy button is to just add a plastic G3 stock body to the factory end cap after you stamp it. If you wanna go with an HK33 collapsible stock, you need to also get a separate HK53 recoil rod assembly. It’ll just set against the new end cap like an MP5’s does. Works fine. And on stocks, the AP53 uses a buffer less bolt carrier, so any stock you get for it need to be buffered. So MP5 stocks are off the table (the rubber buffered style won’t work). I’ve ran mine with a G3 buffered end cap (cut down cap) in addition to the MKE hk33 style collapsible. I’m happy to share anything I’ve learned and help in any way I can. Just received a 3d printed light-bearing handguard from WTC arms. Made for the mp5, but fits the 53 fine. Attached File |
|
Originally Posted By Damon_23: Correct. The AP53 is made a bit differently than an actual HK. They welded the recoil rod directly to the end cap, like how a G3 is. Not great for plug and play with aftermarket stocks. Easy button is to just add a plastic G3 stock body to the factory end cap after you stamp it. If you wanna go with an HK33 collapsible stock, you need to also get a separate HK53 recoil rod assembly. It’ll just set against the new end cap like an MP5’s does. Works fine. And on stocks, the AP53 uses a buffer less bolt carrier, so any stock you get for it need to be buffered. So MP5 stocks are off the table (the rubber buffered style won’t work). I’ve ran mine with a G3 buffered end cap (cut down cap) in addition to the MKE hk33 style collapsible. I’m happy to share anything I’ve learned and help in any way I can. Just received a 3d printed light-bearing handguard from WTC arms. Made for the mp5, but fits the 53 fine. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/113101/IMG_3326_jpeg-3736538.JPG At the time I don't think anyone had any HK53 recoil assemblies, something like that - so no one really tested it out... Now to find an inexpensive source of HK33 stocks and an HK53 recoil spring/rod And I guess the "pistol" as well...years ago I bought a handful of HK93 mags just in case Zenith ever did import another batch of roller locked 556 guns
|
"Oh, bother," said Pooh, as he pulled the pin on another grenade...
|
Originally Posted By Evil_Ed: At the time I don't think anyone had any HK53 recoil assemblies, something like that - so no one really tested it out... Now to find an inexpensive source of HK33 stocks and an HK53 recoil spring/rod And I guess the "pistol" as well...years ago I bought a handful of HK93 mags just in case Zenith ever did import another batch of roller locked 556 guns I got my G3 stock and butt pad from robertrtg for $20. Hkparts.net has 53 recoil assemblies. |
TEAM GIMMICK 2026
|
Originally Posted By Damon_23: Correct. The AP53 is made a bit differently than an actual HK. They welded the recoil rod directly to the end cap, like how a G3 is. Not great for plug and play with aftermarket stocks. Easy button is to just add a plastic G3 stock body to the factory end cap after you stamp it. If you wanna go with an HK33 collapsible stock, you need to also get a separate HK53 recoil rod assembly. It’ll just set against the new end cap like an MP5’s does. Works fine. And on stocks, the AP53 uses a buffer less bolt carrier, so any stock you get for it need to be buffered. So MP5 stocks are off the table (the rubber buffered style won’t work). I’ve ran mine with a G3 buffered end cap (cut down cap) in addition to the MKE hk33 style collapsible. I’m happy to share anything I’ve learned and help in any way I can. Just received a 3d printed light-bearing handguard from WTC arms. Made for the mp5, but fits the 53 fine. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/113101/IMG_3326_jpeg-3736538.JPG How do you like the WTC handguard so far? What light option did you use? |
|
Originally Posted By heavyduty: How do you like the WTC handguard so far? What light option did you use? Initial impressions are good. It feels like a 3d printed item though. Not super brittle, but I fear it wouldn’t do well if smashed into barricades a lot or subjected to rough use. I think I may have chipped the little tab that hooks into the receiver at the back when installing the light. Still seems to hold on tight though. I cheaped out and ordered a knockoff surefire 300 series off Amazon to try out. To my surprise, it actually fit snugly into the front socket and works fine. |
| I still haven't shot mine yet, but bolt gap checked out, fit and finish seems fine, and I don't have anything bad to say about quality from first impression. This isn't my first roller delayed rifle, though. I had a Century C93 many moons ago and it was less well put together than this AP53 seems to be. |
TEAM GIMMICK 2026
|
Originally Posted By Little_Bo_Peep: What's the general consensus on the AP53? I have seen several positive reviews, but there was also the one Dakota Tactical one where he was dogging on it and talking about all of its flaws. I’ve had mine for a year now and it’s running great. Occasionally shoot it at local 2gun matches. No issues. In fact, now that I think about it, it’s been 100% reliable. Not a crazy high round count, but not a safe queen. I’m not shocked that someone who sells custom built 53’s for $4400 would dislike a $1500 alternative. |
|
Rezeroed the 53 today after an optic swap. Shooting it reminded me how much I love this thing. Attached File |
|
Originally Posted By Damon_23: Rezeroed the 53 today after an optic swap. Shooting it reminded me how much I love this thing. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/113101/IMG_3424_jpeg-3738115.JPG That looks badass! |
|
Pretty sure I'm done for now. Got an eotech on it to finish off. Attached File |
|
Originally Posted By markfall: Pretty sure I'm done for now. Got an eotech on it to finish off. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/142593/IMG_1253_jpeg-3739393.JPG Simply lovely. |
Scepticism is an exercise, not a life; it is a discipline fit to purify the mind of prejudice and render it all the more apt, when the time comes, to believe and to act wisely. -- George Santayana
Never mistake a clear view for a short distance.
Never mistake a clear view for a short distance.
|
Originally Posted By markfall: Pretty sure I'm done for now. Got an eotech on it to finish off. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/142593/IMG_1253_jpeg-3739393.JPG I think that's the best looking setup yet. |
|
Originally Posted By markfall: I have a dead air Sandman on mine, and it fits just fine with the light. I'm using a Malkoff conversion head though, which is a bit smaller and allows it to fit. |
|
Originally Posted By ChickenDaddy: Mine just cleared, took about 7 weeks. Is there a picatinny stock adapter that works with these? Id like to put something other than the G3 fixed or HK style slider on I haven't seen one that works with the 53 because of the buffer situation. There may be something, though. |
TEAM GIMMICK 2026
|
Happy Easter BTW. Ok which one of these is the easiest best value to stock my AP53? Im getting it engraved tomorrow Attached File |
|
Originally Posted By ChickenDaddy: Happy Easter BTW. Ok which one of these is the easiest best value to stock my AP53? Im getting it engraved tomorrow https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/118342/IMG_5143_png-3741736.JPG You can remove the black plastic "nub" that comes on the back of the metal end cap with the gun and replace that with the plastic stock. |
|
Originally Posted By ChickenDaddy: Ok so the 8.95 piece feom robert then scavenge the spring iff the one that came with my ap53 Thanks! The G3 stock body will bolt right into the end cap that shipped with the ap53. Just pop the little plastic cap off the rear and then bolt on the stock. Easy peasy |
|
Originally Posted By Damon_23: Rezeroed the 53 today after an optic swap. Shooting it reminded me how much I love this thing. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/113101/IMG_3424_jpeg-3738115.JPG That is awesome! My son is SBRing one. It will have a full-size polymer stock. |
"An age of glory passed like a lightning flash. The mandate of heaven passed from you but you didn't see. Times change and power passes. It is the pity of the world."
Song dynasty poet
Song dynasty poet
AP53 SBR (Page 2 of 4)
Armory Sponsor