VM-68 Feedblock options

[nicmauro]

So, I have come to realize that I'm not much of a "right feed guy", which is sad because I do like to play with older guns and it comes with the territory. The VM is particularly tough for me since there is the chunky feedblock yet it's also my favorite old gun. What to do?!

Someone posted one with what I assume was a copper plumbing elbow which was something I was already considering but it seems like it will almost certainly be trading one issue for another since I would have to use a straight adapter to run a hopper and then it will be pretty tall unless someone has a line on something stubby? Was there ever a better/different solution for this?

Somewhat related, I am fairly certain that I moved and tapped a feedblock to basically make it vert feed on one a long while back but I looked around (including the VM-68.com wayback archive) and really didn't see any info on people doing that so maybe it never really went anywhere and I vaguely remember it not working out the way I wanted. Just looking at it it seems doable although the the old holes would need to be filled and a new detent figured out.

Or maybe I'm missing something better/easier?

Thanks!

[Ecapnation]

I've done that a few times using the stock block works great

[nicmauro]

Thanks, I might just need a little encouragement to make it happen 😂

What did you do for a detent after that?

[Toestr]

The Sconi lean elbow will make the hopper lean over the gun to help with weight if you're using a larger hopper. And the PTP powerfeed may also bring the elbow closer to centre.

[nicmauro]

Haha, I almost bought one of those leans the other day, albeit for a cocker project. I think those power feeds are pretty rare? Thanks!

[Myrkul]

I really like those Sconi Lean elbows, I run them on several guns. They take a little getting used to but they make right feed really fun imo.

[nicmauro]

Awesome, good to hear a positive. I almost bought one off FB last weekend but the seller basically talked me out of it 😂

[Ecapnation]

Fyi... I used the same detent the just sat in a different orientation.

I don't have photos of the conversions I did anymore but basically rotate feed 180 so screws are on the left and align the port vertical

[nicmauro]

Good to know, I thought there may not be enough reach with the fingers but either way it seems solvable. Thanks

[chplnstone]

Brian nailed it, I still have one I 180 flipped and bored to receive a hopper directly.

[Ecapnation]

And it's low-rise like the kids like!

[nicmauro]

Oh, that's the deal, I didn't even think about that and I assume eliminates it being so tall! Any issues feeding, etc?