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4/4/2026 5:57:29 AM EDT
[#1]
Katzma's build came out looking great!  He makes it look easy -

I bought two 543 mags in an effort to nudge myself to get a kit (I have mags = I must buy kit )

The mags are nearly impossible to find and evidently not interchangeable with modern FAMAE mags that are $100+

The kits are almost as difficult to find - must go to auctions and be prepared to pay and the kits listed are sort of the ones people didn't want with broken furniture.  I was so much hoping more kits would drop from importers.

4/4/2026 7:26:14 AM EDT
[#2]
Do a 542
4/4/2026 9:01:16 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vellnueve:


Totally forgot about that. Here's selected pics from katzma's build thread on weaponsguild

https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/1.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/2.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/3.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/4.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/5.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/6.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/7.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/8.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/9.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/10.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/11.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/12.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/13.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/14.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/15.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/16.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/17.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/18.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/19.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/20.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/21.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/22.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/23.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/24.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/25.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/26.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/27.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/28.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/29.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/30.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/31.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/32.jpg
https://bceaglez.com/personal/gunz/katzma/33.jpg
View Quote


Now that's seriously impressive.
4/29/2026 8:16:24 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vellnueve:
Do a 542
View Quote

Someone is selling one on Gunbroker for $8.5K.

4/30/2026 9:31:28 AM EDT
[#5]
It's not worth that kind of money to me, but it sure looks nice.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1173815538
4/30/2026 5:35:09 PM EDT
[#6]
That's Sig AMT money... not 542 money.
4/30/2026 6:33:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: lilMAC25][Edited] [#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vellnueve:
That's Sig AMT money... not 542 money.
View Quote

Agree. I sorta want to buy a 543 kit (I’m completely broke right now as far as gun funds) and then a combo kit (all the us made parts), but I don’t even know who would build it….


eta: I ain’t spending that sorta coin on an AMT either though.
5/6/2026 10:21:44 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By lilMAC25:

Agree. I sorta want to buy a 543 kit (I’m completely broke right now as far as gun funds) and then a combo kit (all the us made parts), but I don’t even know who would build it….


eta: I ain’t spending that sorta coin on an AMT either though.
View Quote


I could be convinced to spend that on an AMT in the right circumstances
5/7/2026 7:30:54 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vellnueve:


I could be convinced to spend that on an AMT in the right circumstances
View Quote


I have only seen maybe two AMTs in my life, rare but generally the ones imported were in excellent condition, relegated to collector status. And If I had the means, I can see it being prized.  They are not kit builds.

The 543's are very interesting, but the kits are pretty beat.  Your buying a gun that really has a battlefield pickup sort of life behind it which is actually cool - but unlike being able to buy and rebuild a Rhodesian South African FAL kit for $99 (literally what I paid one for in the 90s) These Sig kits hit the street already pre-coveted and higher priced above $1k for a kit itself.

Sig's aren't as common as other flavors of quality military guns so they will always be expensive making it harder to build vs other guns.

Instead of going with a Sig 543, I channeled the resources to an RPK Build to finish up as I happened into the parts easy.  I probably will regret it later.
5/8/2026 9:14:49 PM EDT
[#10]
Finished my 542 build. Turned out great. Definitely has the worst trigger I've ever felt, long and spongy. Still can't figure out how to post pics.  But Finished my build thread on weaponsguild
5/8/2026 9:41:21 PM EDT
[#11]
5/9/2026 1:36:17 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
Finished my 542 build. Turned out great. Definitely has the worst trigger I've ever felt, long and spongy. Still can't figure out how to post pics.  But Finished my build thread on weaponsguild
View Quote


Nice work as always.

5/10/2026 9:56:58 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By cherenkov:


I have only seen maybe two AMTs in my life, rare but generally the ones imported were in excellent condition, relegated to collector status. And If I had the means, I can see it being prized.  They are not kit builds.

The 543's are very interesting, but the kits are pretty beat.  Your buying a gun that really has a battlefield pickup sort of life behind it which is actually cool - but unlike being able to buy and rebuild a Rhodesian South African FAL kit for $99 (literally what I paid one for in the 90s) These Sig kits hit the street already pre-coveted and higher priced above $1k for a kit itself.

Sig's aren't as common as other flavors of quality military guns so they will always be expensive making it harder to build vs other guns.

Instead of going with a Sig 543, I channeled the resources to an RPK Build to finish up as I happened into the parts easy.  I probably will regret it later.
View Quote


I passed on an AMT at my LGS years ago for $6K and still kick myself for it.
5/19/2026 8:53:56 AM EDT
[#14]
The 543 barrel is threaded M15x1R


Anyone know of a long Flashhider to P&W on for 16”?
5/22/2026 5:05:03 PM EDT
[#15]
Finally got my F1 back. Took 70 days. Now I've got a proper 543.

Still can't figure out how to post pics.
5/23/2026 12:59:16 AM EDT
[#16]
Upload pics to Imgur. Copy links. Post link inside [ img ] [ /img ]

Eliminate spaces.
5/23/2026 10:39:07 AM EDT
[#17]


Still nothing
5/23/2026 10:52:19 AM EDT
[#18]


5/23/2026 11:01:01 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Vague][Edited] [#19]
Ill help
5/23/2026 11:03:41 AM EDT
[#20]
Thank you how can I post pics like that?

Got a gold membership and still can't post pics
5/23/2026 11:06:55 AM EDT
[Last Edit: katzma][Edited] [#21]




Ok $ 60 later and loging out and back in figured out uploading pics to the site.
5/23/2026 3:08:52 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264942/1000008493-3766999.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264942/1000008494-3767002.jpg

Ok $ 60 later and loging out and back in figured out uploading pics to the site.
View Quote

You’re trying to post the album. Don’t post album. Post the picture link.
5/23/2026 3:09:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: lilMAC25][Edited] [#23]
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264942/1000008493-3766999.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264942/1000008494-3767002.jpg

Ok $ 60 later and loging out and back in figured out uploading pics to the site.
View Quote

Hot damn


That 543 is gorgeous. Well, both are, but the 543 calls me.
5/23/2026 4:51:08 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Originally Posted By lilMAC25:

You're trying to post the album. Don't post album. Post the picture link.
View Quote
Its only one picture. Not a album. I click the only picture I uploaded to ingur and copy link which is the only option.
5/23/2026 5:26:22 PM EDT
[#25]
Well we know who got one of the kits.
SIG Manurhin 543 Semiauto: I Really Like This Rifle
5/25/2026 7:42:59 AM EDT
[Last Edit: lilMAC25][Edited] [#26]
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
Its only one picture. Not an album. I click the only picture I uploaded to ingur and copy link which is the only option.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
Originally Posted By lilMAC25:

You're trying to post the album. Don't post album. Post the picture link.
Its only one picture. Not an album. I click the only picture I uploaded to ingur and copy link which is the only option.

In Imgur (in the phone ap anyways) when you first open a pic, the link you copy is always the “album” link (there is an /a/ somewhere in the link).
Example


https://imgur.com/a/mVhML8E

If you click on the pic again, and THEN click the little link icon you’ll get a direct link to the photo. Usually ending in .jpeg or .gif or whatever img type
Example

https://i.imgur.com/kBn2nLT.jpeg
5/26/2026 3:05:28 PM EDT
[#27]
I'm behind the ball on this drop... So if anyone has a kit they want to part with, shoot me a message.

I grabbed a receiver, furniture, mags, and the last of the B&T optic mounts. Now just missing the hard part
5/26/2026 3:12:38 PM EDT
[#28]
Couple on gunbroker. Ive got a 2nd kit to build. Only go up in price with ~230 kits that were avaliable and imported
5/26/2026 8:10:25 PM EDT
[Last Edit: lilMAC25][Edited] [#29]
Quote History
Originally Posted By CKxx:
I'm behind the ball on this drop... So if anyone has a kit they want to part with, shoot me a message.

I grabbed a receiver, furniture, mags, and the last of the B&T optic mounts. Now just missing the hard part
View Quote

https://www.apexgunparts.com/sig-543-parts-kit-original-11-5-barrel-replacement-pistol-grip-broken-damaged-handguards-5-56x45-fair.html


Well,
apex website shows “in stock”, but you can’t add one to the cart.
5/26/2026 8:20:24 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
Couple on gunbroker. Ive got a 2nd kit to build. Only go up in price with ~230 kits that were avaliable and imported
View Quote

The gunbroker kit prices are crazy. Now I wish I had grabbed a couple…
5/27/2026 10:02:44 AM EDT
[Last Edit: CKxx][Edited] [#31]
Originally Posted By katzma:
Couple on gunbroker. Ive got a 2nd kit to build. Only go up in price with ~230 kits that were avaliable and imported
View Quote


Lol. I'm not paying that jackass' $3100.


Originally Posted By lilMAC25:

https://www.apexgunparts.com/sig-543-parts-kit-original-11-5-barrel-replacement-pistol-grip-broken-damaged-handguards-5-56x45-fair.html


Well,
apex website shows “in stock”, but you can’t add one to the cart.
View Quote


Yea, I called them yesterday and they said they are gone. It's some kind of website snafu.
5/30/2026 9:26:38 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264942/1000008493-3766999.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264942/1000008494-3767002.jpg

Ok $ 60 later and loging out and back in figured out uploading pics to the site.
View Quote


What sling is that?
5/31/2026 12:03:51 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Originally Posted By mudflap757:


What sling is that?
View Quote
Its a sig 543 sling. A friend got a handful from Italy, along with the cleaning pull string/brush
7/12/2026 12:11:55 PM EDT
[#34]
WE REQUIRE MOAR PHOTOS!
8/8/2026 7:45:33 PM EDT
[#35]
Looks like TTE is selling fully built rifles now. I really hope to find a 543 kit one day. I plan to get started on the 542 soon (which I settled for )
8/12/2026 7:09:46 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By KC-ROUGHNECK:
Looks like TTE is selling fully built rifles now. I really hope to find a 543 kit one day. I plan to get started on the 542 soon (which I settled for )
View Quote


This is also my regret - I should have snapped to get a kit when they had them.  As a result of changing my reaction to kit sales - Now I have two CETME LC kits I snapped up for no reason simply because I wasn't going to miss out on another kit.

I have two 543 mags I snagged somehow - but will probably hold on to them - maybe as an evil temptation that since I have two mags I better buy a kit (at a ridiculous price)
8/12/2026 10:01:57 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote History
Originally Posted By cherenkov:


This is also my regret - I should have snapped to get a kit when they had them.  As a result of changing my reaction to kit sales - Now I have two CETME LC kits I snapped up for no reason simply because I wasn't going to miss out on another kit.

I have two 543 mags I snagged somehow - but will probably hold on to them - maybe as an evil temptation that since I have two mags I better buy a kit (at a ridiculous price)
View Quote

Same, just had a cetme lc kit delivered today. Really wanting to get a stg 57 kit also (before they're gone)
8/17/2026 5:57:10 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote History
Originally Posted By johosjokers:

Same, just had a cetme lc kit delivered today. Really wanting to get a stg 57 kit also (before they're gone)
View Quote


Okay - Where does one get a  STG 57 kit assembled or DIY?  Is there a Sig thread on this somewhere?

Its another gun I listed for and said - way too expensive without a barrel - Now they have barrels.


8/20/2026 11:07:32 PM EDT
[Last Edit: katzma][Edited] [#39]
Built my 2nd 543 kit. Build went great. Finish i dunno yet. . Tried to match the original patina. Used birchwood casey plum brown and brownells oxpho blue. Plum brown turned it copper colored. Cold blue darkened it a little.

8/21/2026 3:31:44 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
Built my 2nd 543 kit. Build went great. Finish i dunno yet. . Tried to match the original patina. Used birchwood casey plum brown and brownells oxpho blue. Plum brown turned it copper colored. Cold blue darkened it a little.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264942/1000009238-3814581.jpg
View Quote

That looks really sick, real battlefield pickup vibes.  The color matching on the receiver isn't bad, the plum kinda shows through in a few areas, but the uneven-ness does complement the overall look.  I'm jealous, I wish I had picked up one of these.
8/22/2026 9:28:12 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Shackelford762:

That looks really sick, real battlefield pickup vibes.  The color matching on the receiver isn't bad, the plum kinda shows through in a few areas, but the uneven-ness does complement the overall look.  I'm jealous, I wish I had picked up one of these.
View Quote


@katzma

I agree with the above - Love the battlefield pickup look on this 543 build and even like it better than the other build!!!!  Looks Great!  

I am deeply envious of your build and skills to build thanks for sharing!
8/22/2026 1:43:48 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Originally Posted By katzma:
Built my 2nd 543 kit. Build went great. Finish i dunno yet. . Tried to match the original patina. Used birchwood casey plum brown and brownells oxpho blue. Plum brown turned it copper colored. Cold blue darkened it a little.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264942/1000009238-3814581.jpg
View Quote


That looks great. Nicely done.
9/14/2026 4:52:49 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Originally Posted By cherenkov:


Okay - Where does one get a  STG 57 kit assembled or DIY?  Is there a Sig thread on this somewhere?

Its another gun I listed for and said - way too expensive without a barrel - Now they have barrels.


View Quote


You need a mill and a welder to do it right. To really do it right you need the abilty to furnace braze, but welding will do it. Demilling the original receivers is labor intensive. So is brazing.

Steve at Honeycreek does builds but he is perenially backed up as it's his side thing. He is the manufacturer for all the US receiver shells on the market and also has his own barrels if you don't have a barreled kit.

Troy at TTE will do builds but his complete receivers are a bit at $5500, for that you might as well just buy the full gun from him.

Proteus will do rewelds but not new builds on US receivers.

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