This is an excellent semi-automatic only copy of the very desirable German MG-42 machine gun as manufactured by Wise Lite Arms of Boyd, Texas. In particular, it is named for (and uses some components from) the Zastava M53, Yugoslavia's near-direct copy of the MG42, which served as their chief squad-level automatic weapon well into the 1990s. This weapon has the same outward appearance, weight and feel as an original fully automatic MG, only in the semi-automatic mode. The AJM 53 utilizes a combination of new-made commercial and some military surplus components that functions and fires from a closed-bolt. It has a folding front and adjustable tangent leaf rear sight just like the originals with a stamped and welded receiver and a bipod on the heat shield. The left rear side of the receiver is marked in five lines: "WISE LITE ARMS/BOYD, TX/MOD. AJM-53/WLA28-6969/8MM MAUSER", with a note on top (concealed by the Yugoslavian-made top cover) warning to only use military specification ammo in the rifle. A number of accessories are included, with a H&K branded field tripod, Hensoldt-Wetzlar periscope sight, sight illuminator unit, extra barrel with transport case, three belt carrier drums (one marked for 7.62mm NATO), and assorted manuals and papers.

Excellent, with 95% plus original matte black finish, showing minor wear and handling marks overall, and some minor chips on the buttstock. The illuminator is untested and the lens cover is cracked and dried out, but the scope is in good condition, with minor spotting on the otherwise crisp and clear optics. Mechanically excellent.