Posted on 09/01/2022 6:09:26 AM PDT by katrinamonarco
With all of the hype about 3-D printed guns, I've noticed a surge in interest in constructing your own guns. Not just assembling, but also building a rifle from scratch. The growing interest appears to be centred on making a political statement rather than evading rules. A declaration that the signal cannot be stopped. With a renewed interest in this type of build, I wanted to compile a list of all the guns that can be made from 80 percent receivers. 3-D printing guns is cool, but they aren't particularly good or effective weapons. 3D printers are costly, and the average Joe will be printing 1911s. When it comes to manufacturing weapons, 80 percent receivers are the more feasible option. There are more possibilities than you would think.
AR 15 and AR 10 models
The AR 15 is the number one name in the game when it comes to 80 percent lowers. In the realm of firearms, the AR 15 pretty much rules everything. In general, the AR 15 and AR 10 series are extremely popular, and when it comes to 80 percent receivers, the AR 15 series is one of the easiest to get into. 80% of weapons require 80 lower jigs, and the AR 15 series provides a plethora of jig and tooling possibilities. From a basic drill press jig to the all-powerful 5D tactical jig.
The AR 15 series, of course, allows you to simply manufacture handguns and rifles, and due to the variety available, you also have a wide range of calibres. 5.56, 9mm, 300 Blackout, and numerous other calibres are available. A weapon in the AR series can be anything you want it to be. The 80 percent lowers on the market are a good representation of the market, as are the forged, billet, and even polymer receivers.
The AK Series
The AK series is, of course, the second most popular rifle in the United States. The AK 80 percent receivers are fairly common, and their simplicity makes them relatively simple to finish. Building an AK is a little more challenging than simply putting together an AR 15.
There are fewer possibilities for making AKs, and they are more expensive than ARs, but if you want to feel like a Kyber pass gunsmith, the AK is the way to go.
The Glock
I believe it is safe to say that the Glock is the AR 15 of pistols. Everyone has one, and the customising options are simply astounding. It's hardly surprising that someone created a polymer frame that is utterly unorthodox and unserialized. The Polymer 80 series is well-known for a reason. These guns are actually fairly simple to finish, thanks to their polymer construction. The frame also comes with a fantastic jig. This is an excellent handgun build for a beginner.
The 1911
The venerable 1911, the mere mention of which has crowds roaring, "Two World Wars!" It's no surprise that the gun has been around since 1911. Our Lord and Savior John Moses Browning invented the 45 ACP death machine. The 1911 was supposed to be mostly hand-made and fitted, thus being able to manufacture one shouldn't come as a surprise. Complete 1911 build kits are commonly available, and you can easily assemble government and commander size 1911s in 45 ACP and 9mm. This is yet another firearm with a thriving aftermarket.
Every component of the rifle can be completely customised. The barrel, magazine, sights, hammer, beavertail, and other features. I mean, you can finish and then build the 1911 of your dreams down down to the grip screws. Because of the metal frame, these are a little more difficult to mill, and you'll need some more professional quality tools to do the job. It takes a lot of time and effort to build a 1911.
Ruger 10/22
Is this the most popular gun in America? I mean, the AR 15 has outsold the rifle in general, but I'd guess the Ruger 10/22 has outsold any single company's AR 15. The rifle is dependable, accurate, inexpensive, and simple to operate. I was shocked to find Ruger 10/22 80 percent receivers, but it makes sense. Almost every part of a Ruger 10/22 may be purchased without the Ruger logo. Ruger 10/22s are utilised for almost everything, from precision shooting to popping squirrels, and the aftermarket is vast.
The Ruger 10/22 is a simple gun that is not temperamental. It is simple to put together and may be done at home. The 80% option allows you to build whatever you want whenever you want.
The 1911 is a rifle?
AKs are my jam, and they are not even remotely as simple as AR builds which is more like Legos. Map gas for heat treatment, dimpling rivet holes for the swell necks, using the right rivets for the right spot, doming the necessary ones by hand, spot welding the inner rails,drilling all the pins perfectly straight in exactly the right spot, slanted or straight cut receivers, and the damn slanted ones are all a little different which makes for some weird rear trunnion stuff, hydraulic press to set the barrel onto the front trunnion, sight blocks, gas block, etc.
Building an AK is a project and if you can do it and do it right, you’re legit.
I’ve been wanting to build one of those, and stamp the receiver out of a square headed shovel. The thickness is gonna be kind of weird for the rivets but I’d bet it’s doable
Either that or the guy just misspoke and it’s an honest mistake. I’ve made similar stupid slips, it happens.
Ian McCollum has little slips in most of his videos and who knows more about firearms than him?
I “built” my own hydraulic press.
Face it folks...according to our joke of a president we won’t be able to fight off our own government until someone comes up with a 3D printable F 14. Then maybe we’ll have a chance.
Cut down rear trunnion rivets would work for the shorter ones. I wonder if you could source mild steel round stock of the right diameter to make longer rear trunnion rivets.
I have cut down long rivets and sometimes it worked and some times they were a little loose, like their diameter was a little off. A little bit more love, and I donstress a LITTLE BIT, resolved the issue whenever it does occur.
As far as mild steel dowels, doming one side sucks bad enough, let’s not double the amount of peening and hammering
One of my goals is to get a milling machine capable of making milled receivers and make them commercially. Milled receivers are cool because I don’t have to drill, flex them straight on a vice and all the other little things a stamped receiver needs
AR guys couldn’t do this. They’d lose patience. And if they did try, they’d probably respect us AK guys a lot more from a building perspective
I’ve done a couple AR lowers with a drill press.
I purchased a Bridgeport mill shortly after and did a few more. So much easier, obviously.
Kinda puts a lost detent spring into perspective.
Ive had rivets roll off into the great beyond and had to order more. More than once
Damn rivet gremlins
3d printers aren’t expensive, and there are *lots* of gun files out there to be had...
3D printers are not costly, the most widely used printer in the 3D gun community is under $200. PLA+ filament is strong enough to make AR-15 and 308 receivers good for over 1000 rounds.
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