Yet Another Gun Thread
#5942
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Additional Identifying Marks
Federal law does not require a homemade gun to have an identifying marker (such as a serial number), as long as it remains in the possession of the original maker. However, if the gun is subsequently sold or otherwise transferred, it should be marked prior to its disposition. The ATF suggests that all homemade firearms be marked with a serial number as a safeguard in the event the firearm is lost or stolen, but requires it if the gun is otherwise lawfully transferred in the future.
#5943
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you can get a file for an actual 100% lower, and have a CNC, just buy some 7075 and make your own from scratch. I don't know what aluminum costs in small quantities like that. Historically I saw the appeal from a legal/political view of having some 80%'s for a "rainy day"... but when I put some actual brainwork into the issue, nothing makes sense unless, like you said, it's strictly for a hobby. Although hobbies don't need to make any financial sense... or any sense at all to anybody but yourself. I think if I came across four or five 80%'s and a jig kit for like $100, I might splurge and throw them in a box just for shitz. But with Andersons 3 for $100 shipped, kinda tough to "waste" time with 80%'s.
The other aspect is the price... cannot ******* justify spending $60 on an 80% when Andersons are $30. I'd feel like a sucker.
The other aspect is the price... cannot ******* justify spending $60 on an 80% when Andersons are $30. I'd feel like a sucker.
#5944
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you can get a file for an actual 100% lower, and have a CNC, just buy some 7075 and make your own from scratch. I don't know what aluminum costs in small quantities like that. Historically I saw the appeal from a legal/political view of having some 80%'s for a "rainy day"... but when I put some actual brainwork into the issue, nothing makes sense unless, like you said, it's strictly for a hobby. Although hobbies don't need to make any financial sense... or any sense at all to anybody but yourself. I think if I came across four or five 80%'s and a jig kit for like $100, I might splurge and throw them in a box just for shitz. But with Andersons 3 for $100 shipped, kinda tough to "waste" time with 80%'s.
The other aspect is the price... cannot ******* justify spending $60 on an 80% when Andersons are $30. I'd feel like a sucker.
The other aspect is the price... cannot ******* justify spending $60 on an 80% when Andersons are $30. I'd feel like a sucker.
#5945
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just bought a Ruger American Go-Wild in 6.5CM... my first 6.5CM and first bolt-gun in a long time. Just in time to see this sale...
$259 for 16x Monarch glass is a killer deal. Also, the M 1-4x20 at $139 is the best deal I've ever seen on a 1-4x optic. I paid more for my Vortex Crossfire. Heck, I'm thinking about getting a couple of the P 1-4.5x24's @$99 just to have in the safe.
https://www.eurooptic.com/Nikon-Tact...&p=1&i=48&d=48
EDIT: **** it... just bought that $259 Monarch for the new 6.5CM... I knew I'd cave. Still thinking about a pair of those P-Tactical 1-4x's...
$259 for 16x Monarch glass is a killer deal. Also, the M 1-4x20 at $139 is the best deal I've ever seen on a 1-4x optic. I paid more for my Vortex Crossfire. Heck, I'm thinking about getting a couple of the P 1-4.5x24's @$99 just to have in the safe.
https://www.eurooptic.com/Nikon-Tact...&p=1&i=48&d=48
EDIT: **** it... just bought that $259 Monarch for the new 6.5CM... I knew I'd cave. Still thinking about a pair of those P-Tactical 1-4x's...
Last edited by samnavy; 09-25-2019 at 09:51 PM.
#5946
I identify as a bear.
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,206
Total Cats: 6,707
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I estimate that to create a lower from scratch, you'd need a billet measuring around 8" x 4" x 1.5" A hunk of 7075 that size will cost you $115 from onlinemetals.com.
You'd be far better off stealing a Pontiac Solstice, melting down the front control arms in a home-built kiln, and pouring your own.
Also, proper lowers are forged. You can't replicate a forging with a CNC machine.
You'd be far better off stealing a Pontiac Solstice, melting down the front control arms in a home-built kiln, and pouring your own.
Also, proper lowers are forged. You can't replicate a forging with a CNC machine.
Last edited by Joe Perez; 09-26-2019 at 09:26 PM.
#5948
I identify as a bear.
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,206
Total Cats: 6,707
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Economies of scale.
There's a large market for hunks of metal which are roughly shaped like an AR-15 lower.
The market for rectangular pieces of extruded 7075 cut to a specific (but seemingly random) size is... smaller.
Also, 7075 is a weirdly expensive alloy. That same piece in 6061 (my go-to for aluminum fab) is $33. I assume that this reflects in part the fact that metal purveyors move a lot of 6061, and can probably fulfill many of the smaller orders from the cutoffs bin.
There's a large market for hunks of metal which are roughly shaped like an AR-15 lower.
The market for rectangular pieces of extruded 7075 cut to a specific (but seemingly random) size is... smaller.
Also, 7075 is a weirdly expensive alloy. That same piece in 6061 (my go-to for aluminum fab) is $33. I assume that this reflects in part the fact that metal purveyors move a lot of 6061, and can probably fulfill many of the smaller orders from the cutoffs bin.
#5950
I identify as a bear.
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,206
Total Cats: 6,707
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
For a slight upcharge, you can even get them in pink.
![](https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.miataturbo.net-vbulletin/800x446/image_f27ce22e47d56b0a301a271f0642d9ae8604d03a.png)
An academic thought: I wonder if a place like eMachineShop would accept an order for a complete, ready-to-use lower assembly. And would that still count as "home made?"
#5952
Elite Member
iTrader: (21)
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,614
Total Cats: 1,274
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
And they are not people you want to screw with, in any way, shape or form. They will come down on you like the proverbial hand of god.
I would be willing to bet that emachineshop would no quote, and refuse to deal with you anymore.
#5953
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you can get a file for an actual 100% lower, and have a CNC, just buy some 7075 and make your own from scratch. I don't know what aluminum costs in small quantities like that. Historically I saw the appeal from a legal/political view of having some 80%'s for a "rainy day"... but when I put some actual brainwork into the issue, nothing makes sense unless, like you said, it's strictly for a hobby. Although hobbies don't need to make any financial sense... or any sense at all to anybody but yourself. I think if I came across four or five 80%'s and a jig kit for like $100, I might splurge and throw them in a box just for shitz. But with Andersons 3 for $100 shipped, kinda tough to "waste" time with 80%'s.
The other aspect is the price... cannot ******* justify spending $60 on an 80% when Andersons are $30. I'd feel like a sucker.
The other aspect is the price... cannot ******* justify spending $60 on an 80% when Andersons are $30. I'd feel like a sucker.
#5954
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
BATF has some silly rules.
Good luck broaching the magwell. Position tolerance for the magwell is 4 thou, so ±.002 for the centerline of it. Good luck filing that by hand. Pioneer Tool (or whatever they got bought out and changed names too, **** its some broach company in western mass) does sell shaping tool kits for smaller shops, I bought a 4 pack of complete lowers for $98 shipped a while ago and I know they were made with this setup because they didnt shape the magwell the full way through and I'm going to need to file the edges off before I use them.
'Merica.
#5955
I identify as a bear.
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,206
Total Cats: 6,707
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
ie: entirely with hand tools, and with lots of gorgeous engraving on the sides. And gold-plated. With weathering.
But, yeah, there's a reason why pre-formed 80% kits are both popular and inexpensive.
#5956
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
So, like I said, I have been away for a while. Away from the forum, away from Miatas, away from firearms. All firearm transactions I have done for the past 5 years or so have been sales. I figured I would be moving soon (going to retire in 2022 and buy a farm in TN) so I didn't want to move 100 rifles with me. I still have stuff over here (RPK, shotgun, VEPR, etc) that were taken out of the box five years ago and never fired. Probably 6 - 8 new unused firearms. Anyway, I get a text from my buddy about 80% lowers and now all I can think about is building a new gun. I'm thinking a shorty 300 AAC pistol with stabilizing brace and "fake" suppressor that I will eventually buy a tax stamp for and populate with sound deadening guts. I don't think I have the dies to make 300 AAC so I will be in the market for those as well. I'll have to build some jigs for my laser to engrave the lower and the can. I'll also have to blow the dust off my lathe for the suppressor build. This sounds like it will be a fun project.
#5957
I identify as a bear.
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,206
Total Cats: 6,707
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Please don't move to Tennessee.
Friends don't let friends move to Tennessee.
I mean, yes, I know they have good hot chicken in Nashville. I have actually deliberately scheduled an inconvenient airline connection at BNA specifically for that reason.
But that's not rational. I acknowledge the fact that I sometimes make bad decisions based solely on gastronomic jealousy.
It'd be like retiring in Chicago solely on the basis that we do hot dogs better than anyone else. It's true, but ignores the fact that we have shitty weather, shittier government, and haven't even been able to maintain our status as the murder capital of the US in recent years.
Idea:
2: (unknown)
Friends don't let friends move to Tennessee.
I mean, yes, I know they have good hot chicken in Nashville. I have actually deliberately scheduled an inconvenient airline connection at BNA specifically for that reason.
But that's not rational. I acknowledge the fact that I sometimes make bad decisions based solely on gastronomic jealousy.
It'd be like retiring in Chicago solely on the basis that we do hot dogs better than anyone else. It's true, but ignores the fact that we have shitty weather, shittier government, and haven't even been able to maintain our status as the murder capital of the US in recent years.
1: Take an existing design for a 100% lower. Split it into two halves which can be joined together with screws or pins. Create design files for the two pieces at EMS / Shapeways / etc.
2: (unknown)
3: Profit!
#5958
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by rmcelwee
Anyway, I get a text from my buddy about 80% lowers and now all I can think about is building a new gun. I'm thinking a shorty 300 AAC pistol with stabilizing brace and "fake" suppressor that I will eventually buy a tax stamp for and populate with sound deadening guts.
Just add the lower of your choice. I built one of these last spring and have been pretty pleased with it.
Be careful with "suppressor" (solvent trap/ storage, etc) kits... if you can shoot through it, you may be walking a fine line with regard to contstructive possession. You can get a "barrel extension" or "flash can", but it won't be something that is easily made into a suppressor.
The good news is Form 1 E files are about the quickest stamp you can get right now.
#5960
I identify as a bear.
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/smod.png)
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,206
Total Cats: 6,707
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Or maybe Dusseldorf.
Definitely someplace where you can amble down to a cafe late in the morning for a small sandwich consisting of a sliced hard-boiled egg on top of preserved meat with cucumber and mustard, and a slightly sweet brown ale.
Until the mid 16th century, there were no tomatoes in Italy.
But, yeah, there are maker-spaces where people have 5-axis machines already set up with the program to finish popular 80% lowers, and you can literally just book some time on the machine, load their program, and walk away with a usable part. You typically have to know a guy who knows a guy, but it's a thing that exists.
(The tomato is the state fruit of Ohio, and is both the state fruit and the state vegetable of Arkansas. The question of why states have "official" fruits and vegetables remains un-addressed so far as I can tell.)