I’m what you might call a “firearms micro manufacturer”. I’m in the process of renewing my FFL/07 and NFA stamp as I let them lapse due to health reasons last year (2018).
This endeavor has led me down a path of constant and intensive self-study and hands-on projects and exercises since 2013. In addition to my previous years of Gunsmithing and Reloading experience; I’m now a proficient Machinist, CNC Programmer/Operator, CAD/CAM parts designer/programmer, TIG Welder and a bundle of supporting skills, procedures and functions (e.g. reading/producing drawings and blueprints). My prior 25 years of computer experience was extremely helpful in my continuing education (not to mention all the mathematics which is a big part of that). And I learn something new every single day…
I’ve been a gun enthusiast all my life starting with that first BB Rifle I had to sneak into the house and hide when I was child :-). Bought my first firearm when I turned 18, a Dan Wesson .44 Magnum Stainless wheelgun with 6” barrel. I started using this gun in NRA / IHMSA competitions a few years later. And of course, I had to learn how to disassemble / reassemble every new gun I acquired.
So here I am now, nearly ready to undertake a project to design and manufacture a small line of Suppressors after building 2 AR-10 pattern and 8 AR-15 pattern rifles all in different calibers.
Welcome to Full30 forum @aarw.steve Good to have you here. If there’s anything you need help with, let me know, I’d be happy to review any of your products.
Sometime ago I came across a list of all known AR-15 supported calibers / cartridges and it was many pages long, so there’s certainly no lack of candidates.
Seriously, I’m considering a 5.45x39 as in AK-74 and perhaps beat the Russians at their own game!
Wonderful! Now I just have to start treatment for building / modding m1911 pattern pistols. Oh, and there is that Glock 23 Gen 3 (.40 cal) Im rebuilding in .357 Sig, upgraded internals and a nice Cerakoted two-tone finish. Are you SURE there’s no cure for these afflictions?!?!
There is a thread on the 308AR forum trying to get a group buy for the important parts to build them and reload the cartridge. It’s the cartridge you didn’t know you needed.
“If you want to get another large frame AR, there is always the 358 Yeti“
My last build was for the .45 Raptor cartridge on the AR-10 pattern. Based on the S&W .460 Magnum case with a rebated rim, this thing is a beast. It’s listed on ammoguide,com
So I was thinking of going lite on my next one, possibly for two gun matches utilizing the double-tap on every target technique. Perhaps the 5.45x39 (AK-74) round which I’ve seen used very successfully in the above application.
But the bottom line is customer demand. Every rifle I design and manufacture (build) has to be a unique, custom handmade creation that people want to own.