Wk-180 guess what this is for

No offense, but that looks incredibly useless. A molded plastic insert that clips into the slot would be a much better solution. Like one of the rubber Mlok covers. No modification required. And much slicker than some gasket thing bolted to the outside.
 
No offense, but that looks incredibly useless. A molded plastic insert that clips into the slot would be a much better solution. Like one of the rubber Mlok covers. No modification required. And much slicker than some gasket thing bolted to the outside.

The slot does not have the necessary clearance for such a cover and the charging handle. It's physically impossible. By making both items bolt on, its ambidextrous. Good idea.
 
No offense, but that looks incredibly useless. A molded plastic insert that clips into the slot would be a much better solution. Like one of the rubber Mlok covers. No modification required. And much slicker than some gasket thing bolted to the outside.

Take a look at your gun. The right side slot was designed for the cam lock which rides along the slot. It projects half way up the slot. Assuming you could install the Mlok covers (hint: you can't) the first time you fired the gun the cam lock would travel along the slot - ripping up the inner portion of the cover used to achieve friction fit. This is assuming you are using the charging handle on the left side and just want to fill in the right side.

Cheers,

L
 
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The slot does not have the necessary clearance for such a cover and the charging handle. It's physically impossible. By making both items bolt on, its ambidextrous. Good idea.

Concept is good. I have my doubts and will have to do extensive testing on the rubber material. Usually there is more material surrounding the bolt shaft/knob in order to allow the rubber to form around the shaft as it moves.
Due to the lack of room (internal voids) I have to use dowel pins to keep the material from extruding into the slot when the bolt shaft tries to drag it in from the reciprocating motion. The slot in the rubber will determine how much drag will be induced on the shaft.
My fear is that it will retard the bolt motion and induce stoppages (ironically, something that this is supposed to prevent). Wanted simpler solution but the geometry of the inner receiver forced my hand and limited possible solutions.

Note - I'm calling the star pattern on either end of the bolt slot "snowflakes" - it is necessary on the larger diameter end in order to insert the charging handle into the bolt. Anticipate the installation of said handle will be to insert fully into receiver without bolt. Pull charging handle out so that base sits proud of inserted bolt. Let magnet due its job as bolt slides past bolt slot hole.

L
 
Concept is good. I have my doubts and will have to do extensive testing on the rubber material. Usually there is more material surrounding the bolt shaft/knob in order to allow the rubber to form around the shaft as it moves.
Due to the lack of room (internal voids) I have to use dowel pins to keep the material from extruding into the slot when the bolt shaft tries to drag it in from the reciprocating motion. The slot in the rubber will determine how much drag will be induced on the shaft.
My fear is that it will retard the bolt motion and induce stoppages (ironically, something that this is supposed to prevent). Wanted simpler solution but the geometry of the inner receiver forced my hand and limited possible solutions.

Note - I'm calling the star pattern on either end of the bolt slot "snowflakes" - it is necessary on the larger diameter end in order to insert the charging handle into the bolt. Anticipate the installation of said handle will be to insert fully into receiver without bolt. Pull charging handle out so that base sits proud of inserted bolt. Let magnet due its job as bolt slides past bolt slot hole.

L

Have a look at the Swiss Arms, if you haven't.
 
I looked. It was designed from the outset for a cover so the interior was machined accordingly.
I mocked up the outside receiver and didn't have my gun available to measure the inside.
Made some assumptions which ended up biting me when I was able to measure the interior.
Specifically, too thin wall thickness and my cover interfering with the operation of the firearm.
 
Still looks useless to me; a solution in search of a problem. Are people experiencing major stoppages due to the "open" design? I haven't heard anything of the sort. Good initiative, but is this really necessary?
 
Still looks useless to me; a solution in search of a problem. Are people experiencing major stoppages due to the "open" design? I haven't heard anything of the sort. Good initiative, but is this really necessary?

Of course it's not necessary but this is an internet forum and on the internet imaginary problems are a huge deal that we must find a solution to no matter how much work it is or how much it costs, because we all know that these $1000 utility entry level rifles could be needed in battle at any moment and if they aren't 100% reliable under the harshest conditions imaginable they just aren't good enough.
 
Of course it's not necessary but this is an internet forum and on the internet imaginary problems are a huge deal that we must find a solution to no matter how much work it is or how much it costs, because we all know that these $1000 utility entry level rifles could be needed in battle at any moment and if they aren't 100% reliable under the harshest conditions imaginable they just aren't good enough.

Hah! Ain’t that the truth. And once it hits the EE, each additional drilled and tapped hole adds $50 to the price.
 
Still looks useless to me; a solution in search of a problem. Are people experiencing major stoppages due to the "open" design? I haven't heard anything of the sort. Good initiative, but is this really necessary?

Its a design exercise to keep my engineering skills current with the latest CAD/CAM technology. That is why I stated it is a conceptual design. Rather than use the out-of-the-box tutorials for the various computer programs (which always work) I elected to try my hand at finding a solution that would keep me motivated (and have some fun at the same time).

Currently, I am playing with the integrated CAM program to determine the machining time for each part to get an idea of costs. Sent some of the parts to our rapid prototype machine(s) to learn how to prepare STL files for use. Will be creating multiple water jet profiles for the rubber inserts to determine configuration and material required. Based on the concept I am also thinking about investigating the idea of a non-reciprocating charging handle.

Some people like shooting rifles - others handguns. Some people like reloading their own ammunition to maximize the accuracy of said firearms. Some people like to accessorize their rifle with bling.
Do I think there is a problem that needs fixing. Maybe. So why do it? Because I can.

As for practicality. Just look around at the number of non-factory rims populating the cars in your local supermarket. I think of it simply as gun ####. Your tastes may differ.

Cheers,

L
 
Cant decide whether my sarcasm being taken seriously ruins the joke, or makes it better lol

As for the fixture, very cool idea. Looks awesome.

PS: as a full time machinist I totally get it. I will be doing some tinkering with my Modern sporter receivers and lightening/removing material.
As well as making custom parts for my build. Including modding and threading the OD of an NEA brake so I can build a blast cover that also doubles as a barrel shroud, and ratchets onto the brake...hehe

Why do humans build fast cars? Jets? Why did we fly to the moon? Because screw you that's why. Also because We can. Also because Lucy next door thinks it's hot. Bahahaha
 
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Cant decide whether my sarcasm being taken seriously ruins the joke, or makes it better lol

As for the fixture, very cool idea. Looks awesome.

PS: as a full time machinist I totally get it. I will be doing some tinkering with my Modern sporter receivers and lightening/removing material.
As well as making custom parts for my build. Including modding and threading the OD of an NEA brake so I can build a blast cover that also doubles as a barrel shroud, and ratchets onto the brake...hehe

Why do humans build fast cars? Jets? Why did we fly to the moon? Because screw you that's why. Also because We can. Also because Lucy next door thinks it's hot. Bahahaha

I would go with making it better - that is the way I interpreted it :)
 
Its a design exercise to keep my engineering skills current with the latest CAD/CAM technology. That is why I stated it is a conceptual design. Rather than use the out-of-the-box tutorials for the various computer programs (which always work) I elected to try my hand at finding a solution that would keep me motivated (and have some fun at the same time).

Currently, I am playing with the integrated CAM program to determine the machining time for each part to get an idea of costs. Sent some of the parts to our rapid prototype machine(s) to learn how to prepare STL files for use. Will be creating multiple water jet profiles for the rubber inserts to determine configuration and material required. Based on the concept I am also thinking about investigating the idea of a non-reciprocating charging handle.

Some people like shooting rifles - others handguns. Some people like reloading their own ammunition to maximize the accuracy of said firearms. Some people like to accessorize their rifle with bling.
Do I think there is a problem that needs fixing. Maybe. So why do it? Because I can.

As for practicality. Just look around at the number of non-factory rims populating the cars in your local supermarket. I think of it simply as gun ####. Your tastes may differ.

Cheers,

L

Great answer!
 
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