Aluminum AR180B lower. *Update DONE!*

Armedsask

Armedsask

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I need a machinist or machine shop that is familar with the AR15 type rifle, specifically the lower. Located in Western Canada would be excellent. In Alberta or Saskatchewan would be great!

Any way, this is my plan. Some of you may have seen me posting about my aluminum AR180B lower and how great it will be. I'm tired of waiting until I head off to machining course this August so I might hire some one to do it for me.

Here's a side drawing of what I have planned. Basically a stretched AR15 lower with no buffer tube hole. Simple really, I think.

VAC-1_protoweb.jpg


I call it the VAC 1X. VAC for Volk Amory Customs, 1 for the first design, and X because its a prototype, expiremental, etc.

Thought? Input? Opinions?
 
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problem with that is unless you make it YOURSELF you need a firearms MANUFACTUREING permit do you not???

then even when you get it done the rcmp may want to test it and you probably wont get it back!
 
In regards to the manufactuering issue, I'll drill the holes when everything else is done and assemble it myself. Presto, built by me. ;) If that won't work, maybe I'll get a manufacturing permit and bang out a couple of them.

I've already talked to the chief forensics officer down there in Ottawa. Would be non-restricted as a one off rifle, variant off the AR180B. I specifically told him it would look like an AR15 lower. He specifically stated that if AR15 uppers will not function on it, it is not an AR15 lower or variant of. Everything forward of the hammer pin holes has been moved, thus lengthing the entire reciever (see "trigger guard width" note). Also the back of the reciever has been extended to fit the longer AR180B type upper and no longer facilitates the buffer tube. Bingo, non-restricted.
 
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Internals would be exact. It is basically an AR15 lower extended in front of the hammer pin. The back end is also different. Oher than that, exactly the same. Heck, the pictures is an AR15 CAD drawing, just extended. I will probably simplify the design for ease of machining, maybe do a "slab side" lower. Plan is to just mill it from a solid block of aluminum.

I thought of Dlask but I hear they can be slow or difficult to deal with. Not to mention expensive. I may give them a call and see what they have to say. Has anyone got custom work done by Dlask?

I was really hoping to find a machinist near by I could see in person. Calgary, Medicine Hat, Saskatoon, or any where in between.
 
"...higher..." Higher than who? Think $60 or more per hour plus materials. Add the cost of any special tooling too. You're likely looking at $1,000 or more.
"...chief forensics officer..." He doesn't make the rules.
 
"...chief forensics officer..." He doesn't make the rules.
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I'm glad you could contribute with your fantastic wisdom, as usual.

I should note that it should be Chief Firearms Forensics Officer. He is the guy who decides the classification of firearms and the rules are fairly specific. This is clearly a variant of the AR180B.
 
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I whipped up a simply 3D rendering of my idea for the lower. I'll admit, it does look like an AR15 but that was bound to happen. I wanted to be able to use AR15 grips and trigger guards so it's going to come out looking like an AR15. I may change the design and go with a SIG style swing away trigger guard, I think that is pretty sharp. I'm still confident it will be classed as non-restricted.

VAC-R1_1.jpg
 
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Not to be a ####, but is there any reason why you'd need an aluminum lower? Do they sell AR180B uppers separately? If not, you'll need to buy the whole rifle anyway, no?

Not trying to crap on your idea, just want to understand the why.
 
just want to understand the why.
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I don't need an aluminum lower, the polymer one works fine. How ever, the weak link in the 180B design is the polymer lower. If I could have an origonal sheet metal AR180, I would. If you've ever seen my AR180B you'll notice that the only thing left on it that is plastic is the reciever. With all the #### I have bolted on and the abuse my rifle takes, I'd much prefer an aluminum lower. Would be a great SHTF gun.

AR180B_jan06.jpg


As far as I know, they don't sell seperate uppers. My plan is to eventually make a new upper that uses AR15 barrels while retaining the piston operation and 180B internals. The end result being a new, entirely home made rifle. My polymer lower will be tossed in the parts bin until I make the new upper (I already have just about one full rifle in parts).
 
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Sell the rifle and buy a Sig... cheaper in the long run and likely better to. If you do make it do it your self so that it is cheaper and more fun for you. My $0.02
 
HeadDamage said:
Sell the rifle and buy a Sig... cheaper in the long run and likely better to. If you do make it do it your self so that it is cheaper and more fun for you. My $0.02
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That's too easy. I like having one of a kind rifles.

I will be building it myself.
 
Out of curiosity, why do you want to use aluminum? Are you trying to keep the weight down? I don't know much about metallurgy but wouldn't it be cheaper to make it out of folded sheet metal (and not to mention, you'd have a stronger receiver)?
 
Aluminum is just easier to work with. I'm also planning on trying to make a sheet metal one, that has a better chance of getting made then the milled one.
 
Interesting project, but be carefull.

Dlask had his pump patrol rifle classed as restricted because they said the lower was a variant of the AR15 type he is well known for. Doesn't matter if you can or cannot get an AR15 upper on it, if it is too close to an AR15 lower, they will shut you down.

Hopefully all of the old prohibited OIC's will be ammended soon, and we can buy original AR180's.

This AR180 prohibited/AR180B unrestricted thing just shows how stupid gun control currently is.
 
Very ambitious sask, I guess we call this a gold plated turd now :),

when I had my 180B I would have bought a metal lower if the price target was right - I did search google for a product. I don't think I would have paid more than $350 for it.

The reason for the lower - SHTF durability and to quiet the naysayers with AR-15s who have a bone to pick with the 180B. Metal lowers take a solid design and manifest it in SOLID materials.

I don;t think you'd find much of a market though - except here in Canada - so do it for yourself or find a way for a small batch to sell off to recover some costs.

When it comes to SHTF - the CZ-858 in the non-restricted category will probably be what most people reach for.

fed007
 
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