Ares RCU .22

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How come these never made it to Canada? Would have been neat to see and would make a cool non-restricted carbine, assuming you welded the stock open or something like that.

Someone is going to say "handgun frame= restricted" but the receiver on the mark X's are the top piece.

Ares%20Defense%20Tactical%20RCU%20.22%20LR%202.jpg
 
Likely Ares isn't registered with the DOS to export their products.

Plus, since the upper tube is considered the firearm, it would have to be submitted for classification, etc.
 
To my knowedge, the product went under due to a a lack of sales. Now whether this was caused by too high a price point or a simple lack of interest, I do not know. As a personal project, I plan on making a similar upper, but would be willing to make some for sale if I could make them financially viable. I don't see any reason why an appropriate length upper wouln't be Non-Restricted (as it is the gun, not the frame), but the RCMP may think differently. If you could get one, how much would you pay?
 
Likely not more than $200-$300, which is IMO what the issue was, as you need to already have the pistol, or buy it. That really limits the market up here, as not many people own pistols.
 
To my knowedge, the product went under due to a a lack of sales. Now whether this was caused by too high a price point or a simple lack of interest, I do not know. As a personal project, I plan on making a similar upper, but would be willing to make some for sale if I could make them financially viable. I don't see any reason why an appropriate length upper wouln't be Non-Restricted (as it is the gun, not the frame), but the RCMP may think differently. If you could get one, how much would you pay?

Honestly, at that point, you're better off just making the entire firearm (using as many standard parts as you can).
 
Likely not more than $200-$300, which is IMO what the issue was, as you need to already have the pistol, or buy it. That really limits the market up here, as not many people own pistols.

Honestly, at that point, you're better off just making the entire firearm (using as many standard parts as you can).

And their in lies the issue. You would need to be Ruger sized to make money on $200-$300, and you would need to be ruger sized (or incredibly well connected) to get enough standard parts at a good price for it to be possible. However, if you could scale the operation in such a way that it would be viable to make two product lines; one being budget carbine uppers and the other being high-quality target uppers, you may be able to justify buying and cannibalizing/converting new pistols into each category. You could salvage complete bolts and frames for the carbine lineup, and built complete bolts and upgrade receivers for the target line, and sell them as uppers, much like VQ. I guess, depending on demand, you could make four products; uppers only and complete firearms for both pistol and carbine. With enough demand, I believe the venture may turn a profit. I would also assume that being a distributor/retailer for Ruger would significantly reduce costs, as you would not be paying the store-bought value. Stuff to ponder at least.
 
However, I will still make one for myself. I'm thinking an all aluminum M4-esque upper would be pretty sweet. Make it with a Milspec front sight, standard handguard thread and a stock adapter would both look and function very well.
 
Interesting. Perhaps importing one and seeing what the RCMP think would be a viable idea. If it is indeed NR, anything I (or anyone else) build would be deemed a variant and would also be NR, or i could just build one and submit it to see what happens. Fun stuff.
 
I've played with the idea of having a "special" upper receiver that would work with a Ruger MK2 receiver... Kind of like this

100_2007.jpg


But I'm a little weary of the RCMP classifying as restricted, even though it would be over the 26" length requirement...

This been said, if someone was to make one, I'd had a hard time not buying one :D
 
I've played with the idea of having a "special" upper receiver that would work with a Ruger MK2 receiver... Kind of like this

100_2007.jpg


But I'm a little weary of the RCMP classifying as restricted, even though it would be over the 26" length requirement...

This been said, if someone was to make one, I'd had a hard time not buying one :D

I like the look of that better actually. Is that an available product or just something someone made up?
 
That's a pretty good design, both in terms of function and legality.

I could see the RCMP calling it a bullpup (They've pulled that #### before...), so if it cannot function with the buttplate removed, then it hampers that tactic.

Using 10/22 barrels might be worthwhile, as well. Then you can just sell the receiver minus the barrel

Does anyone manufacture aftermarket MkII or MkIII lowers?
 
That's a pretty good design, both in terms of function and legality.

I could see the RCMP calling it a bullpup (They've pulled that s**t before...), so if it cannot function with the buttplate removed, then it hampers that tactic.

Using 10/22 barrels might be worthwhile, as well. Then you can just sell the receiver minus the barrel

Does anyone manufacture aftermarket MkII or MkIII lowers?

A 10/22 barrel would be impossible to use, unfortunately. The MKII barrels have ramps and require some milling under the chamber area to accommodate the hook that holds the action in the front. VQ does make aftermarket frames, but they cost $250 (bare model) to $400 for a fully loaded version.

I'm unsure of how these could be deemed a bullpup. The CX4 carbine is functionally identical (as far as loading goes) and is classified R or NR solely on barrel length.

Judging by the enthusiasm thus far, they very well could be a niche market for these, but i would expect it to cost no less than $400-$600, depending on what the machining cost is, the barrel cost and the number of orders for the first run. Ultimately, those who buy the first prototypes will have to pay a significantly greater sum to help negate the risk of financial loss on the part of the producer. However, if the first run is a success, and more orders come in, prices may be reduced.

I'm going to explore this further, and come up with some different designs. I'm thinking one with an AR stock, one with a tube stock, and one with a wire stock, and all accepting a standard AR handguard and running a 16" barrel. The tube stock is the simplest, simply because it can be made from... well, tube stock. However reassembly may be somewhat more difficult due to not having any way to align the bolt before dropping it into the receiver. Stuff to ponder for sure.
 
A 10/22 barrel would be impossible to use, unfortunately. The MKII barrels have ramps and require some milling under the chamber area to accommodate the hook that holds the action in the front.

Having said that, there is no reason why barrels could not be interchangeable and be held captive by the AR handguard.
 

Though that is slightly off topic (which is building an NR upper specifically for the Ruger MKII/III) I don't think the RMR will come in as an NR. The grip is the serialized part and is interchangeable with the restricted PMR Pistol, and therefore will most likely be designated as a restricted.

Having said that, the RCMP have continued to surprise us (for better or for worse) and may deem it NR, which would be pretty cool. .22 WMR is a bit of a turnoff for me, but may make a better survival carbine than .22LR.
 
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