Building a billet lower...

Armedsask

Armedsask

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Well gents, I hope to get started on my billet AR180B lower in the next week. I have the material and I'm just finalising the dimensions to start roughing it out.

I'm taking a machine shop pre-employment class so I have access to nice machines and tooling. They have a CNC mill but I'm not skilled enough to be given free reign of that sucker. One I am, I'll probably write up a program and see if I can't hammer a few more lowers out to sell. Not completely finished of course. ;)

I'll be starting with a 2x4x9 inch block of 6061 T6 aluminum that cost me a grand total of zero dollars. When asking the instructor what that much aluminum will cost me, he said, "Just grab some from the rack."

So now for my first question to my fellow gunnuts, what do I tell them I'm making? I've already done a few firearms related projects which they had no problem with but I don't know if making an actual "firearm" will be an issue. I'm thinking of telling them its the body for a gas operated hole punch I use on the farm.


Stay turned for pics as the project progresses.
 
A tractor part 'cause the old one is rusted. If it works you are going to make some more to sell to friends with the same model of tractor :D
 
I think it is a good idea to be discrete. Telling them it is for for farm equipment is a good plan.

BUT assess the person you are telling carefully. Nothing like getting caught on a lie like that. A guy in my metalshop class at school was making a part for his 'go-kart'. The shop teacher walked past while he was on the lathe and commented "that go-kart part would make a great hash pipe if it doesn't work on your kart". Needless to say, buddy didn't get to finish his project and the teacher treated him like a quasi-leper for the remained of the semester.:rolleyes:

However, if your course is of short duration or the teacher disinterested go for it. It would be the best way of avoiding hassles. After all, what you are preposing to make is not illegal, but the fewer times you have to explain that to those who don't know the better it would be.

Good luck on the project. Thats a killer idea. I might have to trade the AR for a 180b when you pull it off....
 
Just tell them it's a rifle part. You don't have to be specific do you? You can even say it's part of the receiver; who's going to know the difference?

Most non-shooters (heck even a lot of gun owners) don't realize that the receiver 'is' the gun.
 
Say its part of pump mechanism for your septic tank hydraulic system.. offer to let them see it in use..
 
I once tried to have someone machine me a new extractor for a rifle in a machine shop. The instructor forbid it saying he and the institute would be liable in case of injury/death.
 
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You cannot build firearms for sale...
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I'm not.


As far as them letting me build it, I'm not really that concerned. The instructors are fairly easy going. People from other departments have already had the instructor make them up firearm related parts. I don't see much issue with it seeing as I've already had a barreled AR180B upper in the shop to work on. I think I'll just adopt a "don't ask, don't tell." position. I won't lie but I won't come right out and say with it is.
 
Tell them is the hydraulic section of an automated ###-changing medical device. And add, trying not to smile, that you are looking for volunteers to test the whole machine when it's ready.
 
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Tell them straight up. I don't think telling them things that could get you in trouble later would be a good idea. But don't tell them in too much details :)

When you are done, maybe you can give to few of your buddys for a present, then they can sell them later. :)
 
Skirting illegality here. Careful, PM's are a wonderful thing
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It is a good question though.

Can I build them and give them out for free? I'm not selling them. Does is specify that you can't "sell" them, or maybe it just says distribute.

How is that part of the law worded, any one have the section?
 
I'm not sure about the firearm law, but commerce law clearly states that merchandise once given as "gift" can be sold without regards to applied laws regarding "original intent" of merchandise. This means you can give it to someone, thus removing applied law regarding manufacturing with intent for distribution, then have those given the receiver sell them. Then the proceeding can be "given" to you by your friends, as long as the amount is below $1000 as "lawful gift" without you having to pay tax on it.
Now that sounds like laundering, but it's not. :) it's just grey area of law concerning commerce of merchandise.
But I'm not sure it applies when it concerns firearm.
 
Disaster Monkey said:
Do you have the means to anodize your new lower yourself, or were you going to have someone else do that?
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The plan is to get it done up in Armacoat Multicam by Murdoc at Barret Arms (http://www.armacoat.net/) when I have the complete upper and lower built. As I'm building it in stages (no idea how far between completion of upper and lower) I might just spray paint it black until I finish the upper.
 
"gas operated hole punch"
I like that! I hope to make a single shot 50BMG sometime. I was thinking of refering to it as a "materials hardness tester".

One thing did catch my attention. I am not a metalurgist, I am a metal fabricator, so perhaps a true metalurgist can offer an opinion here, if I am off base.
You said you are using 6061 aluminum. Most likely because that is what you have. 6061 is the most common alloy, as it has good strength and good weldability. However, for maximum strength, 7075 is a better choice. As 7075 is unweldable, it is not that common in fab shops, though.
I believe the AR-15 is made from 7075.
Something to consider.
 
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