DIY 3D Printed XCR Stock Adapter!

BeerBaron

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Saskatoon, SK
Well after several years shooting the rifle (~4000 rounds) and upgrading from the original ACE stock to the FAST stock, I finally decided I didn't care for either of those options and wanted to go for an AR-15 stock on my XCR. It seems that ship has sailed somewhat... as after several weeks of searching, and offering over brand new value for several NEA adapters on the EE, I was unable to acquire one. This seemed like the best option, as it looked like it had the stock height roughly correct for use of AR-15 height optics/sights/mounts. Can't tell for sure from the pictures, but it looked like it added more to the length of pull than necessary, and the XCR receiver already sticks back a ways, so would have limited the useful adjustments on most stocks (unless you happen to be a gorilla...).

I realize the Dlask adapter is still available, but I am really not a fan for these reasons:

1) Stock height appears to be set inline with the bore, as on an AR-15. While this is perfect for the AR, the XCR is taller due to the gas piston on top, so setting the stock concentric with the bore means all of the AR-15 height optics/sights and mounts will result in pretty much no cheek weld. I am a firm believer that a proper cheek weld is pretty much required for quick/accurate shooting, so I didn't care for this.

2) Doesn't look like you can use AR-15 end plates on this adapter, so no QD end plates. Also doesn't look like it would work with stocks like the UBR (I may be wrong here...)

Frustrated by my options, I hopped on Solidworks earlier this week and whipped up an adapter of my own. My original (and not off the table just yet...) plan was to have this CNC'd out of aluminum and cerakoted. While this may still be an option, I am pretty sure I don't want to see what the cost to produce just one on a CNC machine would be. Then on Friday I had the idea to see if I could find someone to 3D print one for me... a quick google search yielded several options in town. I modified my model slightly for 3D printing (exact dimensions for the buffer tube threads added, receiver bolt threads replaced with a cutout to hold a 1/4" nut as I didn't trust 1/4" threads in a 3D printed part) and sent it off. Within about 5 or 6 hours my part was printed and I cruised over to pick it up. The first piece looked great, but had a couple of small issues. Another hour or so of careful measurements and some destructive testing, and I was able to modify my model to fix a dimensional error (my fault...) and account for some of the intricacies/tolerances associated with the 3D printing process. Version 2 fits like a glove and was printed with fully functional 1 3/16 -16 receiver extension threads. No need to clean up with a tap even (This impressed me the most for my first real experience with 3D printing...).

Anyways, here it is!











I designed my adapter to achieve the same stock height with respect to the top rail as an AR-15, so standard sights etc feel very familiar. I also tried to keep the additional LOP to a minimum, but using the nut instead of tapped threads for the attachment bolt through the receiver meant I had to add a little more than I would have liked. It may still be possible to shave 3/16 - 1/4" off of it later, but as it without a jacket on I prefer it in position 3 or 4 out of 6 so its well within the usable range for me. The current part is printed using ABS with a 100% in fill, but I am still not fully confident in its strength. Judging by my destructive testing of the first one (though only 25% infill on that one...) one rough hit to the side of the stock/receiver (think bending the buffer tube sideways) and I am pretty sure it will snap either at the receiver or the buffer tube threads. Probably not the end of the world to have the adapter as the weak point, but I would like it to be a little tougher than it is now. Currently looking for someone to print it out of some hopefully tougher Nylon and see if that works better.
 
You'll break it first time out shooting.

Based on what I have seen from videos of guys who have printed AR receivers, I do have a strong feeling you may be correct. If I were to bet I'd say it will crack between printed layers where the aluminum buffer tube ends. Has a bit of an advantage over the printed AR receivers as nothing is cantilevered, and it has extra meat on the top and bottom from transitioning from the XCR receiver... but I have a feeling once a layer splits at all the crack with quickly propagate through the whole part.

Still hoping I can get one printed out of nylon, as it looks like nylon parts are a fair amount tougher than ABS, but I don't have my hopes too high on it being enough. I may also continue to pursue having a small batch machined, which of course is the right answer. 3D printing was a good way to verify the design, and I think it significantly improved the feel of the rifle over the FAST stock.
 
i think by the direction the parts have been print you should be good , 3d printing dont just depend on what material you use but what temp and direction you print it , adherence between layer , nylon is way stronger but a ##### to print from my experience
 
You may find that getting the adapter manufactured out of Aluminium won't be all that expensive, now that you have the design done and tested. Look for a machinist that has a modern CNC lathe, I did not find the costs too prohibitive...

What printer did you have this printed on and what material?

If you were closer we could try your adapter out of photopolymer...
 
Still, for the sake of innovation, someone need to do it. How can we get replicators if we can't even do 3d printing on these stuff?
 
You may find that getting the adapter manufactured out of Aluminium won't be all that expensive, now that you have the design done and tested. Look for a machinist that has a modern CNC lathe, I did not find the costs too prohibitive...

What printer did you have this printed on and what material?

If you were closer we could try your adapter out of photopolymer...

Ordering in bulk could lessen the price. And then you could sell the remainder. It's a good looking design.
 
You could try E Machine Shop, do up the design in their program (very simple to learn, although a little limited, especially compared to solidworks) then you can figure out pricing and everything. I've done a few stock adapters for my USC to UMP conversion through them, a single one was in the 300-350 dollar range, and is MUCh more complex than an XCR stock adapter.

The cost for multiple goes down a lot, 10 units would be very affordable to make if you did a group buy or something.
 
This adapter was printed on a makererbot replicator 2x out of ABS. It actually seems fairly strong, but I am pretty sure one rougher hit/bend from the side and it will likely split between layers on the buffer tube threads. I am in touch with a small machine shop in town to see what it will take to get one made up. Not sure at this point if they are planning to CNC it or do it manually. I have contacts at a couple more shops through work that are more likely to have CNC capability. Once I get an idea of costs I may consider setting up a group buy if there is interest.
 
If you want to send me the drawing I can make you up some machine shop ready drawings and optimize it for aluminum. For free, I need something to do on weekends in the winter.

If I could get my damn mill moved I'd offer to make it too. It's a pretty basic design that could easily be done in two vise setups. I'd estimate no more than 15 minutes machine time, that's a high estimate.
 
If you want to send me the drawing I can make you up some machine shop ready drawings and optimize it for aluminum. For free, I need something to do on weekends in the winter.

If I could get my damn mill moved I'd offer to make it too. It's a pretty basic design that could easily be done in two vise setups. I'd estimate no more than 15 minutes machine time, that's a high estimate.

Very cool, glad to hear some opinions from guys with actual machining experience. I know enough to fake my way through some basic Solidworks, but my hours running any kind of mill/lathe could be measured using single digits, and its certainly safe to say it would take *me* a lot longer than 15 minutes haha. I did try and keep it about as basic/streamlined as possible. Solidworks model work for you? PM me your email and I will send it off
 
Send me the CAD if your interested I can see how complex it is to machine, if its not that hard I can machine one out of 6061 or 7075
 
Well after several years shooting the rifle (~4000 rounds) and upgrading from the original ACE stock to the FAST stock, I finally decided I didn't care for either of those options and wanted to go for an AR-15 stock on my XCR. It seems that ship has sailed somewhat... as after several weeks of searching, and offering over brand new value for several NEA adapters on the EE, I was unable to acquire one. This seemed like the best option, as it looked like it had the stock height roughly correct for use of AR-15 height optics/sights/mounts. Can't tell for sure from the pictures, but it looked like it added more to the length of pull than necessary, and the XCR receiver already sticks back a ways, so would have limited the useful adjustments on most stocks (unless you happen to be a gorilla...).

I realize the Dlask adapter is still available, but I am really not a fan for these reasons:

1) Stock height appears to be set inline with the bore, as on an AR-15. While this is perfect for the AR, the XCR is taller due to the gas piston on top, so setting the stock concentric with the bore means all of the AR-15 height optics/sights and mounts will result in pretty much no cheek weld. I am a firm believer that a proper cheek weld is pretty much required for quick/accurate shooting, so I didn't care for this.

2) Doesn't look like you can use AR-15 end plates on this adapter, so no QD end plates. Also doesn't look like it would work with stocks like the UBR (I may be wrong here...)

...

I designed my adapter to achieve the same stock height with respect to the top rail as an AR-15, so standard sights etc feel very familiar. I also tried to keep the additional LOP to a minimum, but using the nut instead of tapped threads for the attachment bolt through the receiver meant I had to add a little more than I would have liked. It may still be possible to shave 3/16 - 1/4" off of it later, but as it without a jacket on I prefer it in position 3 or 4 out of 6 so its well within the usable range for me. The current part is printed using ABS with a 100% in fill, but I am still not fully confident in its strength. Judging by my destructive testing of the first one (though only 25% infill on that one...) one rough hit to the side of the stock/receiver (think bending the buffer tube sideways) and I am pretty sure it will snap either at the receiver or the buffer tube threads. Probably not the end of the world to have the adapter as the weak point, but I would like it to be a little tougher than it is now. Currently looking for someone to print it out of some hopefully tougher Nylon and see if that works better.

Looks like a great prototype! I love the height of the stock. I had a dlask adapter on my last XCR and it was just too low to be of any use.

Ben
 
I've always wondered why no one has made an adapter like this. It looks great. I share all of your sentiments with the after market adapters. Awesome to see initiative and I'm in for one if you want to do a run.
 
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