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Old September 13, 2012, 01:05 AM   #1
Unhorsinghippo
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AR 15 mod question

I assume this is the correct area of the forum, if not, mods please move accordingly.
First off, Im new here so please be gentle lol. Ive been thinking a lot about doing a modification to my AR but I wanted to do the research first before I do any tests etc and I figured some more knowledgeable people could steer me in the right direction. I love shooting and I am mechanically minded but do not have a lot of experience with the inner workings of guns specifically.
Essentially What I was wanting to do was create my own ergonomic chassis (probably not the correct gun lingo) if you will for my AR. I was looking at conversion kits and various chassis conversions for weapons such as the ones center balance systems makes etc and it got me wondering if I could create my own chassis to envelope my AR. I do not want to change the function or inner workings of the rifle, simply remove the unnecessary components and replace/cover them with my own shapes. What I want to know is what components of the rifle can be removed without weakening the rifle structurally. Ive been looking through exploded views of ARs but Im relatively new to it all and dont know what components are necessary for the rifle to be safe and function properly. I dont want to go hog wild removing parts. Basically, what all can I strip down to get this rifle to its smallest and narrowest functioning configuration so that I may then go back in and build it up to look the way I want? I would like to create my own buttstock entirely and integrate it into my own chassis. The designs I have worked on are sort of like an ar 15 but with the look and ergonomics of an fs2000 + ps90. (without being a bullpup that is) My AR is a CMMG AR 15 5.56 if this matters.
Anyone think they can help or would like to help me brainstorm?
I can post images of what Im thinking if anyone is interested. Also, I have a lot of experience with metal fabrication as well as mold making so I think I can handle the project for those who might be worrying for my safety
My plan is to do this research then sculpt the initial form out of high density foam and then vacuumform it.
Any advice or help is appreciated.
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Old September 13, 2012, 10:14 AM   #2
guncrank
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There is no extra parts
The AR is 30 years old , what there is there for a reason.
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Old September 13, 2012, 11:43 AM   #3
Unhorsinghippo
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well thats obviously not true, there are components like the foregrip that I know I can remove and replace with my own solution.

Also, this guy was obviously able to strip down a substantial amount to do his bullpup conversion:
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2...ower-receiver/
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Old September 13, 2012, 01:07 PM   #4
guncrank
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Your question could you remove anything structural
The answer is no
Sights and forends /buttstock are not structural. The rifle will fire and function without those parts.

Make your own , go right ahead but do not change the upper/lower/barrel
I don't see the advantange to a bull pup as the rifle is still long.
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Old September 13, 2012, 01:12 PM   #5
guncrank
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A AUG is 31 inchs long
A AR is 39 inch long

A Ar bull pup is still that length with the buffer.
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Last edited by guncrank; September 13, 2012 at 01:24 PM.
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Old September 13, 2012, 01:20 PM   #6
guncrank
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To make a true bullpup you need to move buffer foreward and under /over the barrel or upper.
Or go to a piston design
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Old September 13, 2012, 01:31 PM   #7
Unhorsinghippo
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Well I dont want to make it a bullpup. Although I do love bullpups very much. I was simply using that link to show that the guy removed quite a bit from the rifle. And maybe I worded it weird or something but I never asked if I could remove anything structural. I asked what all could be removed from the gun to leave it structurally sound. As in, what could I take off without harming the integrity of the rifle or its function.

This might also be a stupid question but what can a person manufacture himself legally? I have a few machinist friends who have made their own rifles from scratch. I dont want to do that, but is it legal for me to machine my own lower? or would I have to be a licensed gunsmith? Im not overly experienced at it but I do have access and a working knowledge of a mill
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Old September 13, 2012, 01:37 PM   #8
guncrank
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You can make your own no license is required
You can not sell it or give it away
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Old September 13, 2012, 01:39 PM   #9
Unhorsinghippo
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Well thats good to hear. I was always curious if what they were doing was legal. lol
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Old September 13, 2012, 01:41 PM   #10
Unhorsinghippo
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Also, Its cool to see someone from around me on the forum. We live very close to each other
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Old September 13, 2012, 01:44 PM   #11
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Ok no bullpup

You need for a AR is upper , lower
Barrel , barrel nut , gas rings , gas tube and a gas block
Buffer tube and buffer , FCG group , bolt carrier and magizine
And of course the little bits that go with the above.
You can substitute a gas piston for the DI system.

Make your own chassis , drop in parts
There you go
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Old September 13, 2012, 06:20 PM   #12
James K
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If you are in the U.S., you can make your own gun with the exception of a machinegun. You cannot legally make a machinegun unless you obtain a manufacturer's license, etc., etc. And sell only to police/military.

Jim
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