Rail attachment that doesn't exist, but should?

Strakele · January 16, 2013, 07:44 PM

Hey guys,

I just started my final undergrad semester of mechanical engineering and have to do a capstone project in which I design and build a novel product.

Given how universal rails are, I'm interested in designing a new rail attachment that would fulfill a need and be marketable.

So I come to you all to solicit suggestions. What doesn't currently exist that you'd like to see exist?

It needs to be something useful, something people would buy, and something that could be designed, built, and tested in one semester (around 13 weeks). I have to decide on the idea fairly quickly.

So, what's something new you'd like to attach to your rails?

Thanks!

handlerer2 · January 16, 2013, 08:57 PM

A cigar holder is what I would use most.

GTlefty · January 16, 2013, 09:01 PM

A slingshot.
I've been watching Jorg Sprave's slingshot videos and it seems like just the thing to add to a rail system!

JustinBiscuit · January 16, 2013, 09:45 PM

range finder
Net launcher
sound generator (like in Mission Impossible 2)
non-lethal sound generator
deployable spikes (turn AR into a spiked club)
Pmag holder
iphone holder (need someway to reduce recoil)
paint sprayer (mark paths, targets etc)

reynolds357 · January 16, 2013, 10:01 PM

Screw in tree step installation tool.

Kiwi Hunter · January 17, 2013, 12:30 AM

A backwards pointing bayonet just in case someone really stupid steals my rifle

Deja vu · January 17, 2013, 01:08 AM

taser and pepper spray. practical for law enforcement.

FrankenMauser · January 17, 2013, 02:06 AM

Target/room designation system for night time CQB. (Air or spring powered.)

Basic premise:
LEOs/Military Personnel would be using NVGs.
The system could be used to mark targets or cleared rooms, by spraying low-luminescent or IR-luminescent liquid (if using hybrid NVGs), or shooting a paintball with the same liquid. (Think 'glow stick' or IR 'glow stick'.)

Whether it would be useful in reality would have to be determined by the design and the engineer. But, it's an idea, nonetheless.

I guess it isn't far off from pepper spray, either...

JimmyR · January 17, 2013, 02:15 AM

Just some ideas off the top of my head-

-> Motion activated light- useful for HD situations so that someone could simply pick up their rifle and the light would come on, allowing person to maintain focus on disturbance. Probably to include adjustable timer of 30sec to 5 min of stationary illumination before turning off.

-> +1 on the taser/pepper spray for LEOs/HD

-> Digital compass/GPS

Chinny33 · January 17, 2013, 02:39 AM

you are asking a question the entire AR-15 manufacturing world are trying to answer.

Come up with something more novel instead of "rail" and figure out how to cut an AR-15 down to sub 6lbs consistently w/o pencil barrels.

Kiwi Hunter · January 17, 2013, 04:24 AM

As above BY printing uppers and lowers in sintered Ti on a 3d printer and shaving as much weight as possible. Even doing a super strong and light one piece lower + stock eg cavalry arms poly lower if your printer can go big enough

See here for solid models to get you started, remove material where you can! http://www.cncguns.com/

And yes I will accept a sample of your completed build for Beta testing

Moby · January 17, 2013, 04:43 AM

Wi Fi video system to allow video feed to SWAT command center as the entry team performs. This allows for evidence collection at the time of entry.

**Mike Irwin** · January 17, 2013, 07:34 AM

Deep Fat Fryer with optional Hush Puppy storage rack.

zukiphile · January 17, 2013, 09:36 AM

I see people in videos horsing around with sling adjustments in transition from carry to hasty sling use.

Does anyone make rearward facing hooks that would permit a user to hang his rifle directly on a utility vest, keeping the rifle close to his body and pointed in a safe direction while carrying, but permitting instant lift and detachment while leaving his sling at a usable length when firing?

If you make millions from this, email me and I will give you an address for the check.

Alabama Shooter · January 17, 2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Does anyone make rearward facing hooks that would permit a user to hang his rifle directly on a utility vest, keeping the rifle close to his body and pointed in a safe direction while carrying, but permitting instant lift and detachment while leaving his sling at a usable length when firing?

Sort of. Once you start walking around it goes every which way if you are not holding it.

http://www.botachtactical.com/wohosipowesl.html

zukiphile · January 17, 2013, 10:00 AM

My stupid idea was slightly different.

I envisioned two rearward hooks attached to the left side of the rail. The hook closest to the front sight would hang on a loop near the left shoulder, while the hook closest to the receiver would hang to the right and below the sternum.

This would keep the rifle pointing away from others, close to the body, but not dangling and hitting the legs the way a single point harness appears to.

I haven't thought this through, so it might just be a horrid idea.

RedBowTies88 · January 17, 2013, 10:15 AM

Why not a rail mounted Taser? Or maybe even mace...

Scorch · January 17, 2013, 04:41 PM

What about a drink holder? I have seen ARs that have pretty much everything else.

**Mike Irwin** · January 17, 2013, 05:04 PM

"Why not a rail mounted Taser? Or maybe even mace..."

Ooh!

Chain saw! CHAIN SAW!

Alabama Shooter · January 17, 2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Chain saw! CHAIN SAW!

He wants one that does not already exist.

Bear with me here. I am thinking ultralight aircraft chute.

teeroux · January 17, 2013, 08:51 PM

I think I mentioned it in a zombie thread. I saw it in a video game once upon a time.

Under barrel flame thrower.

Hammerhead · January 17, 2013, 10:45 PM

A tool to remove ugly rails from other guns.

emcon5 · January 17, 2013, 11:53 PM

A Mosin Nagant 91/30.

Why not, some idiot already made a rail mount so you can hang a Glock off a rail (and create an illegal SBR in the process), and it wouldn't be much heavier than some accessorized mall-ninja monstrosities I have seen.

giaquir · January 18, 2013, 03:38 AM

In the wave of today's Political idiocy maybe you
should ask the Dean if your project is appropriate,
and won't cause a stir to come back and bite you.

Other than that ,I would like a system that is less rough on the hands
without attaching a vertical grip.

Your endeavor is commendable and interesting.
Good luck

oneoldsap · January 18, 2013, 06:36 AM

A cup holder would be handy , for those of us that shoot in the morning ! Oh , and maybe a gun wipes dispencer too .

January 16, 2013, 07:44 PM	#1
Strakele Member Join Date: November 3, 2007 Posts: 56	Rail attachment that doesn't exist, but should? Hey guys, I just started my final undergrad semester of mechanical engineering and have to do a capstone project in which I design and build a novel product. Given how universal rails are, I'm interested in designing a new rail attachment that would fulfill a need and be marketable. So I come to you all to solicit suggestions. What doesn't currently exist that you'd like to see exist? It needs to be something useful, something people would buy, and something that could be designed, built, and tested in one semester (around 13 weeks). I have to decide on the idea fairly quickly. So, what's something new you'd like to attach to your rails? Thanks!

January 17, 2013, 01:08 AM	#7
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	taser and pepper spray. practical for law enforcement. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

January 17, 2013, 02:06 AM	#8
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Target/room designation system for night time CQB. (Air or spring powered.) Basic premise: LEOs/Military Personnel would be using NVGs. The system could be used to mark targets or cleared rooms, by spraying low-luminescent or IR-luminescent liquid (if using hybrid NVGs), or shooting a paintball with the same liquid. (Think 'glow stick' or IR 'glow stick'.) Whether it would be useful in reality would have to be determined by the design and the engineer. But, it's an idea, nonetheless. I guess it isn't far off from pepper spray, either... __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

January 17, 2013, 02:39 AM	#10
Chinny33 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 248	you are asking a question the entire AR-15 manufacturing world are trying to answer. Come up with something more novel instead of "rail" and figure out how to cut an AR-15 down to sub 6lbs consistently w/o pencil barrels. __________________ PLAN PLAN PLAN A prudent man forsees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished Proverbs 27:12

January 17, 2013, 04:43 AM	#12
Moby Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Posts: 91	Wi Fi video system to allow video feed to SWAT command center as the entry team performs. This allows for evidence collection at the time of entry. __________________ “A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.” ~George Washington US Coast Guard 76-86 Semper Paratus

January 16, 2013, 08:57 PM	#2
handlerer2 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2010 Location: Yellowstone Co, MT Posts: 489	A cigar holder is what I would use most.

January 16, 2013, 09:01 PM	#3
GTlefty Member Join Date: August 11, 2011 Posts: 26	A slingshot. I've been watching Jorg Sprave's slingshot videos and it seems like just the thing to add to a rail system!

January 16, 2013, 09:45 PM	#4
JustinBiscuit Senior Member Join Date: September 18, 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 184	range finder Net launcher sound generator (like in Mission Impossible 2) non-lethal sound generator deployable spikes (turn AR into a spiked club) Pmag holder iphone holder (need someway to reduce recoil) paint sprayer (mark paths, targets etc)

January 16, 2013, 10:01 PM	#5
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Screw in tree step installation tool.

January 17, 2013, 12:30 AM	#6
Kiwi Hunter Member Join Date: August 13, 2009 Posts: 76	A backwards pointing bayonet just in case someone really stupid steals my rifle

January 17, 2013, 02:15 AM	#9
JimmyR Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2012 Posts: 1,273	Just some ideas off the top of my head- -> Motion activated light- useful for HD situations so that someone could simply pick up their rifle and the light would come on, allowing person to maintain focus on disturbance. Probably to include adjustable timer of 30sec to 5 min of stationary illumination before turning off. -> +1 on the taser/pepper spray for LEOs/HD -> Digital compass/GPS

January 17, 2013, 04:24 AM	#11
Kiwi Hunter Member Join Date: August 13, 2009 Posts: 76	As above BY printing uppers and lowers in sintered Ti on a 3d printer and shaving as much weight as possible. Even doing a super strong and light one piece lower + stock eg cavalry arms poly lower if your printer can go big enough See here for solid models to get you started, remove material where you can! http://www.cncguns.com/ And yes I will accept a sample of your completed build for Beta testing

January 17, 2013, 07:34 AM	#13
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Deep Fat Fryer with optional Hush Puppy storage rack. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 17, 2013, 09:36 AM	#14
zukiphile Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2005 Posts: 4,450	I see people in videos horsing around with sling adjustments in transition from carry to hasty sling use. Does anyone make rearward facing hooks that would permit a user to hang his rifle directly on a utility vest, keeping the rifle close to his body and pointed in a safe direction while carrying, but permitting instant lift and detachment while leaving his sling at a usable length when firing? If you make millions from this, email me and I will give you an address for the check. __________________ http://www.npboards.com/index.php

January 17, 2013, 10:00 AM	#16
zukiphile Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2005 Posts: 4,450	My stupid idea was slightly different. I envisioned two rearward hooks attached to the left side of the rail. The hook closest to the front sight would hang on a loop near the left shoulder, while the hook closest to the receiver would hang to the right and below the sternum. This would keep the rifle pointing away from others, close to the body, but not dangling and hitting the legs the way a single point harness appears to. I haven't thought this through, so it might just be a horrid idea. __________________ http://www.npboards.com/index.php Last edited by zukiphile; January 17, 2013 at 10:10 AM.

January 17, 2013, 10:15 AM	#17
RedBowTies88 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2011 Location: 609 NJ Posts: 705	Why not a rail mounted Taser? Or maybe even mace... __________________ "...with liberty and justice for all." (Must be 21. Void where prohibited. Some restrictions may apply. Not available in all states.)

January 17, 2013, 04:41 PM	#18
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	What about a drink holder? I have seen ARs that have pretty much everything else. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 17, 2013, 05:04 PM	#19
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	"Why not a rail mounted Taser? Or maybe even mace..." Ooh! Chain saw! CHAIN SAW! __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 17, 2013, 08:51 PM	#21
teeroux Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Posts: 1,512	I think I mentioned it in a zombie thread. I saw it in a video game once upon a time. Under barrel flame thrower.

January 17, 2013, 10:45 PM	#22
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	A tool to remove ugly rails from other guns.

January 17, 2013, 11:53 PM	#23
emcon5 Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 1999 Location: High Desert NV Posts: 2,850	A Mosin Nagant 91/30. Why not, some idiot already made a rail mount so you can hang a Glock off a rail (and create an illegal SBR in the process), and it wouldn't be much heavier than some accessorized mall-ninja monstrosities I have seen.

January 18, 2013, 03:38 AM	#24
giaquir Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Deerfield,New Hampshire Posts: 512	In the wave of today's Political idiocy maybe you should ask the Dean if your project is appropriate, and won't cause a stir to come back and bite you. Other than that ,I would like a system that is less rough on the hands without attaching a vertical grip. Your endeavor is commendable and interesting. Good luck

January 18, 2013, 06:36 AM	#25
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	A cup holder would be handy , for those of us that shoot in the morning ! Oh , and maybe a gun wipes dispencer too .