I’m interested in helping research towards making higher-caliber weapons possible with fully DIY components. I’m still not that well versed in weapon design and I know many people here have more experience with converting components so the main thing I’d like to know is what limitations need to be overcome?
I have an idea for the ECM taper that may work but it’s yet to be tested. The other complexity is the bolt carrier group and the locking mechanism but I think that can be made with guides. The other consideration is the gas system, a section could be attached to the gas port without welding with a clamp but then I’m not sure if direct impingement or a piston system is the way to go.
Any help is appreciated.
I would suspect the right way to work our way towards a fully DIY intermediate caliber design is to handle one part at a time. So start with a design that only DIYs the barrel, or the bolt, etc., then progressively step towards turning more parts from commercial to DIY.
I’d be curious to hear more about your ECM taper idea. What can you share about that?
I think making the DIY barrel should be the first priority. For the chamber a usual method of ECM can’t be used so my idea is to use a linear motor that travels along the taper with precise timing to remove more material at the start and less at the end to create a smooth ramp. This paired with a copper ring that would selectively reduce one small section at a time. A lot of these DIY processes for ECM seem to have too many variables for failure, in my opinion it is more ideal to have a standardized system for ECM to prevent outside variables impeding accuracy. This can be done by printing everything (even the container) and making the motor/ECM process itself controlled with a microcontroller.
Just to note I’m not sure if this idea for ECM is even physically possible as I’m not experienced with it.
I recall that Jeffrod was working on a more precise method of ECM that may be similar to what you’re describing. No idea where that ever landed.
There’s a question I feel that should be asked more - why aren’t chamber reamers used more widely as part of the “DIY barrel” process? Are these reamers unobtainable outside of the US? I recall looking at that a while ago and it did appear they could be shipped worldwide.
Seems like a high-risk item to purchase, higher-risk than any other bought component.
An update - I’ve created early designs with full theoretical functionality, including a short stroke system and a locking system. I need to refine many aspects and then fdm test parts as placeholders for the metal to stress the mechanical elements function.