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 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.