Issue 17: Franken-9, Massive Unseenkiller Dump, Helical Mag Mac, Hoffman Loses TRO
In which we gain on some fronts but lose on others
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In this issue:
New Releases:
In this section, we cover new file releases that we find notable. If something catches your interest, go download and start printing!
Franken-9 Lives!
Under development for quite some time at Black Lotus, the Franken-9 by Corbat67 and unseenkiller has released!
What is this monstrosity? It’s a 3011-style frame for Glock 19s, utilizing an AR FCG and feeding from a Sten magazine. If you’re asking “why” then you’re not deep enough into guncad. “The question is not who will let me, but who will stop me?”
The build is quite easy, so if you’re looking to do something fun with your Glock 19 slide, this is a good option!
Sidebar: something else cool about this design is its particular path to release. Like many designs, this one had stalled a bit after its successful alpha. Unseenkiller asked permission to join the beta and bring it over the finish line, which Corbat67 graciously accepted.
I really like this story. Early guncad culture often identified a design very strongly with its designer, creating an observed preference to let a design die in beta vs. allowing another designer to step in and help finish up. Modern 3D2A has become more comfortable with developer collaboration, producing success stories like this. Well done gentlemen!
Unseenkiller Releases Pt. 1: Mac-11 Updates
Unseenkiller released a truly massive trove of gifts for Christmas - so many that we have to split it up into three different sections! Our first section will cover his Mac releases.
First we have the DB Alloy PCC mod, creates an extended handguard for your DB Alloy! This handguard is held in place by new versions of the famous DB Alloy plates, DXFs for which are included in the release. This mod likely should be used with an extended barrel, although it does not appear that it strictly requires it.
Next, the PWC Full Retard Edition reconfigures the original 5.7 PWC to the more familiar PCC style, thereby removing everything that made it charming giving a another option for people who want to build a 5.7 Mac.
The PWC 9L adapts the PWC 9 to use a Lage Max-11S Mk2 upper, so if you want to make a more tacticool PWC9, consider this!
Finally we have the PWC DLC, which provides a gaggle of accessories for the PWC 5.7 and PWC 9, including new textures for various lowers, telescoping stock / braces, printed mags and much more.
That’s part 1 of 3! Keep reading…
Unseenkiller Releases Pt. 2: Jalapeno Popper
With this one Unseen returns to a topic we haven’t seen from him for a while, launchers! The Jalapeno Popper is a remix of his earlier Cherry Popper. The original is a 37mm signal launcher in a flare gun form factor; the Jalapeno Popper sizes it up to a full launcher, with a longer barrel and stock!
Unseen’s readme notes that the larger size makes this a far stronger design than the original Cherry Popper as well, which is appreciated. If you want a cool looking launcher, consider this one!
Unseenkiller Releases Pt. 3: Everything Else
Finally we have a catchall category for whatever other random stuff our boy has put out. What have we got here?
First the Honey Gripper, a neat series of interchangeable foregrips developed in conjunction with nightalliance. I’m not sure I’ve seen an interchangeable design like this before, I think it’s pretty cool!
Second is the Tor Mag STEN Pack, which is not so much a remix of the original Tor mag as it is a remix of the DMB Sten Mag which applies Tor Mag concepts, most notably using the Riptide Rails feed lips. Those are quickly becoming a standard in printed mags!
Next, the Block Slim V2, a dev pack for single-stack Glock frames (43, 43X and 48). Like Unseen’s other Block releases, the idea here is to provide a “minimum feature set” for this series of Glock frames, for other people to remix or use in their own designs. Versions are included for SS80, FMDA and PY2A rails!
Finally, the Muzzle Device Creator Kit performs a similar service for muzzle devices. The included STEP files contain known-good thread patterns for common muzzle threads (1/2-28, 5/8-24, 3/4-10) so that you can simply design your solid muzzle device and then use Unseen’s steps to “cut out” the threads.
I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas present. Unseen - you may be the most generous man in 3D2A. Thank you for all that you do.
Signal in Comfort with Launcherpope Shock Stock
King of signalling devices Launcherpope has released a new stock design that uses two RC car shocks to help absorb recoil. Fucking cool! The obvious use case is for launchers, but this can theoretically attach to any firearm with a 1913 rail on their endcap.
Normally I’d make a smartass comment about real men tanking the recoil instead of mitigating it, but I’ll hold my tongue. Print this stock and dial up your loads - your shoulder can take it!
UR-38 - Printable 38mm Rocket w/ Folding Fins
Developer PracticalTactical has been quietly amassing quite a corpus of interesting designs, most of them involving DDs and other fun NFA items. This one in particular caught my attention - it’s a printable 38mm rocket, powered by a modular rocket motor section, with folding, stabilizing fins.
PracticalTactical has not yet released a launcher design specifically used to fire this projectile, but his documentation does provide suggestions on how such a launcher could be built.
It’s not clear to me how much the UR-38 has actually been tested. That said, this same developer has a video page on his Odysee detailing some of his other work, including a printable smoke grenade. This indicates a certain seriousness to his work, and I’m excited to see how it continues to develop!
Updates:
In this section we will mention updates to major releases - fixes, new variants, etc.
Popillia 1.5 Release Brings Another Mac that Looks Like Mac
Back in Issue #4 when discussing the PWC, I noted that this was the first Mac That Looks Like Mac™ I’d seen since the Scarab. It was pointed out to me that I had missed the Popillia from the worryingly-named chuckycheesetouchedme. I issued a correction in Issue #9, but the recent v1.5 update to the Popillia gives me a chance to properly do it justice!
It appears that the actual update here may have more to do with file organization than the model itself. Regardless, this is a cool looking Mac upper and it’s certainly worth your attention. Go check it out!
Bolt-Through Decker Remixed for Upper Decker
Back in Issue 6 we shared a remix of the venerable Decker that improved the way its reinforcing threaded rods were secured (instead of threading the entire rod into the plastic, the remix secures it with nuts.)
The only downside to this remix was that it only supported the side-loader. Now, thanks to developer ATFAgent, the Upper Decker (top loader) now supports the bolt-through remix as well!
If you’re building a Decker, I highly recommend using the bolt-through remixes. Our kits support these remixes too!
New Betas:
In this section we round up recently opened betas. Help support development by joining these betas and testing!
Helical Mag Mac-11 Entering Beta
With dozens of Mac remixes out there, how do you make yours stand out? How about by adding support for a DIY helical mag?
The MAT-11H from developer Lars.Industries does just that! I’d imagine that the “beta” here is mostly for the mag, with the Mac just acting as a testing platform. Perhaps, upon release, the mag could be adapted to other platforms as well!
Testing is at the Gatalog - DM the normal people to sign up!
New VZ61 Project from Penteona
A developer named Penteona recently announced that he is seeking alpha testers for his new VZ61 printed lower. Despite being such a popular build there are surprisingly few designs for these, so it’s neat to see a new one!
From the screenshots we can see that this lower uses an integral grip, which is novel, as well as a neat attachable (optional) foregrip! Even more exciting, the Metalhead notes that he’s working on a fully printed upper for the VZ, which would be a first if completed.
Want to help develop and test this design? The Metalhead links his Discord server in the forum post - go check it out!
Wayfaring Stranger - Integrally Suppressed Hitchhiker Beta
A second new beta from the Gatalog, the Wayfaring Stranger from YZYPrints converts the Hitchhiker to a handgun form factor and adds an integral suppressor!
The finer details on this design haven’t yet been released, but from the render one can see an attempt to mimic the Luger’s design aesthetics, which is always a cool idea. If you want to help test, DM YZY or the Gatalog admins!
Glock “Creep Killer” Trigger from PrintMoreGuns
This Christmas drop from PrintMoreGuns claims to eliminate creep in Glock triggers, both standard versions and gspot-style FRT versions. A tall claim!
How does it work? Documentation is sparse but it appears it uses, in part, a set screw to help you precisely tune your trigger’s travel.
It’s an interesting idea that likely needs further testing and experimentation, which is why I’ve put it in the beta section. If you try this out, let us know how it goes!
Coming Soon:
This section lists announcements or previews for projects that have not yet hit open beta. Keep an eye out for further news about these projects!
PM63 Printed Frame Now Range Ready
Last mentioned in Issue 12, developer StreetSweeper_Arms has announced that his printable PM-63 RAK is range ready and is nearing beta!
Parts kits for these are tremendously cheap - consider grabbing one so you can be ready for the beta!
Three RPGs are Better than One
For as long as I’ve been in this space you’d think I’d have seen it all, but you guys still manage to surprise me. This is the AGI 3x40 by developers Sk191234 and HankTheShank, an electric ignition RPG!
Believe it or not, this is based on a real design! The DIY version is of course a DD and will require a tax stamp. It’ll be entering beta soon, so keep an eye out!
News:
In this section we’ll review major news events either originating in the 3D2A space, or particularly pertinent to this space.
Rare Breed Forces Hoffman to Delist Super Safety
The Rare Breed v. Hoffman super safety case, first announced in our last issue, is moving very quickly. On January 13th arguments were heard on Rare Breed’s Motion for Temporary Restraining Order (TRO); this motion was granted only a few hours after the hearing.
Under the terms of the TRO, Hoffman is enjoined from “making, using, selling, offering for sale or importing” the super safety, as well as from posting it anywhere, sending it to anyone, or licensing it to anyone. He is also ordered to remove his existing Super Safety postings from Odysee and all other websites.
Concerningly, this injunction applies not just to Hoffman but also to his “principals, agents, attorneys, servants, affiliates, employees, divisions, branches, subsidiaries, parents, and all others acting in active concert therewith.”
Who might this language apply to? Realistically, the answer is “anyone Rare Breed can successfully argue it applies to”, for example a fellow developer who has reposted the SS files. These developers will likely only become aware that RBT considers them an “affiliate” when they receive a takedown notice.
This is a very bad start to the case. The strong signal is that the judge is sympathetic to Rare Breed’s patent arguments. A hearing for a full Preliminary Injunction is scheduled for January 27th, the result of which will further indicate the judge’s sympathies. It’s not impossible that, upon deeper investigation, the PI request will be denied - Hoffman’s attorney is now tasked with arguing that the judge’s first impressions were wrong.
In the meantime what does this mean for the community? Hoffman’s own Super Safety file uploads will be taken down, but they’re rehosted in a million other places and won’t realistically disappear. As previously noted however, almost nobody is building their own SS. (Perhaps that should change?)
Most people are buying their SS cams. It is very unlikely that a TRO or PI in this case will affect your favorite SS manufacturer. However, an ultimate Hoffman loss will empower Rare Breed to meaningfully threaten said manufacturers and shut them down. This TRO is the first step towards that loss.
The wind’s direction is becoming clear. The community should prepare accordingly.
3D2A.TV Episode 1 Drops Sunday!
If you’ve been on 3D2A twitter lately you’ve likely seen our boy 3D2A.TV announce the first episode of his monthly show! This show will feature a variety of content, all meant to celebrate and amplify the 3D2A community. This will include a new design showcase, contests, a roast and much more!
The first episode will drop this Sunday, January 18th at 8PM EST. Make sure to tune in on X! There will be several cool prizes for the first episode, including something from yours truly! :)
Other Links:
This section will collect any other links I find interesting. These may be older designs I want to share, releases I find notable but don’t have much commentary on, or anything else that catches my eye.
DannyMeatball has been releasing some printed disposable ammo boxes in both 9mm and 5.56. These require small amounts of filament, making them a good use for a nearly-empty spool. Try them out!
Developer Quick Draw Precision has created a basic filing / drilling jig to turn a standard two-position AR selector into a three-position selector for use with the Kabuto. Nice work!
I continue to believe that the value of 3D2A is demonstrated just as much by small accessories as by large fully DIY gun releases - if not more! Case in point: a printable powder trickler by Foxbat Machining to help you precisely measure powder for reloading. Why spend $30+ when you can print one for a few cents in plastic?
About the Guncad Digest:
Thank you for reading this issue of the Guncad Digest! Please send us your feedback and suggestions for improvements on the issue.
The Guncad Digest is sourced using the very excellent Guncad Index, from /r/3D2A, and from readers like you. If you know of a project you think should be featured, send it our way!
This issue was compiled and authored by Alyosha from 3D Print Freedom / 3D2A. We sell high quality parts kits for some of the best DIY guns available - if you’re looking for your next gun build, come check us out!
A quick word on Metalhead Twink, due to unrest in his area, he does not have internet access currently and I am somewhat concerned for his saftey. Additionally discord hit at least my account with a 7 day ban for essentially discussing 3d2a related things as best I can tell so a word of caution there.