Issue 23: DIY Claymore, Suppressor Tests, DIY AR FCG, New Bambu
3D2A is firing on all cylinders and advancing on all fronts!
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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!
Front Towards Enemy - DIY Claymore Releases
3D2A, at its best, is about sharing information. Part of that means providing a good release package for a specific build, but some of the truly great releases - the AR-15 Reference Model, the BLC Reference Project - provide a wealth of information that goes well beyond just “here’s a new printed gun.”
The DIY M18A1 Claymore from developer Remnants is a release in the vein I’m describing. To be clear - this is a DIY Claymore mine. Excellent documentation is provided to build every component - the mine itself, the M57 firing device (the “clacker”), an M81 mechanical igniter, and even an M40 circuit test unit. The only guidance not provided is how to create the C4 explosive (and wouldn’t you know it, this newsletter contains a separate resource even for that) and the blasting cap.
But this is more than just a DIY mine. What Remnants has created may be the most complete reference guide to the Claymore mine, its construction and its use, ever compiled. The documentation is 67 pages long!
This is an excellent release and I’m very happy it’s seen the light of day. Fantastic work!
New 15mm Launcher - Baby 203
We’re a few months out from Independence Day, which means you need to start building your launchers and ammo now. With that in mind, gunder_mifflin’s new release, the Baby203, arrives just in time!
The Baby203 is a remix of the PEN15 launcher that switches from a screw-in barrel to a sliding one evocative of the famous M203. That’s damn cool aesthetic!
Gunder has chosen to release this design in an interesting way - the “reference model” can be found on Odysee, and this contains the STEP, the documentation, the README - everything except the STLs. Those STLs can instead be found on Makerworld - or you can just export them from the STEP.
This design is the first iteration of the Baby203, but is presumably not the last! On his Makerworld, Gunder shares a gif showing a breechloading version being loaded with a self-contained cartridge version of a 15mm shell, a feature not included in this initial release, which only supports muzzleloading barrels.
Hopefully the cartridge version - and the cartridges to support it - will be released soon! In the meantime, you’d better start prepping for your 4th of July fireworks show!
Hybrid Shells and Metal Barrels for 15mm Rounds
Speaking of 15mm rounds, here is a release that expands the functionality of these shells considerably! From developer GrixxlyPrints comes a pack of 15mm Mini Shells and Barrels. What’s inside?
The main purpose of the pack is the introduction of a traditional cased ammunition for 15mm, just like what we’ve had for 37mm and 26.5mm since forever. These new 15mm rounds have a case in which a 209 primer is mounted, and a pusher / nosecone to serve as the actual projectile. There are both fully printed shells and a hybrid version using an aluminum tube!
Speaking of tubes, this release also includes barrels for the most popular 15mm launchers (PEN15, Baby Nameless, Projectile Dysfunction) to support these cased shells.
Also included is a metal barrel for the Projectile Dysfunction! Is this necessary, given that we’re not using lift charges for these 15mm shells anyways? Maybe not, but since when was any of this about necessity?
These are more great candidates for your 4th of July extravaganza, so get on it!
Beecher Tactical Releases Printable Kit
Here is another example of a theme I often return to: the most interesting releases in guncad often aren’t guns at all. From a practical point of view, accessories and kit are often where DIY makes the most sense!
Beecher Tactical appears to have been founded with this in mind. Their Printables store lists three products available so far - a pistol mag pouch, a rifle mag pouch and a trauma kit pouch. Of course what caught my attention is an upcoming design, a printable plate carrier, pictured above!
Beecher’s business model appears to be selling prints (along with files to print more) on his webstore, while making the files alone available for sale on Printables. I wonder if, over time, he might consider open sourcing some of these designs, as new ones come out?
He’s also got a Patreon, which appears to grant full access to all models. If you like this kind of thing, consider signing up!
Nearly-Complete Ragnar Benson Collection
You young whippersnappers grew up in a world where DIY gun instructions are a few clicks away. Back in the 90s it wasn’t so easy! You had to buy them, physical books, either in person from scruffy Vietnam vets at your local gun show, or through a mail order form in the back of Soldier of Fortune. How things have changed!
One of primary authors of these old school DIY guides was Ragnar Benson, a pseudonymous survivalist who wrote nearly 40 works on subjects from homemade C4 to fake IDs to wilderness medicine, and everything in between. @PiZLe has gathered 35 of these books, plus some media, into one convenient package.
Are Ragnar’s works still relevant today? Were they any good back then? Who knows, man - all I can say is they’ve stuck around when many other goofy works in the same vein have disappeared into the trash heap. Glance over them and see what catches your fancy - you might learn something.
Community Corner:
In this section, we’ll focus especially on a particular community-oriented subject. We’ll interview developers, review parts kits and help promote things I believe are deserving of your attention!
Open Pew Project Dives Deep into Sound Levels
How well do printed suppressors actually work? I don’t mean, how well do they hold up - we know they do - but how much do they actually suppress noise? How good are they compared to commercial suppressors?
Our boy OpenPew has finally done the hard work of diving into this subject scientifically, and has produced a fantastically written article detailing his process, using the FTN5.1 as a testbed. You should go read it!
What’s the conclusion? By the numbers, the FTN5.1 performs similarly to mid-tier cans that are 20 times more expensive - quite a conclusion! OpenPew notes that this does not mean that the FTN5.1 is “hearing safe”, and still recommends hearing protection when shooting them - but again, that’s true even of commercial cans.
It’s an impressive result, but also an impressive methodology that OpenPew intends to keep using for future tests. Want to support his testing? He’s taking donations to fund more work!
MetallicFOSS Explores Desktop CNC, Cuts Slide
Have you been following MetallicFOSS over at the Guncad Index Forum? If not, you should be - he’s been doing some very impressive work with desktop metal CNC!
The basic problem of at-home CNC is the same problem we had with desktop printing before the advent of the Ender, which is finding a machine that is affordable, reliable and accessible.
The Ender (and later the Bambu) solved this problem for printers; MetallicFOSS believes he may have found a similar solution for CNC with the Anolex 3030. On both the GCI Forum and his Youtube channel he’s been demonstrating this mill by cutting an LCP slide out of 17-4 stainless steel!
MetallicFOSS’ goal isn’t just to prove it can be done - it’s to develop awareness, education and resources so that others can do it as well. He’s been working consistently towards this, so I think his work is definitely worth a follow! I’ll be keeping an eye on this one.
Updates:
In this section we will mention updates to major releases - fixes, new variants, etc.
Crank Up the Noise - Nopel Developing M1337 Planetary Gear
When most people see an M1337, their first thought is: that’s fucking awesome. Their second thought is inevitably: how do I make it shoot EVEN FASTER? (Either that, or something to with drills.)
Nopel, developer of the M1337 and one of the best guys in guncad, provides! He’s developing a new kind of planetary gear crank that increase rate of fire by 2x to 2.5x, by his calculation. Here’s a video showing more details, and firing tests - look at that thing brrrt!
This isn’t actually released yet, but once it is it will theoretically be a drop-in replacement on an existing build, although Nopel suggests some parts may require reinforcement to handle the awesome power this upgrade will provide.
Obviously this will be featured in the newsletter once released, so keep an eye out!
New Betas:
In this section we round up recently opened betas. Help support development by joining these betas and testing!
MP5 Mag DB Alloy Enters Beta
Our man DBFirearms moves so damn fast. We announced the DB Alloy MP, a DB Alloy that could take MP5 mags, back in Issue 20; just a few weeks later, it’s already in beta!
As noted in our initial announcement, you’ll need to modify your Mac upper to accommodate the wider double-stack MP5 mag, but otherwise this should be just like building a normal Alloy!
There’s a dedicated Matrix space for the beta, so check that out if you want to participate.
Careless Whisper - Integrally Suppressed Levergun Enters Beta
AvieAtrix, developer of a certain DIY levergun that we all know and love, is working on an integrally suppressed version called the Careless Whisper! Avie has shared a video showing the design shooting.
We announced the Whisper back in Issue 19, and are now happy to announce that the design is open for beta testing. This will require a stamp, but they’re $0, so you have no excuse!
DM AvieAtrix at the Gatalog Rocketchat if you want to join the party!
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!
Maelstrom - Delayed Blowback Mac-11 Upper from Riptide Rails
The Mac platform is the gift that keeps on giving! Riptide Rails, one of the premiere manufacturers of metal 3D2A parts, has announced a new Mac-11 upper called the Maelstrom, which will feature a bearing delay system!
As detailed in the tweet comments, the upper will be available in both 5.5” and 8” barrel configurations, and in both 9mm and 5.7x28mm calibers (with 9mm to release first.) While not explicitly stated, I assume that the upper will be compatible with all standard Mac builds, including the DB Alloy, Mac n Cheese, PWC-9 and more!
Notably, the bearing delay feature is handled entirely by the upper, with no modification required for the bolt - meaning you can use your existing bolt in the new upper!
Pricing will be $400 for the 5.5” version, $500 for the 8” version. It’s expected to drop in May, so jump on the waitlist and get notified when it releases!
100% Printed AR FCG by Proof1447
For all that we DIY, one gun part that continues to pop up everywhere is an AR FCG - and no wonder, it’s fantastically versatile and reliable. But it’s still a gun part!
Every so often someone takes a stab at DIYing one, but none have really caught on as a true replacement yet. Developer Proof1447, of the P.R.O.O.F. airgun and Defiance Lower fame, is now attempting his own take on it!
Unlike previous attempts, this one is uses a drop-in format, and apparently uses only a single extension spring. The video shows it working dry, so the next question will be how it performs in a real build!
This design has tremendous potential and I’m deeply excited for it. Stand by for more!
SSCZAR SBR Remix by MostlyPeacefulMachineShop Coming Soon!
The SSCZAR is, as the name implies, a super safe remix of the CZAR. Developer MostlyPeacefulMachineShop is now teasing an SBR remix of the SSCZAR - which appears to mean in practice modifying the printed tower to accept the surplus wire stock, and reinforcing it with a metal plate!
MPMS notes that it’s been resized to allow the stock to rotate up and over the upper for storage, just like the real thing, which could not be cooler. Once it releases, I’ll print one - or perhaps two?
DIY Kriss Vector Achieves First Shots
This issue’s “Coming Soon” section is incredible, and we’ve saved what may be the best for last. The DIY Kriss Vector, last mentioned in Issue 19, has achieved its first shot!
Unfortunately it didn’t cycle, but developer EfficientRabbit7377 notes that this is just a matter of adjusting slider weight and geometry.
As a reminder, this is meant to require zero Kriss parts. The image above appears to show a commercial AR9 barrel and Glock mag, both of which are commonly available - if these are the only commercial parts required, then this will be a very accessible design!
All other parts are intended to be printed or SCS’d. The current bolt design is milled, but is intended to be replaced with an SCS version before launch.
Keep an eye out for this guy to enter beta! I’ll be one of the first testers in there.
News:
In this section we’ll review major news events either originating in the 3D2A space, or particularly pertinent to this space.
Bambu X2D - Dual Nozzle Heated Chamber for $649 $629!
Let’s start off with some good news! Bambu appears to have just released their next flagship product, the Bambu X2D, at a starting price of just $649! This is being advertised as the successor to the Bambu X1C, which for many years was the best consumer printer available. How does the X2D compare?
This new printer offers several very exciting upgrades:
Let’s hit the most exciting up front: it features a dual nozzle system, allowing you easily perform dual-filament prints without constant flushing / reloading. Use cases include multi-color prints, but also multimaterial prints, such as printing the main part with one filament while printing the supports in another.
I’ve never seen a dual nozzle system anywhere close this price point before. That alone makes it exciting, but there’s more!The X2D features a heated chamber, critical to achieving reliable nylon prints without warping. Its build plate can also heat to 120 degrees, higher than their previous midline printers. This is clearly a printer intended for nylon work.
Bambu advertises several other hardware changes, including a servo extruder for smoother feeding into the main nozzle, dual intake cooling to better help maintain chamber temperature, and several other calibration and print monitoring improvements for better part quality.
With this feature list it’s hard to believe the X2D is only $649. Or is it $629? Because we love you so much, you can purchase the printer from 3D2A.com for a slight discount. :)
Go get printing!
Details and Updates on Ze Carioca Arrest
We announced the arrest of Ze Carioca, developer of the Urutau, in Issue 21, about a month back. At the time the news was fresh and information was scarce, but since then a whole host of details have emerged.
Carioca’s lawyer, @victorcmarsico, has posted updates on Twitter about the situation. His update is worth a read for those looking to familiarize themselves with the case. For those too lazy to read, a summary:
The three major charges are “illegal firearms trade”, “money laundering” and “participation in a criminal organization”
The only identified “illegal arms trade” identified by prosecution so far is the sale of “firearm accessories”, apparently primarily 30 round Glock magazines.
In other words, despite the videos released when the arrests were reported showing several firearms, including Urutaus and other Carioca designs, the allegations do not claim that Carioca sold any firearms.Marsico argues that the magazines were legal to possess and sell, and further argues that the other charges are frivolous elaborations on innocuous behavior
Many of the claims by Marsico paint a nefarious picture of the prosecution - the most notable being the claim that a doctored photo was provided by the prosecution team.
It is heartening to feel that Carioca, a well-respected member of the community, is not guilty of the crimes he is accused of. Yet this should perhaps make us feel even worse, as it confirms an innocent man is being railroaded by a corrupt, antigun regime.
Marsico has shared donation information for those who would like to support Carioca’s family. If you can, consider donating, and follow @victorcmarsico for further updates.
California Sets Hearing for Preliminary Injunction in Gatalog Case
California is advancing its lawsuit against The Gatalog, scheduling a hearing for a preliminary injunction against the defendants.
If the PI is granted, Gatalog would be required to cease “distributi[on], or causing to be distributed” all “digital firearms manufacturing code”, as well as “aiding, abetting, promoting, or facilitating the unlawful manufacture of firearms.”
Gatalog naturally opposed the scheduling of the PI hearing, arguing that the court lacks personal jurisdiction over the defendants, and that in any case the State’s delay in moving for a PI and lack of evidence that the defendants’ action caused or is causing irreparable harm defeat the PI.
These arguments were unsuccessful - the PI hearing was set for July 28th, later continued to August 14th to present time for further briefing.
It is hard to offer commentary on the likelihood of success or failure at this hearing. Our previous news item discusses a corrupt, third-world state acting extralegally in pursuit of a political agenda - one cannot help but notice that California’s actions here can be described in exactly the same way.
Maker’s Match One Month Away
The Sixth Annual Gun Maker’s Match is almost exactly one month away! This match, hosted by Guns for Everyone, is now the main yearly meetup for the guncad community.
It’s also your chance to show off how the builds you work so hard on all year perform! Surely you aren’t just building the guns and then stashing them in a safe, right maker?
Tickets are $75 for the first division and $50 for each additional division, plus $25 more if you want to run the 22LR side match. Divisions include Pistol, PCC and Rifle.
Never attended a shooting match before? This is a great way to get started! Go register now!
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.
I mentioned above how important reference models are. Thanks to gunder_mifflin, we now have an accurate CAD model of an AR9 bolt!
Good guy MiddletonMade has released a rail mounted compensator / suppressor for the ever-popular TX-22, called the Lunchable. Neat!
Developer ForBel brings us the DMS-16, a direct-mount suppressor for 16mm pipes. Do you know of any designs that use 16mm pipes?
Somehow DBFirearms found time between his various Alloy projects to release a frame for the Beretta PX4DB Storm!
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!
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