Thought experiment: just how cheaply can the AR be made? (AND STILL WORK)

AR/M4 AR Technical Discussion
1

Hey guys,

I have an awesome book about the last ditch weapons used by the Germans at the end of WWII. The methods they used to cut costs and simplify production were amazing. I was wondering, just what could be done to simplify the production of the M16/Ar15?

  1. Cast receivers? I am not sure it would simplify production as much as cut material costs.
  2. Cast barrels? This may be pushing it. Does anyone use cast barrels now, or have I missed the boat and most manufacturers are already doing this?
  3. Switch back to the original length M16 stock and maybe integrate the receiver extension into the stock? Maybe the stock could then be held onto a receiver plate with simple screws?
  4. Mold sling holes into the stock.
  5. Mold a sling hole into the handguards, and mold a few rails into the handguard much like the hated SIG 556 handguard (which I was alone in liking).
  6. Go Back to A1 sights. Since we are trying to be cheap Aimpoints are out anyway.
  7. Maybe integrate a simple elevation screw into the rear sight so the front sight post can be molded into the front sight?
  8. Delete the burst and auto feature.
  9. Delete the bayonet mount.
  10. Integrate the birdcage into the barrel?
2

Stamped lowers with rivets and reinforcing trunnions?

The edge of the magwell could be made extra long, and curled upwards to prevent cutting of hands.

Lowers are a pretty low stress part anyway.

3

Not bad. No magwell beveling. Stamped mag buttons?

How about simplifying the rear sight by sighting it in at 250 yards and staking it in place. Removing all the adjustments.

Delete the bolt assist.

Delete any contouring of the barrel. Simply mill it to govt profile.

Possibly move the cocking handle back to the original position on top of the bolt?

Any ideas for reducing the number of parts?

4

You will probably end up with something like an AR-18/AR-180 class weapon after all these sorts of things…

5

Good point e-guns.

6

A Calvalry Arms CAV-15 MKII Receiver would eliminate some parts.

If we’re talking last ditch ramp up production methods, use a charging handle like an AK and skip the chrome lined barrel/chamber, in addition to the simplifications you already mentioned.

7

The Cav Arms lower receiver is pretty cheap and already has the grip, receiver extension, and stock part of it.
Dustin

8

What’s the title of the book?

9

Desperate Measures - The Last-Ditch Weapons of the Nazi Volkssturm

http://www.collectorgrade.com/bookshelf7.html

10

Just about everything they print is excellent.

11

Thanks!

12

How about getting rid of the dust cover and adding a slot on the upper so that a recipricating charging handle/knob can move back and fourth, attached to the bolt carrier?

Also make the bolt carrier shaped more like an AK’s where it sticks out of the ejection port. Less stuff would get in that way since there isn’t a dust cover.

Edit: A forward assist wouldn’t be needed with these changes either.

13

Guys,
we just made the ar18-180.
E-guns was right.

Chris

14

made from plates and blocks looks pretty simple to make… If anyone would like a copy PM me with a email addy and i’ll send it to you… It’s a PDF file…

15

I remember seeing pics of a receiver similar to what you are describing quite a while ago online. Can’t find em now. Would be pretty cool to have a set of plans though, PM inbound.

As for making your own, check out the forums at the following link. Guys making their own guns, one of them even made an AR receiver out of wood, then plastic.:eek:

http://www.weaponeer.net/