New Project: SA80 L85

Those who took a close look at the pics in my last post may have identified them as original SA80 parts. Those have prompted me to try my hand at modifying an Airsoft version to work as a real gun.

I ordered a WE L85 gas blowback from Evike and it arrived in a couple days. By the way if you sign up for their email list you get a code for 25% off your first order. I also got a coupon in the box for 20% off another order.

Click Here

My plan is to start by taking it apart and seeing how the original parts as well as an AR180B bolt carrier assembly would fit.

Starting with the magwell I noticed this gun was different than the electric airsoft versions. The magwell was bigger. A standard AR15 mag fit. It’s actually a little loose. I may have to work the existing magwell a bit to tighten that up but I don’t see a the need to weld in a new one at this point.

Next I wanted to see how thick the steel was on the receiver.

Looks like the lower is thicker than the upper.

Lets start taking it apart and see how the parts compare. Plenty of room for the bolt carrier and fire control group.

Speaking of the fire control group, would you believe it drops right in like it was made for it!

Lets get an idea how the bolt carrier lines up with the lower.

Pulling the remaining guts out of the upper I can get an idea how everything might fit.

My plan is to make a trunion like the AR180B that just has a large hole in it and the AR15 barrel extension is pressed into it. I need to find pics of an original selector so I can wrap my head around how it changes from semi to auto. I can then figure out how to make it semi only. The auto sear has already been removed but there is something going on with the disconnector.

Let me know if you think this will work and if you have advice or pics or drawings please let me know.

 

 

New Gun Podcast & What Is It Sunday?

Traveling for work can be difficult at times so I like to listen to podcasts to pass the time while on airplanes and driving in cars. Some of my favorites are “We Like Shooting” and “Joe Rogan”

I recently discovered a new podcast that I thought you might like as well. Tactical Pay Radio.

https://www.tacticalpay.com/podcast/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tacticalpay-radio/id1337294084?mt=2

It’s brand new with only 3 episodes but I think it has a lot of potential and I subscribed right away.

In addition to the what might be considered “Normal” gun podcast content they feature stuff geared towards the business side of the industry. If you are looking to start a gun related business then I think it will be of special interest to you.

Give them a listen and subscribe. I know they would appreciate it.

That reminds me, I need to load up some content for my trip to southern Colorado in the morning.

Have a great week and I will leave you with a couple “What Is It Sunday?” pictures.

Let me know how you like the podcast and if you can identify what’s in the pictures. (If I got the stuff from you then you don’t get a guess) 🙂

What’s Happening at AR180S.com

Work has been keeping me busy and when I am home I like to relax and get out in the shop. I have been building several different weapons besides those related to the AR180 but I hope you are still interested.

Some time back I got a flat and weldments for my Cetme LC from HMG

I also got the bending jig and the build went pretty smooth considering I’m still using a cheap flux core wire feed welder from Harbor Freight.

Got it to the range a couple weeks back and it ran great. Time to give this ghost gun some paint.

The AR-180S is done after 3 years of gathering parts and building and rebuilding. Runs like a top.

I am currently in an UZI kick. I picked up a Micro kit and I am in the middle of building this as a pistol. I plan to make a folding brace using a Tailhook on the original hinge.

Still a work in progress and more welding and grinding before I’m happy enough to try and shoot it. The wire feed wasn’t working too well for the fill in so I broke out the gas torch with my smallest tip #0. I think I need a smaller one.

I really need to get a TIG but every time I get close enough to having the money together a great deal comes along on a gun or parts. The struggle is real.

Latest acquisition.

New in Wrapper Sterling 20 round mags. I think I have more than I need so I will be willing to share.

I also discovered Zib-Militaria.de

They are the place the AR-18 parts kits are being sourced from. 499 Euros Click Here

They also have some awesome parts for sale. Just click around and drool.

Now I need a friend in Europe who would ship them to the states. Anyone got a cousin over there? I would make it worth their while.

 

 

 

AR-18 Upper For Sale

Well there was what was described as an AR-18 parts kit for sale on gunbroker. When I first saw it the seller had an F rating. The description also mentioned that the parts were in Europe.

I still am confused about what part of the AR-18 actually is the “Machine Gun”. The parts kits that Numrich sold some years back were first sold with the uppers cut and the lowers intact, not unlike the current SAR-80 kits. The ATF changed their minds and had Numrich recall them to cut the lowers up.

I invite your comments and speculation about whether an AR-18 upper is legal to own or if it could be imported into the country?

I saved the sole picture from the auction so after it goes away this post will still have some value.

Buy it now price was $995 and the auction was ended early. Who knows what happened behind the scenes?