Celebrating the Armalite AR-180
Just a couple quick pics. I lowered the pistol grip mount down and gave room for the web of your hand plus a few tweaks. More fake spot welds.
I think making it still be AR15 compatible would be the best way to go about it.
I ran into some problems with my earlier designs. Squaring off the rear of the receiver would leave no room for the web of your hand.
I had not realized this and was working on a Gen II version that had a 180B style rear end. This had the same problem as Gen I but also would not allow the BRN-180 to drop down into the receiver at the back.
I started fresh this morning and left the rear end alone and just modified the front to resemble the AR-180B/Nodak NDS-18S.
Astute observers may have noticed I also modified my pistol grip to fit on a standard AR-15 mounting point. I have had this request from some of my followers on Instagram.
By the way if you are on Instagram give me a follow. I post a lot of other stuff on there that you might like. Look up BigRix, the same as my Youtube channel.
I just couldn’t help myself but to design a lower for the Brownells BRN-180. Grabbed a file off the internet for an AR-15 and modified it to look like an AR180B.
I love Fusion 360, it allows me to bring my thoughts to life. Now I just need something like a Tormach and I could make it reality.
This would require no proprietary parts at all.
What do you think?
New YouTube video with a better look at the BRN-180
Well I have 3 ready to ship.
I have reworked the model and done modifications to my printer and I am happy with how they are printing now.
I have also decided to put them up for sale and will print and fill orders as they come in. That might take awhile to fill as they take quite some time to print. 18+ hours to be exact.
These can certainly be used as is but really need to be sanded, polished, possibly even painted.
Here is an early prototype that I sanded and rounded the edges then polished.
First 3 will ship right away, first come, first served. Just click on the link at the top of the page to take you to the Shopping Cart.
I am really looking forward to getting some pictures of how your pistol grips turn out!
As always use the “Contact Me” link to send me an email if you have any questions.
Spent a full day in the shop just playing with stuff and it was very relaxing.
Started off with a new purchase that arrived while I was out of town.
The KGB Stinger47 pistol strut. It is designed for AK pistols and allows the use of a TailHook pistol brace. For those that haven’t heard the ATF now allows you to add a pistol brace without turning it into an SBR. I kept seeing Josh at Stormwerkz posting pics of his on different guns, including an AR180B. I had to snag one. Click here for info.
I have one of my pistol lowers that has been modified with two holes drilled and tapped so I didn’t need an adapter for mine.
I then decided to try out the folding mechanism I have. I was thinking I would fold it to the left like an original 180 but it blocked the safety so to the right it is.
I could not use the 180B charging handle so I swapped out the bolt carrier for one that I had modified back in the day. Stuck a Sterling charging handle in and Bob’s your uncle.
It then struck me that I have always wanted to add an original 180 ambi safety on a 180B so I fanally said “No more thinking about it, just do it.”
Took a spare safety that I sell as part of the Lower Completion Kit and broke out the tig welder. Stuck a big blob on the end then started turning and milling and filing and cutting a grove for the snap ring.
I then took it back apart and ran it through my table top park tank. The welded on section did not get as dark as I would have liked. Maybe I need to try a different filler metal next time.
I’m really happy with how it turned out even though it took me a long time.
A day in the shop is cheaper than therapy.
I also hand fitted and bagged up the last of the Lower Completion kits. If you are thinking about getting one or need the parts for spares just hit up the link at the top of the page. I am off next week and can get them shipped out right away.
If you are on Instagram give me a follow (BigRix)
I often post pics of what I am up to when I don’t have time to do a full blown blog post.