Tag: NDS-18S

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Very Early Costa Mesa AR-18

Friend of the site Andrew Huber had the opportunity to look over more than a few weapons at the West Point museum and one of them is a very early example of the AR-18. Serial number 057.

Lets look over a few of his pictures and compare those to later production examples.

The most notable feature from this angle is actually what it is missing, the reinforcement around the front of the mag-well. While not as strong I think it has a sleeker look to it. Next would be the roll marks. They certainly made a few changes when they went into production. Unlike the first prototype that is shown in early literature this example uses the traditional folding stock retention stud. Like the first prototype this one does not have a dovetail scope mount on the upper receiver.

It also features an inspection mark on the upper that I have never seen before.

Do you see any other interesting details that I missed?

Make sure you respond, share and subscribe. I’ll dig into the other side of the receiver in the next article so stay tuned. Awesome stuff and I can’t thank Andrew enough for doing the hard work gathering these pictures?

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SAR West Show Next Saturday

Hope to see anyone who is attending the SAR West Show next Saturday in Phoenix.

I’ll be the guy walking around with my AR180S Pistol with a folding Tailhook brace and my Pistol grip!

Stop and say “Hi!” of you see me.

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AR180S Pistol Grips Ready To Ship

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.

 

 

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A Day in the Shop

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.

 

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What 3D Printer Do I Use?

I’ve had several people email me asking what 3D printer I am using.

The Monoprice Select Plus has served me very well over the last few months. I have done very little to modify it other than to add a different type of spool holder. I am providing an Amazon link below if any one is interested in picking one up themselves.

Monoprice Select Plus

I have the final version of the AR180S pistol grips design ready to go and hope to get a few printed off this weekend. Each one takes about 15 hours to print so it will be awhile before I have them ready to sell. My plan is to get a small batch together then put up a for sale post. I don’t want to take money ahead of time or put together a waiting list. I think this will work out best for all parties involved.

Make sure you are subscribed so you get notified when they go up for sale.