Custom Airsoft Machining and Parts

[Flatlander]

I know of a machinist who is interested in doing custom machining for airsoft purposes (and probably anything else really). This would just be part time work for him (he is a full time machinist) but he is seriously considering starting up his own company with a friend of his and doing custom work full time if he gets sufficient business.

He has just finished making me a custom "Barrel Tube" for my MP5K which threads directly onto the gun. I've already got several more custom projects I plan to have him machine parts for me.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...ndsilencer.jpg

It is made from a solid piece of ABS (note: I have not yet painted it yet, hence the grey color) but will machine virtually any material requested/possible.

His rates are very reasonable. Example, my "Barrel Tube" cost me less than purchasing a production one and I was able to get the exact length and diameter I wanted with NO thread adaptors necessary.

His name is Andrew and his email is andrew.campbell@ualberta.ca. You can contact him directly and send him drawings to get quotes and ask questions.

Please note: Engineering drawings and standards are not necessary. However neatly drawn drawings with dimensions and all relavent info is needed. Example: He must not have to "guess" anything; tolerences are NOT needed on the drawings (unless precision is crucial), and specifics such as thread type (ie. NC), thread pitch and direction ARE required on your drawings so a little research may be needed.

You may also shoot me a PM with any questions you may have however I will NOT do any quoting for parts.

I have a bit of machine shop experience and have Engineering drawing training (I'm a Mechanical Engineering Student) so I have a good idea of what Andrew needs in his drawings.

Cheers,

Mark

[Greylocks]

I hope to god he checked the laws surrounding replica firearms and manufacturing. Specially prohibited devices like sliencers.

[Jimski]

Originally Posted by Greylocks

I hope to god he checked the laws surrounding replica firearms and manufacturing. Specially prohibited devices like sliencers.

Oh come on !

[Greylocks]

Yes, come on. That can bite big time. Check on it for a bit.

[Flatlander]

Edited original post...for now.

[Greylocks]

The advice still stands. It's not impossible to do, but there are permits he really should get or be sure that he has if he's going to do this.
Even if it's part time, he still winds up manufacturing parts for replica guns and selling them.

If he only makes one or two bits and pieces, then it probably wont matter.

If the item is considered Prohibited, then he could be in deep shit unless he has the right paperwork. I notice you changed the wording of your post, but you just placed this guy into a public forum that anyone can read, and the picture still is titled 'silencer'... is that fine with him?

[Dracheous]

Grey, please never order an upgrade or accessory for your guns, as you would be committing a crime by paying someone to have made you a part.


The above is a description of making individual pieces for guns. Making a RAS/RIS unit is not illegal, making a mock silencer is not illegal ((unless it can affect a REAL gun)). Only if he starts making products that would fit and operate real steel to enhance its firing capacity/power/ or decrease its sound volume would it be illegal.

Also, no where above does he state that he is interested in machining an entire gun. If all he machines are accessories and parts for an already existing gun, then he's committing no crime as he is not producing anything that is not existing already.

[Greylocks]

It's not illegal if he has the permits to do them.
If the item is a copy of a prohibited device, it's a risk. If the person has the right permits, all is fine.

We're not talking about ordering premade parts from existing companies here, Drach. Anyway, I said my piece. What you guys do is entirely your choice.

[Flatlander]

Originally Posted by Dracheous

Grey, please never order an upgrade or accessory for your guns, as you would be committing a crime by paying someone to have made you a part.


The above is a description of making individual pieces for guns. Making a RAS/RIS unit is not illegal, making a mock silencer is not illegal ((unless it can affect a REAL gun)). Only if he starts making products that would fit and operate real steel to enhance its firing capacity/power/ or decrease its sound volume would it be illegal.

Also, no where above does he state that he is interested in machining an entire gun. If all he machines are accessories and parts for an already existing gun, then he's committing no crime as he is not producing anything that is not existing already.

Are you stating this from first hand knowledge/experience? References or link would be much appreciated (anyone)!

I don't want this thread to turn into a big pissing match so if you have an opinion please back up your claim, it will be much appreciated!

[SINN]

[Dracheous]

Originally Posted by Flatlander

Are you stating this from first hand knowledge/experience? References or link would be much appreciated (anyone)!

I don't want this thread to turn into a big pissing match so if you have an opinion please back up your claim, it will be much appreciated!

Contact any supplier on the drop links above. You can order all said parts and more from them, ie. the parts are not illegal.

The "prohibited" device here in question is the airsoft device itself. And since you're not planning to build an airsoft device itself, and only really accessories that are legal to get. . .

Hey, I know a guy who's machining a lower receiver for an AR-180b out of aluminum. Can your guy do that? I'd pay big bones for one...

[Flatlander]

Originally Posted by MadMorbius

Hey, I know a guy who's machining a lower receiver for an AR-180b out of aluminum. Can your guy do that? I'd pay big bones for one...

Its definately possible. Is the guy you know using a CNC mill though? I don't think Andrew will have access to a CNC but if you can find dimensions or a lower receiver for him to duplicate I think the only obsticle would be money (but you'd have to ask him!). Also, providing it would be LEGAL to do so of course!

He's using a CNC and has coded the machine apparently. But he won't go production

[Ibby]

Originally Posted by Flatlander

Are you stating this from first hand knowledge/experience? References or link would be much appreciated (anyone)!

No he isn't, him and Grey are just having a drawn out lover's spat.

You should check out the CFC website, the legalities of what can and can't be fabricated are there somewhere. It won't take much of a search, I don't have the links offhand but I found it pretty easily when I was surfing their site one day.
Just because the items are available for purchase from a vendor doesn't make it legal for them to be produced like Drac thinks. Same goes for pyro, which is why I won't make my own. There's plenty of off the shelf stuff available, you just have to look for it. Also, just because I have access to a 5 axis CNC milling machine doesn't mean I can fabricate my own brake calipers for my car. Sure I can do it, but they're not legal as they wouldn't have any DOT certification. It's the same sort of idea here.
I'm not trying to be a party pooper here, I'm just saying be careful and be aware of what you get yourself into.