There are a lot of talented designers here, and I think it would be possible for us to put together a design for an open source rifle.
First, here is the intent of the idea:
*To design a line of firearms in such a way as to make them very easy to build for the homebuilder from scratch. Not merely assembling from parts but rather to actually make the parts as well.
*This design should be scalable and adaptable in design. Not so much for swappability but for the sake of simplicity. If the best and cheapest upper is a tube style action, then lets start there. The more complex designs and adaptations can follow later on. If the best is a stamped or folded upper then we should start there.
*The plans should provide for the above mentioned adaptability: So that the desired caliber and action can be chosen and constructed.
*To provide the plans of the original as well as any and all add-on designs for free online.
The scope of the idea.
*To start with a rifle platform that is as simple and easy to construct from scratch as possible while being safe, reliable and durable.
*The design should avoid as much as possible requiring any machine work.
*The design should include all necessary parts in the plans for home construction. And not rely on manufactured parts for anything if possible. (the barrel will need to be machined obviously so that part could be a common off the shelf item.)
*To include, where necessary or helpful, plans for making jigs, tools or even simple machines in order to build the firearm.
*To allow, by being "open sourced" that the original design can be ever improved and added to. New designs for the upper, lower, action, magazine well, magazines and all other aspects of the firearm to be added and included. Allowing for an ever expanding collection of plans made available to homebuilders for free.
*The gun should be able to be assembled and disassembled without tools
*Be fully Ambidextrous
The objective.
*to give, freely, the experience and knowledge of a few, to many. To empower people who choose the challenge and responsibility of building a firearm from scratch to have access to a good design that can be built in the caliber and functioning action of their preference. With designs & plans to allow for the use of either newly made parts or commonly available parts.
The plan to get started.
*To design and construct a prototype using the simplest methods possible.
*Choose a design for the upper; including bolt, action and trunnion.
*Choose a design for the lower/FCG.
*Choose a design for the magazine well.
*Choose a caliber for the prototype.
*choose a design for the magazine.
**Design the above elements.
***Build the above elements.
***Assemble the rifle.
My proposal.
*use either a tube type upper or a bent sheet metal upper.
*make it roller locked or roller delayed blow-back.
*use as much off the shelf as possible. Standard sizes of steel bar, angle, tubing and such should not be hard to find and should require as little machining as possible.
*design for the worst case scenario. Assume that the builder only has files, drill press and a dremel tool.
*design a simple and safe FCG that has the trigger at the back of the housing.
*chamber for 5.56x45mm and use an off the shelf barrel to keep things simple.
*build a simple single stack magazine that holds at least 20 cartridges and is removable.
I am not much of a designer or draftsman, so call me a faggot or a fed if/when I am unable to help much with this project.
