barnbwt
member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2011
- Messages
- 7,340
So I'm working on a design for a rifle intended for the purpose of introducing new shooters to semi-auto center-fire. I have a number of features devised to make things easier and more intuitive for them, which I'll list below in case you'd like to suggest/add things. (Please refrain from turning it into an AR ) I've figured out how I'd like to do nearly all of these, with the exception of a grip safety that also automatically switches the ejection direction for left or right handed shooters.
My current design, The Skorparev, has either two ejectors or two extractor claws (haven't decided which should be switchable to best direct the ejection path) of which one will be deactivated depending upon which side the ambi- grip safety is depressed. The only trouble is it's hard to decide the best place to put such a device so that it is reliably engaged, on one side only, and isn't obnoxious. Presently, my thinking is to put a lever/button under very low return spring tension either;
-Just behind the trigger lever on each side, where the base of the shooter's finger would depress it to wrap around the trigger
-Or even further back where the shooter's index knuckle would press against the stock when they grip it
-As a thumb rest on either side of receiver tail
They each have pros and cons, of course, which is why I seek ya'lls' opinions. The first solution makes the trigger feel weirder, sort of like a Glock lever but on a rifle. The second is much more exposed to inadvertent activation if the manual safety is left disengaged, and may be sensitive to different hand shapes. The third is thumb activated, so more likely to be missed by shooters with a different grip or hand shape, but can probably require more force for activation without being annoying. The compact, light rifle would also be great for carry, so making it sling-safe (with manual safety) is a priority, and scabbard-safe with the manual safety off (but grip safety deactivated until needed) preferable.
I've got material on hand for the receiver and will be cutting metal very soon, so I need to get this last detail sorted out!
-All controls and functions completely/automatically ambidextrous
-Good quality two stage trigger
-M1 carbine adjustable iron sights
-Manual and grip safety (manual safety locks grip safety)
-Manual safety protrudes into thumb palm of strong hand when engaged
-Grip safety deactivated by strong hand
-Left/right ejection switchable based on shooter's grip (left or right)
-Non-reciprocating charging handle built into foregrip
-Large mag release thumb-paddles on both sides, set flush with sides
-Last round bolt hold open, manual cock bolt hold open (see next)
-Forearm automatically releases a locked-back bolt when re-gripped
-Fast, low recoiling cartridge for unintimidating, flat shooting practice (7.62x25 for now)
-Small, lightweight construction/profile suitable for young/grown shooters of all sizes
-Uses PPSH mags/drums of all capacities
-Straight, wooden stock to alleviate any 'military' aversion by anti's/new shooters* (until I pop the drum on after a few 10rnd stick mags )
-Convertible to a pistol format** (by virtue of the receiver being constructed a 'firearm' per current ATF regs )
-Externally-visible Degtyarov-inspired gas operated locking system
TCB
*This is to try to disabuse new, ignorant shooters of 'Assault Weapon' sensitivities
**This is to try to inform new shooters of the asinine nature of NFA/ATF classifications rules
My current design, The Skorparev, has either two ejectors or two extractor claws (haven't decided which should be switchable to best direct the ejection path) of which one will be deactivated depending upon which side the ambi- grip safety is depressed. The only trouble is it's hard to decide the best place to put such a device so that it is reliably engaged, on one side only, and isn't obnoxious. Presently, my thinking is to put a lever/button under very low return spring tension either;
-Just behind the trigger lever on each side, where the base of the shooter's finger would depress it to wrap around the trigger
-Or even further back where the shooter's index knuckle would press against the stock when they grip it
-As a thumb rest on either side of receiver tail
They each have pros and cons, of course, which is why I seek ya'lls' opinions. The first solution makes the trigger feel weirder, sort of like a Glock lever but on a rifle. The second is much more exposed to inadvertent activation if the manual safety is left disengaged, and may be sensitive to different hand shapes. The third is thumb activated, so more likely to be missed by shooters with a different grip or hand shape, but can probably require more force for activation without being annoying. The compact, light rifle would also be great for carry, so making it sling-safe (with manual safety) is a priority, and scabbard-safe with the manual safety off (but grip safety deactivated until needed) preferable.
I've got material on hand for the receiver and will be cutting metal very soon, so I need to get this last detail sorted out!
-All controls and functions completely/automatically ambidextrous
-Good quality two stage trigger
-M1 carbine adjustable iron sights
-Manual and grip safety (manual safety locks grip safety)
-Manual safety protrudes into thumb palm of strong hand when engaged
-Grip safety deactivated by strong hand
-Left/right ejection switchable based on shooter's grip (left or right)
-Non-reciprocating charging handle built into foregrip
-Large mag release thumb-paddles on both sides, set flush with sides
-Last round bolt hold open, manual cock bolt hold open (see next)
-Forearm automatically releases a locked-back bolt when re-gripped
-Fast, low recoiling cartridge for unintimidating, flat shooting practice (7.62x25 for now)
-Small, lightweight construction/profile suitable for young/grown shooters of all sizes
-Uses PPSH mags/drums of all capacities
-Straight, wooden stock to alleviate any 'military' aversion by anti's/new shooters* (until I pop the drum on after a few 10rnd stick mags )
-Convertible to a pistol format** (by virtue of the receiver being constructed a 'firearm' per current ATF regs )
-Externally-visible Degtyarov-inspired gas operated locking system
TCB
*This is to try to disabuse new, ignorant shooters of 'Assault Weapon' sensitivities
**This is to try to inform new shooters of the asinine nature of NFA/ATF classifications rules