Liberator build? Why not.

[WestKentucky]

I want a liberator. Yes I am weird. What's even weirder is that I want to build the stinking thing...and not in Uncle Sam's holy 45acp. Probably 38spl or 32acp...leaning toward 32 by picking up a random numrich/eBay barrel and fitting it to my needs. Has anybody ever seen a kit to build one? It's simple enough I wouldn't mind just going at it with mild steel for everything except the barrel and ending up with a liberator inspired build, but would prefer everything except the chambering be somewhat correct.

Everything I have ever seen about the liberator says it is painful to shoot, thus the change in caliber to something smaller. I prefer centerfire, but I'm not completely opposed to rim fire.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

If you've ever fired a .38 SPL derringer, you'll know they are painful as well.
Could do .32, I suppose.
If I was you, I would do a .22 first as a "proof of concept" and then apply your design/lessons to an upscaled center-fire later if so desired.
Keep us posted and good luck!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Check out the Heizer Defense Pocket AR and AKs as well- kinda the same concept as a modern day liberator, but much prettier. The AK is said to recoil brutally, but the AR isn't bad. Power output in .223 is around 120 ft-lbs with that short barrel- similar to a .22lr from a rifle barrel.

 

[Browning]

https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Replica_Liberator_pistol/5-1001249/?

https://vintageordnance.com/products/fp-45-liberator-22-blank-starter-pistol

 

[Ramone]

Not such a weird idea to me. In fact, I'm kinda inspired by it.

I agree that for a fun project, .45ACP might be a bit much. I'm thinking .380ACP. I might look at Sarco's website a little later for a barrel to start off with...

 

[WestKentucky]

I’m set on building inacaliber I reload for so I can make powder puff loads. 38spl or 38sw seems more likely as it will be easier to properly headspace.

 

[entropy]

Check out the Heizer Defense Pocket AR and AKs as well- kinda the same concept as a modern day liberator, but much prettier. The AK is said to recoil brutally, but the AR isn't bad. Power output in .223 is around 120 ft-lbs with that short barrel- similar to a .22lr from a rifle barrel.

And inversely, the recoil impulse is near the same due to the lack of weight!

 

[Jim Watson]

The Liberator was meant as a cheap pistol to be air dropped to Resistance groups in occupied Europe. Thing is, by the time they had run off a supply, the British were already providing le Resistance with Sten guns; not a whole lot more money for a lot more weapon.

It was made by the Guide Lamp division of GM. They were able to make them cheaply because they had the automotive industry's sheet metal stamping and spot welding capabilities in place. This will be hard to duplicate or simulate at home. Good luck.

 

[Wisco]

If nothing else, it'll be cheaper than the $600+ repros out there now...

I'd go 22 as stated earlier and then 32.

 

[GBExpat]

WestKentucky, if you build one I would suggest that you only shoot it with your non-dominant hand.

 

[milemaker13]

Sounds like a fun project. I've always liked the Liberator (never actually seen or handled one).

 

[milemaker13]

When I was a kid I remember making drawings for little guns (zippo lighter for example). I even made a few 'parts' in shop class and the garage. Never dumb enuff to test fire anything, lol.
Later, I thought it would be fun to build a shotgun, and then even thought I may be able to produce a rifled barrel. In theory anyway

But it would be a fun project...

 

[entropy]

I made a .22 LR Smoothbore "Cannon" in shop in high school, complete with carriage. Demonstrated it with a blank, the teacher took it, never saw it again. I did get an 'A', though, and a 'talk' on choosing a different path for later projects...

 

[milemaker13]

I made a .22 LR Smoothbore "Cannon" in shop in high school, complete with carriage. Demonstrated it with a blank, the teacher took it, never saw it again. I did get an 'A', though, and a 'talk' on choosing a different path for later projects...

What year was that? I had a few issues like this in school, I graduated in '98. I can't imagine what its like in school these days. As a side note, we just dropped our toddler of for his first day of "school"(itsday Care, but we keep calling it school). It was very hard, especially for my wife. She cried a little

 

[entropy]

'81. My youngest is 19, his older brother is 24, and I was almost 30 when he was born. I'm old.