Aluminum Blasters

[DarkHelmet]

I have a friend who runs a machine shop and I asked him how hard it would be to make a Sterling blaster from metal at his shop.

He said it would be a piece of cake.....

anyway, he knows what the Sterling is and said he would probably make it out of lightweight aluminum.

Just putting the feelers out here.

Would this be something you guys and gals would be interested in?

 

[Prefect42]

Very interested. With the usual "pending price" attached, of course.

Will he be able to have a working trigger? Sliding bolt? Working stock? Any or all three?

This is really exciting news. Looking forward to updates.

Ted.
Prefect42.

 

[DarkHelmet]

I have no idea what the price would be right now.

My friend is an avid gun enthusiast and says he can get ahold of a real sterling for measurements.

I'll try to find out more as soon as I can.

Off hand, I don't know if it will have a sliding bolt. Being metal, even if it is aluminum, I don't want to attract the ATF.

Just looking for feedback right now.

 

[exoray]

Word of caution making the tube even out of aluminum would be considered manufacturing a machine gun... Steps need to be taken to make sure that the tube he makes can't be easily converted to functional, this almost always means making part of it solid...

 

[Darth Clouds]

I would be very interested.:thumbsup Just a thought, how about machining it from brass?:love

 

[nightrider]

Word of caution making the tube even out of aluminum would be considered manufacturing a machine gun... Steps need to be taken to make sure that the tube he makes can't be easily converted to functional, this almost always means making part of it solid...

You sure that would be considered manufacturing a machine gun? Seems like it would more accurately fall under hand grenade.:lol Just kidding, but we sure have some crazy laws if that's true, and I don't doubt that it is.

The project does sound very interesting, keep us updated.:thumbsup

 

[exoray]

You sure that would be considered manufacturing a machine gun? Seems like it would more accurately fall under hand grenade.:lol Just kidding, but we sure have some crazy laws if that's true, and I don't doubt that it is.

The tube is the Sterling's receiver, the receiver is the gun in the US every other part of the gun is simply a part... So yes it's true... If you can take the tube and readily convert it to function with real gun parts then it's a gun in itself... The line between a "muffler pipe" and sterling receiver is thin, but very real...

Because of the Sterlings primitive (but very reliable and effective) open bolt design I would have no hesitation in firing one built from an aluminum tube... It might not last for 1000s upon 1000s of rounds but it will easily serve the purpose of creating a functional and relatively safe short term firearm...

 

[DarkHelmet]

I understand the gun laws, as does he. He actually has a friend in the ATF and is going to check with him.

I just talked to him and he said there wouldn't be any moving parts in it, except maybe the trigger. He would like to manufacture like a toy gun, except in aluminum....so saying that, would there be any reason for people to want one??

 

[TridCloudwalker]

How would he feel about offering pieces of one? I'm already just about finished making my own tube and barrel assembly from steel, and I have the resin grip and endcap. What I'm going to have a problem with is the magazine and magazine assembly. I'd be interested in procuring those parts if he's willing (price dependant, of course).

 

[glim999]

I'm in a wait and see position right now but if the price was right...

 

[adamata]

Yeah, it sounds cool.

 

[KnightAsylum]

That sound great. Likely out of my price range but you never know. :rolleyes
I saw someone selling a Biker Scout pistol that was all metal on eBay this week for a good price, if he sells more after my payday I plan to get one of those as well, I would love to have more all metal weapons.:thumbsup

 

[DarkHelmet]

How would he feel about offering pieces of one? I'm already just about finished making my own tube and barrel assembly from steel, and I have the resin grip and endcap. What I'm going to have a problem with is the magazine and magazine assembly. I'd be interested in procuring those parts if he's willing (price dependant, of course).

Hmm, I don't know. I have a feeling he doesn't want to make it a multi-part item, but I'll check with him.

I'll try and see what kind of price he is looking at ASAP. I'll also see if we can do a kit, and a completed version.

 

[scarf man]

How bout a MGC Sterling?

 

[Prefect42]

DarkHelmet,

Thanks for the information.

When I asked about moving parts, I had no idea how close to the line I was getting. I'm not interested in getting myself or anyone else into trouble.

Having said that, i guess I was mainly interested in a moving trigger and retractable stock. Something to replace my Master Replicas.

Sorry to say but if he's going to be offering a completely static piece, I'm going to pass on this run.

Hope this doesn't cause any ruffles in this run.

Ted.
Prefect42.

 

[DarkHelmet]

No problem Ted.


I've been trying to get in touch with him, but he's been out of town and also working 16 hour days.

It's just wait and see now.