Issue #1: Welcome to the Guncad Digest!
New releases, betas, coming soon and an update on the Maker's Match.
Welcome to the Guncad Digest! This newsletter will regularly round up the best and most interesting 3D2A releases, betas and news. I’ve always wanted to see a newsletter like this, and since nobody else was doing it, in the great tradition of guncad I decided to do it myself.
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Without further ado, let’s get right into the meat of Issue #1.
New Releases:
In this section, we cover new file releases that we find notable. If something catches your interest, go download and start printing! When a new release has an accompanying parts kit for sale, we’ll link to it, but we intend to share interesting new releases here regardless of whether kits are available or not.
3DP90 Version 2:
One of the coolest DIY guns ever produced, the AWCY 3DP90 received an update at the beginning of May. This new Version 2 provides several improvements, most notably vastly improved documentation and several new variants. We made a cool video to celebrate the release.
I believe the 3DP90 should be built by every serious gun builder. It’s an incredibly cool gun, runs very well, and the build process is both edifying and relatively easy with the new documentation.
We have kits for the 3DP90 at 3D Print Freedom!
Marsupial MK-18 Bufferless AR-15:
The Marsupial MK-18 from CipherPrints2A is a new take on a DIY upper AR-15, similar to the Orca or ARK. Unlike these platforms, the Marsupial is bufferless, making it the first bufferless DIY AR upper that I’m aware of!
Much of the Marsupial’s structure / heat shielding comes from extensive uses of SCS plates, present (to varying degrees depending on the build) in the upper, trunnion and lower. The AR bolt is also attached to a “sled” made from a bent SCS plate, a novel technique that I hope to see explored in the future.
Cipher is selling parts kits for the Marsupial at his website, so go check it out!
Titus Arms TA61 (VZ61) Receiver:
Despite the popularity of the VZ-61 platform, there are surprisingly few printed receivers for it - previously only the CZAR and the ArmThyRightHand (recently updated!) designs were available. This changes now with TitusArms’ TA61 receiver.
This receiver is a remix of the ArmThyRightHand version for original VZ parts - i.e., not using an AR FCG like the CZAR. The TA61 receiver has been cleaned up and tweaked to require minimal postprocessing after printing. Reinforcement was also added in certain locations.
Titus is selling professional prints of these via his website. You can also purchase VZ-61 parts kits to go with it at 3D Print Freedom.
Glock Magazine Spring Winding Jig:
The “New Releases” section won’t just cover firearms - we’ll share interesting tools, accessories and jigs as well. This simple Glock magazine spring winding jig is certainly a good example of what we hope to share here!
/u/drcmda, the author of this winding jig describes it as a more accessible alternative to the Spring Factory. While the jig likely requires more hands-on bending and tweaking than the Factory, it’s certainly a great option looking to cheaply make their own springs.
Nylaug v1.1 Update:
We’ll conclude this issue’s New Releases section with another updated version of a very cool gun, the Nylaug v1.1.
This release adds fixes and tweaks to the models, reorganizes the somewhat chaotic folder structure of the original release, improves the documentation and adds an assembly video. All of these changes address early criticism of the Nylaug v1.0 release.
If you’re looking to build a Nylaug, I’d recommend reviewing this new release. As with the 3DP90, we sell Nylaug parts kits for your building pleasure. Barrels and surplus kits have been out of stock for some time, but keep a close eye out - I predict they’ll finally restock very soon. :)
New Betas:
In this section we round up recently opened betas. Help support development by joining these betas and testing!
Nopel’s Bolt Action Light Rifle (BALR):
A surprise drop from Nopel, the BALR is a straight-pull bolt action based around the AR platform, utilizing an AR barrel, bolt head and FCG. It features an integrated bipod, adjustable precision-style stock and looks incredibly cool.
The released files have been tested privately, and Nopel ran the BALR like a champion at the Maker’s Match, so while this is technically a beta release, the gun appears to be ready to build. Beta files available today!
Daedalus 17L Bullpup Glock:
After years of jokes, someone has finally bullpupped a Glock - in this case, the ever-productive Danishbulldog / DB Firearms. Beta testing has commenced - you can find links to the beta rooms here.
DB is selling hardware kits for the design as well! You’ll attract the rheumy stares of your local fudds with this one, and that alone is reason enough to get testing.
AWCY Turkey Vulture:
Another intermediate cartridge boltgun! The Turkey Vulture from AWCY uses an AR barrel, bolt head and FCG, with the rest of the build being DIY. Alloy-esque SCS plates are used to reinforce the upper. A SCS piece with some small filing is also used to create a strong bolt lever, which is a novel approach I haven’t seen before.
While a beta release, this build already has good documentation, so if you like the look of the gun, try building it and provide feedback!
Reinforced Printed Super Safety Cams:
From developer /u/TheAmazingX (@sillacsaurfang:c on Odysee) comes two attempts to create a reinforced printable cam for the Super Safety: the DSS, and the SCSSS.
Hoffman’s original Super Safety documentation mentioned the possibility of printing the cams, but these had poor longevity. TheAmazingX addresses this by reinforcing the cam with more easily accessible materials - a metal dowel for the DSS, and an SCS plate for the SCSSS.
TheAmazingX notes that these are both very much alpha files and testing / improvements are needed. Go check them out and contribute to the beta process!
Coming Soon:
This section lists announcements or previews for projects that have not yet hit open beta. Keep an eye out for further news about these projects!
The Holdup Detent-Locked Mac-11:
The always-productive Danishbulldog / DB Firearms has announced a new Mac-11 design he calls the Holdup. As can be seen, it utilizes a DIY upper, but the true feature of note is the use of ball detents to lock the Mac bolt into battery and smooth out recoil, a system which DB calls “detent-locking”.
This is of course similar to 3DArms’ Bobcat, and is even more welcome on the notoriously snappy Mac platform. DB provides some details that seem to imply that no modifications to the Mac bolt are required. I look forward to learning more as the design progresses!
Project Erebus Fully DIY Smoke Device:
DIY pyrotechnics are, perhaps unsurprisingly, underrepresented in 3D2A. PrintGunner is attempting to change this with Project Erebus, a DIY smoke “device” utilizing various cardboard tube sizes along with printed body parts.
PrintGunner’s commentary notes that multiple fuze options are available, including primers, .22 cartridges with bullet and powder removed, or pull string igniters. The fuze is often the most difficult part to get right for these devices, so it’s exciting to hear that progress is being made there!
We’ll be watching this one with great interest.
3DP90 SS:
The 3DP90, as amazing as it is, is obviously missing a major component found in real P90s. TheAmazingX is working on a project to restore this missing component.
From what details he has revealed so far, this design uses Super Safety functionality although not an actual SS cam - all parts involved are custom to this design. Much effort has been put into eliminating bolt bounce, a feature also found on the real P90.
I am told that the beta for this will drop soon - with any luck you will see it mentioned in the Beta section of the next Guncad Digest issue!
News:
In this section we’ll review major news events either originating in the 3D2A space, or particularly pertinent to this space.
Maker’s Match:
The 5th Annual National Gun Maker’s Match was shot in Pennsylvania recently, drawing gun printers from all over the country! Hosted by Guns For Everyone, the match featured five stages and six divisions (Pistol / Rifle / PCC, either Printed or Kit.)
Match champion this year was Neutron Nick, who took first prize in both Printed Rifle and Printed Pistol. Congrats to Nick!
Just as important as the competition is the public display of DIY guns. Two in particular stood out this year:
A V2 of Proof’s eponymous airgun, which sprays a hail of BBs with each trigger press. Yes, he actually ran this in the match! See it in action:
The above-mentioned BALR from Nopel, which he also actually ran in the match! This is not the public debut of the BALR, but it was the first time it was publicly fired, and its performance inspired him to release it shortly afterwards.
If you weren’t at the match, you missed out. Don’t make the same mistake next year. We’ll alert you when tickets go live!
Atrius Releases Three-Position “Super Selektor”:
A company called Atrius Development Group has released what they call the “Super Selektor”, which appears to be a Super Safety design adapted to a traditional three-position safety instead of the original crossbolt / push button design. They call this part a “forced reset selector” and are selling it for $199.
The first question on most developer’s minds upon seeing this will be, of course, how can we make a DIY version of this? Check out discussion about this new product here.
About the Guncad Digest:
Thank you for reading the first issue of the Guncad Digest! Please send us your feedback and suggestions for improvements on the issue. At this time I intend to release an new issue roughly twice a month. Each issue will attempt to cover releases from the previous two weeks. Some releases may be shuffled to future issues as I see appropriate. I also intend to do the occasional historic deep dive from time to time!
The Guncad Digest is sourced using the very excellent Guncad Index, from /r/fosscad, and from readers like you. If you know of a project you think should be featured, send it our way!
This issue was compiled and authored by Alyosha from 3D Print Freedom. We sell high quality parts kits for some of the best DIY guns available - if you’re looking for your next gun build, come check us out!
Fuck yeah man
Awesome first post !