Rodman24
25 November 2011, 18:52
So I tried to cut some foam for my Storm case and I was completely disgusted. I read numerous forum posts about DIY hot wire cutting, etc. I came to the conclusion that I would never be satisfied with the outcome. And just how much money would I spend on butchered foam inserts? Then something really scary happened... I really started thinking. How would I be able to create inserts that would accommodate different AR configurations? I have 3 going on 4. I didn't want to have to keep going through the same process for the various inserts that I may want. And didn't stop until I decided to have it done professionally. Oh dear.
So there's a local firm that produces custom packaging for industrial products. They use CAD designs, water jets and routers to produce the inserts from high density foam. They were intrigued with my project and are working with me on keeping the costs as low as possible. They gave me a ball park quote based on their assumption of the design time. So hopefully those assumptions are good and it doesn't end up costing me an arm and a leg. Sometimes I just get going on things and can't let it go. My hope is that after all is said and done, my expectations will be met. Regardless, I will share the details with you all,. Hopefully I won't end up looking like a real dumb-ass.
So here's what the project entails:
Since it's a 3100, it's not a really long case. I bought the 3100 because it will fit within the wheel wells of my Jeep Wrangler. And it will accommodate a broken down 20" upper. I have 4 ARs to consider: 20" , 16" , 10.5" and 12.5" in the works. This means that I have various stocks, rails and optics. This case will accommodate them all. And if something ever changes, I can have the design tweaked and the insert modified. Currently my variables include the following:
Stocks - Magpul ACS, Magpul PRS, Magpul UBR, Magupl CTR - Since the lower and grip will be snug, the stock area will be
universal to accommodate the various stocks. Grip dimensions are for Magul MIAD.
Rail/Barrel - Carbine length FSB equipped with a DD 12" Lite FSB and Surefire X300. The cutout for FSB and Surefire X300
will provide space for flip up front sights ~8" to 12". Current Rails are DD 10" Lite, Troy 9" and 13", 7" DD Omega X (to be
replaced by 12" Lite FSB). Barrel length of 20" with muzzle brake is accommodated.
Optics - Bushnell 4200 Elite 3-12 x 44 in Bobro extended mount, Trijicon TR21 in LaRue extended mount, Aimpoint T-1 in
LaRue lower 1/3 co-witness mount. There will be plugs that can be installed for the smaller optics.
The case will also include space for the following items: 6 30 round mags, 4 20 round mags, Atlas bipod in LaRue QD mount, AAC M4-2000, Sling, Tube that can hold a variety of items (buffer spring and buffer, etc.), Lens pen, Talon Tool and CAT M4, Tango Down Short Vertical Grip-QD.
I received a PDF today of the first pass design. I'm going to be clarifying a couple of things next week. Once I receive the final design I will provide an update with images. Once I've received the insert I'll provide some photos with the various AR configurations.
If you have any questions or comments on items that you think need to be included, please let me know.
So there's a local firm that produces custom packaging for industrial products. They use CAD designs, water jets and routers to produce the inserts from high density foam. They were intrigued with my project and are working with me on keeping the costs as low as possible. They gave me a ball park quote based on their assumption of the design time. So hopefully those assumptions are good and it doesn't end up costing me an arm and a leg. Sometimes I just get going on things and can't let it go. My hope is that after all is said and done, my expectations will be met. Regardless, I will share the details with you all,. Hopefully I won't end up looking like a real dumb-ass.
So here's what the project entails:
Since it's a 3100, it's not a really long case. I bought the 3100 because it will fit within the wheel wells of my Jeep Wrangler. And it will accommodate a broken down 20" upper. I have 4 ARs to consider: 20" , 16" , 10.5" and 12.5" in the works. This means that I have various stocks, rails and optics. This case will accommodate them all. And if something ever changes, I can have the design tweaked and the insert modified. Currently my variables include the following:
Stocks - Magpul ACS, Magpul PRS, Magpul UBR, Magupl CTR - Since the lower and grip will be snug, the stock area will be
universal to accommodate the various stocks. Grip dimensions are for Magul MIAD.
Rail/Barrel - Carbine length FSB equipped with a DD 12" Lite FSB and Surefire X300. The cutout for FSB and Surefire X300
will provide space for flip up front sights ~8" to 12". Current Rails are DD 10" Lite, Troy 9" and 13", 7" DD Omega X (to be
replaced by 12" Lite FSB). Barrel length of 20" with muzzle brake is accommodated.
Optics - Bushnell 4200 Elite 3-12 x 44 in Bobro extended mount, Trijicon TR21 in LaRue extended mount, Aimpoint T-1 in
LaRue lower 1/3 co-witness mount. There will be plugs that can be installed for the smaller optics.
The case will also include space for the following items: 6 30 round mags, 4 20 round mags, Atlas bipod in LaRue QD mount, AAC M4-2000, Sling, Tube that can hold a variety of items (buffer spring and buffer, etc.), Lens pen, Talon Tool and CAT M4, Tango Down Short Vertical Grip-QD.
I received a PDF today of the first pass design. I'm going to be clarifying a couple of things next week. Once I receive the final design I will provide an update with images. Once I've received the insert I'll provide some photos with the various AR configurations.
If you have any questions or comments on items that you think need to be included, please let me know.