NoBS

Let me start off by saying that I am CNC Mill Programmer/3D designer in the tool & die department at my shop. I have been debating this for quite some time. I am thinking about milling a handgun frame. I was wondering if anyone has attempted this or knows of someone who has. I am trying to decide if I am going to do a 1911 or a P228.

Reliable

I believe to make a frame (registered part) you would need a special license from the BATF.

Siggybaby  

If you make your own frame, all you have to do to be legal is engrave/stamp/etch, etc. it with a unique serial number. As long as you are making it for yourself and not selling it, and you are legal to own a pistol (not convicted of a felony, etc.) it is legal:

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/general.html

Reliable

Interesting, I did not believe it would be that simple.

Sgt Ed

Interesting is a mild term for this project. The writer says he has the proper cnc machine and educated to run it,so it should be possible, but let me say also there are machinists, and then there are machinists. Question is "why".

NoBS

IMO, it is no different than someone who builds an AR or customizes their handgun with aftermarket parts, except instead of buying every component and hoping that everything "fits" well (not every aftermarket part is made equally), I will be machining some of the parts giving myself control over the tolerances.

arclight610

CNCGUNSMITHING - www.cncguns.com - Home of the AR45

If I recalled, they have CAD and Solidworks drawings for Sig and 1911 frames. I think they might even be free. If it is for personal use, you don't even have to put a serial number on it.

ETA:

http://www.cncguns.com/projects/sigp228frame.html
http://www.cncguns.com/projects/1911a1frame.html
http://www.cncguns.com/downloads.html

I also saw somewhere online where a guy used a cheap SeigX2 mill and made two REALLY impressive 1911's.

NoBS

Thank you, acrlight610. I have been using that site for inspiration. I stumbled acrossed it during a search for 1911 drawings, and it is what really got me interested in trying this out. The creator documents each build so you can see how the project progresses. And yes there are free sold models and 2D drawings available for download.

Smith3466

I also know that you can purchase forgings that are part way machined. I believe you can get them at different stages of completion as well. Meaning 40% or 80% complete.

This might also be a route to consider of you already haven't.

Siggybaby  

I didn't believe it either, until I started researching this a few years ago. Another thing that surprised me was the legality of AR-15 bump stocks.

arclight610

If you do this, keep us updated. That means pics and all. Also, you should keep track of the technical stuff too like which end mills you used, spindle speed, any problems you encountered. Some of us are into that type of stuff too. Good luck!

NiceGuyEddie

I like your project! If you didnt know already the P250's firing control unit literally slides out of the frame, once you remove the slide lever. It would be really cool to see a CNC'd frame for a P250 because a lot of people customize the frame to suit different styles.The frame of the P250 is not serialized so I purchased a cheap P250 to practice stipple and things... Good luck


.45ACP P250 this guy is very fast on double taps and accurate.

SnakeShooter17

Hey all,

I'm studying mechanical engineering, and this stuff definitely floats my boat.