Posted: 9/19/2020 11:50:08 AM EDT
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I wanted a rear sight for my printed AR lower build but I didn't want to pay for a factory made sight. I did not like any of the models available for rear sights so I made my own. It is designed for 3D printing and is windage adjustable. I intended it to be very secure, not wobbly like other 3d printed sights. There is a screw in the front to lock the aperture into place after adjustments are made. Full disclosure: I was inspired by the rear sight included in the Anderson Firearms Wildfire file. I modified his aperture model and thumb nut. Everything else is completely different. I also reverse engineered the rail mount part from Chedwards Angled foregrip on thingiverse since I've printed this and I know it to be rock solid. Here are some renderings: Attached File Attached File V1 prototype: Attached File Attached File On my first model I messed up the threads on the front sight lockdown screw. I'm printing my version 2 prototype now. If anyone wants it I will provide the model once I verify it's good. I put the center of the aperture hole to be 1.4" above the top of the rail. Is that correct? Other than that, anyone have any feedback? DOWNLOAD LINK: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/ar15-rear-sight |
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Here is a view through the sight. I took it with my phone. It looks better to my eye than it does in the picture. The rear sight is more "ghosted" out when looking through it but you get the idea. Attached File |
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Quoted: Can you 3D print STI helicoil threads and install a helicoil in the locking screw? Would likely be much stronger and last longer. Probably but for clarification I messed up the modeling on the threads. Physically they are fine. The printed threads are actually quite strong, it's not like you have to get them Heman tight. |
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Quoted: Thanks! Ender 5 standard with a bunch of upgrades. Quoted: Quoted: Oh YOU printed it too! I thought you had sent it out. Doubly nice work! Which Ender model are you using? The 5 or 5 Pro? Ender 5 standard with a bunch of upgrades. Awesome! What are you using for 3D design software? |
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Quoted: Probably but for clarification I messed up the modeling on the threads. Physically they are fine. The printed threads are actually quite strong, it's not like you have to get them Heman tight. I use EZ Lok inserts for plastic on my 3d printed parts at work. McMaster Carr carries them EZ Lok link |
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Quoted: Bummer. Insanely expensive. Thx for the quick replies! Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Awesome! What are you using for 3D design software? Thx for the quick replies! True but they offer a significant discount for veterans. I've used a lot of different modeling software and it is by far my favorite. https://www.solidworks.com/media/military-services-education-program Fusion 360 is free for personal use I believe. |
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Quoted: I use EZ Lok inserts for plastic on my 3d printed parts at work. McMaster Carr carries them EZ Lok link Quoted: Quoted: Probably but for clarification I messed up the modeling on the threads. Physically they are fine. The printed threads are actually quite strong, it's not like you have to get them Heman tight. I use EZ Lok inserts for plastic on my 3d printed parts at work. McMaster Carr carries them EZ Lok link It's not a bad idea, even though I believe the threads in the plastic are fine. My lower is held together with printed hardware. However, it would be easy to modify the model for these so I can offer an alternative model for people who want to use these inserts.  |
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Quoted: Join the EAA ($40/yr) and you can get student solidworks for free. Quoted: Join the EAA ($40/yr) and you can get student solidworks for free. That is an AWESOME piece of info that I was not aware of. Thank you! Quoted: True but they offer a significant discount for veterans. I've used a lot of different modeling software and it is by far my favorite. https://www.solidworks.com/media/military-services-education-program Fusion 360 is free for personal use I believe. Unfortunately, I did not serve. Thanks for the note on Fusion 360. It still is free. |
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Quoted: That is an AWESOME piece of info that I was not aware of. Thank you! Unfortunately, I did not serve. Thanks for the note on Fusion 360. It still is free. Look around a bit, there is something about joining an experimental aircraft club and getting a free version of SW for something like $45 iirc. ETA Read fail lol |
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It's a little thick to make it stronger. I don't think it looks disproportionate. Attached File I've made some revisions. Going to reprint it tonight. Attached File Attached File |
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I uploaded it here: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/ar15-rear-sight |
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Any chance of upping to another site? Cults makes me have to sign up... |
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For those that want to use threaded inserts I think these would work. Just drill out my threaded holes to 5/16" and press this in. https://www.mcmaster.com/93738a220 |
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Thanks! Gonna print it today! |
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Sharp corners suck ass! External radii are practically free in nearly any fabrication operation |
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Quoted: Sharp corners suck ass! External radii are practically free in nearly any fabrication operation Quoted: Sharp corners suck ass! External radii are practically free in nearly any fabrication operation Quoted: Let's see your design. QFT, and applicable here, also. |
 It's true. There's no reason not to in 3d printing. Actually the printer handles radiused edges better than sharp ones. And there's no penalty for it in 3d printing. |
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Prototype carry handle version. Not intended to be a replica of a normal carry handle. Attached File |
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Working on a front sight for a freefloat handguard. Attached File |
I'm posting this here since there was several comments recommending adding metal threaded inserts. HELICOIL®, Threaded Insert or Embedded Nut in 3D Prints? In my opinion there's not much benefit vs just threading into the plastic. It's pretty interesting though. |
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Quoted: Pretty cool, now put it on a massive diet (reduce bulk) and print it in sintered (printed) metal. What you’re asking for would cost way more than just having the item machined. Maybe in another 10yr, but even a desktop metal sintering system is $10k+ Not to mention the materials. |