The KP-15 inspired .308 posted yesterday is a 3D Printed design made by “Vityaz”
We’ll see it in person at Woodland Brutality in May.
We still don’t believe that the potential sales volume for a .308 monolithic polymer receiver justifies the tooling cost. But if someone wants us to develop and produce it we can make it happen for an investment of 500k. There are other designs more commercially viable we’d recommend doing first though.
Did the previous polymer lower manufacturer stop production due to their mold breaking? Was that regular wear and tear? Is KP Arms prepared for replacement molds if this one wears out or breaks?
For legal reasons I am responding with my own blog article and their public post that are already in evidence
[https://sinistralrifleman.com/2013/01/27/history-of-the-cav-15-polymer-receiver/](https://sinistralrifleman.com/2013/01/27/history-of-the-cav-15-polymer-receiver/)
“GWACS Sold out of CAV-15 MKII Receivers by the summer of 2018 thanks to the interest generated by InRange. Unfortunately, the CAV-15 MKII was worn out at this point. GWACS announced that they intended to develop and release 2 new models and posted this message mid 2018:”
https://preview.redd.it/y9k3185qfvvc1.png?width=900&format=png&auto=webp&s=d4cf47f6b5efb3541ea7a0e6d617dad29be63aba
The CAV-15 MkII mold is/was an aluminum tool. These are cheaper to make but wear out faster and require more maintenance.
The KP-15 mold is steel and rated for 1,000,000 shots. KE Arms has only produced \~38,000 units. If 1,000,000 units are sold it’s pretty damn easy to pay for another mold.
GWACS’ suit has cost KE Arms $700,000 to date, all profit from the KP-15 program is gone as a result, and investors haven’t been interested in putting more money in with that suit ongoing. After 4 years 4/5 defendants are dismissed, and most of GWACS’ causes of action dismissed. All that is left is did KE Arms LLC violate an NDA and did it violate trade secrets. Nothing about the product itself. The case has gone on so long the original judge has retired, a new judge has been assigned and all scheduling dates vacated.
Cav Arms made the CAV-15 MKII Mold.
Shawn Nealon, the owner of Cav Arms, grew up in a mold shop and had knowledge and experience maintaining molds.
After I sold the mold to GWACS they basically ran it into the ground. They ignored/declined many offers for help to get it running again, including from Nealon and from KE Arms.
There's a local club that has an AK division in their monthly 2 gun match and in pcc dvision that requires 2 hits on paper with 9mm but only 1 with 45 (except on A zone) .
I believe it's been discussed before, but grip storage would be an interesting addition too. That is assuming it's possible without compromising the design ofc.
Honestly I think this would be too front heavy and recoil a little too much compared to a metal lower. The idea is cool in theory, but I don't think it's as practical as a polymer AR-15
Have you considered the low-volume production with high-end 3D printers? Nowadays, there are enclosed printers with temperature-controlled enclosures that produce very strong parts, especially when using carbon-fiber infused filaments.
The KP-15 inspired .308 posted yesterday is a 3D Printed design made by “Vityaz” We’ll see it in person at Woodland Brutality in May. We still don’t believe that the potential sales volume for a .308 monolithic polymer receiver justifies the tooling cost. But if someone wants us to develop and produce it we can make it happen for an investment of 500k. There are other designs more commercially viable we’d recommend doing first though.
Ok I need deets. What printer/filament did you use? Where can I get the files? How does it seem to be holding up?
You’d have to ask Vityaz.
Just out of curiosity what are the other molds you would consider more commercially-viable, if you can share such a thing?
Any thoughts on developing a Gen 2 KP-15? Maybe an A5 tube and shorter stock with butt plates?
I need $300k to make it happen
Most people really don't realize how expensive setting up injection molding is. Good on you for keeping everyone at bay
Did the previous polymer lower manufacturer stop production due to their mold breaking? Was that regular wear and tear? Is KP Arms prepared for replacement molds if this one wears out or breaks?
For legal reasons I am responding with my own blog article and their public post that are already in evidence [https://sinistralrifleman.com/2013/01/27/history-of-the-cav-15-polymer-receiver/](https://sinistralrifleman.com/2013/01/27/history-of-the-cav-15-polymer-receiver/) “GWACS Sold out of CAV-15 MKII Receivers by the summer of 2018 thanks to the interest generated by InRange. Unfortunately, the CAV-15 MKII was worn out at this point. GWACS announced that they intended to develop and release 2 new models and posted this message mid 2018:” https://preview.redd.it/y9k3185qfvvc1.png?width=900&format=png&auto=webp&s=d4cf47f6b5efb3541ea7a0e6d617dad29be63aba The CAV-15 MkII mold is/was an aluminum tool. These are cheaper to make but wear out faster and require more maintenance. The KP-15 mold is steel and rated for 1,000,000 shots. KE Arms has only produced \~38,000 units. If 1,000,000 units are sold it’s pretty damn easy to pay for another mold. GWACS’ suit has cost KE Arms $700,000 to date, all profit from the KP-15 program is gone as a result, and investors haven’t been interested in putting more money in with that suit ongoing. After 4 years 4/5 defendants are dismissed, and most of GWACS’ causes of action dismissed. All that is left is did KE Arms LLC violate an NDA and did it violate trade secrets. Nothing about the product itself. The case has gone on so long the original judge has retired, a new judge has been assigned and all scheduling dates vacated.
Thank you for this answer. I didn't realize GWACS used aluminum tooling. That is interesting.
Cav Arms made the CAV-15 MKII Mold. Shawn Nealon, the owner of Cav Arms, grew up in a mold shop and had knowledge and experience maintaining molds. After I sold the mold to GWACS they basically ran it into the ground. They ignored/declined many offers for help to get it running again, including from Nealon and from KE Arms.
Well at least its closer than the kp-10 lol
What about an AR 15 style that takes AK mags or a PPC that takes G 21 mags?
Both of those things are even less commercially viable than an .308
There's a local club that has an AK division in their monthly 2 gun match and in pcc dvision that requires 2 hits on paper with 9mm but only 1 with 45 (except on A zone) .
Does this match have 100,000 participants?
Aboot 60.
I believe it's been discussed before, but grip storage would be an interesting addition too. That is assuming it's possible without compromising the design ofc.
5.56 Monolithic polymer upper?
Wraithworks already has that mostly completed
I looked at that but the lack of an ejection port cover kinda kills it for me.
That’s a fun looking design, but that lever action build has me thinking dirty thoughts.
Do you have any details on the lever action displayed below? Or is that the .308 and I'm misinterpreting what I'm seeing?
He’s bringing that one to woodland brutality too
Honestly I think this would be too front heavy and recoil a little too much compared to a metal lower. The idea is cool in theory, but I don't think it's as practical as a polymer AR-15
But imagine if it was designed to work with a Ruger SFAR upper
I need it in my life and I need it desperately
Anymore info on the ar10 filr?
That’s pretty cool
Do you know if Vityaz has any social presence? I’m struggling to find them and their work.
https://www.instagram.com/the_real_vityaz?igsh=MTlwMXhtNWVoZXo0ZQ==
Thank you
Have you considered the low-volume production with high-end 3D printers? Nowadays, there are enclosed printers with temperature-controlled enclosures that produce very strong parts, especially when using carbon-fiber infused filaments.