WW2Steel.com
page last modified 22Jul'06

"Should I build my own dummy gun?"

(home)

I no longer build dummy guns, this is just here for your reference purposes.

    This is a common and relevant question.  Basically it depends on your skill and knowledge.  As this for me is more of a self sustaining hobby than a active business I will help a little with what I have here below. 

1) Tools and supplies on hand.  You need a MIG or TIG welder to do a good job.  (Some people use stick well, but certainly not my preference).  Use the gas, not flux or your weld will not look as good after the grind and you'll have more damage to the piece.  You need a dremel type tool at a minimum with a few tiny diamond bits, a big stack of cutoff wheels (which I stack maybe 3 side by side for grinding wheels), and a few polishing stones.  Consumable supplies include gas, finishing paint, wire, etc.  Basic hand tools that you probably already have.  Assorted grinders make it faster and easier too.

2) Consider the cost of the above...
Item
 Min Cost
 Max Cost
Welder
 $250
 $1500 (reasonably)
Welding helmet
 --   inc. with welder
 $200
Steel welding table
 $50 steel- you build
 $150+ store bought
CO2/ Argon gas & Bottle
 $40
 depends how many you buy
Welding Gloves $15
 $15
Dremel with flex attachment
 $70
 $90
Extra req'd Dremel bits
 $12
 $12
High speed angle grinder
 not req'd
 $50+
Welding wire
 $15
 $30
Good gun paint
 $8
 $8
Total
 $500+
 Lots

This does not count the miscellaneous costs that always seem to come up or your parts kit!

3) Your welding skill.  Shoot, if you're a professional welder that welds for 8 hours a day why are you even reading this?  I'm a good welder and metalworker.  I am proud of my work or I wouldn't do it.  Each piece for me is an individual work of art that I spend about 30 to 50 hours on, depending on type and individual requests.  A bad weld leaves a million little bubbles and/ or deforms the piece.  Remember also that as you weld the bead heat changes the shape of things, as it cools it contracts which can prevent the installation of parts due to the fact that you are still welding at one end as the other is cooling and shrinking.  This causes the piece to twist slightly and must be accounted for.

4)  Do you know the legal issues involved?  (Does anybody?)  I don't know why this is so obscure, but either it's not that big of an issue for them or they intentionally make it obscure as a deterrent.  Anyway, it seems what the CFRs read and what is now accepted is quite different these days.  I have a set of ATF specified guidelines that I adhere to in my construction, you can request a copy from InterOrdnance: http://www.interordnance.com/ last I heard they were still giving them out free to customers.

THANKS!!!   Mike