Casting AR uppers in recycled Iron?

[VariableRecall]

I suppose people make AR uppers and lowers out of anything these days, but do you think making an AR upper out of scrap iron would be possible? I've heard of ductile iron and its many uses in things like decorative drainage grates, car parts, and pipes. Obviously, it would lack the light weight and corrosion resistance of Aluminum, and would probably begin rusting the moment it's pulled out of a mold. But, I suppose it would be durable enough to be machined but I think it would be an interesting project for someone with the gumption and the metal casting equipment.

While I suppose that Aluminum has a lower melting point, I'm unsure how well a home-cast aluminum upper would turn out.

I could imagine someone also touting the rifles as "Green" since they would be using recycled iron that would otherwise be going to waste somewhere else.

[RoyEllis]

Do a search for "Bill Holmes Vol. 5 Home Workshop Guns"

[Scrounge]

I suppose people make AR uppers and lowers out of anything these days, but do you think making an AR upper out of scrap iron would be possible? I've heard of ductile iron and its many uses in things like decorative drainage grates, car parts, and pipes. Obviously, it would lack the light weight and corrosion resistance of Aluminum, and would probably begin rusting the moment it's pulled out of a mold. But, I suppose it would be durable enough to be machined but I think it would be an interesting project for someone with the gumption and the metal casting equipment.

While I suppose that Aluminum has a lower melting point, I'm unsure how well a home-cast aluminum upper would turn out.

I could imagine someone also touting the rifles as "Green" since they would be using recycled iron that would otherwise be going to waste somewhere else.

Iron is great for machine tools, but not so good for guns. Ever dropped a cast iron skillet? They can shatter like glass. You need manganese and some other additives to turn the iron into steel, and they have to be in the correct proportions.

Bill

[GregLaROCHE]

Scrounge is right. Cast iron is way to brittle for that type of use.

[VariableRecall]

Scrounge is right. Cast iron is way to brittle for that type of use.

I would prefer my potential AR not to shatter when dropped, come to think of it.
Then again, cast iron was how people made many iron parts for centuries.
When alumninum is easily machined and accessible, might as well upgrade to that if you're talking serious use.

[Moleman-]

I'm surprised no one is selling a SS flat top upper. I've seen SS lowers and a couple SS A2 uppers, but no flat tops. I'd be worried that the relatively thin snout would crack off if made out of cast iron similar to how the cast aluminum uppers were cracking as well as the early carbon fiber ones.

[GregLaROCHE]

If you are into casting parts, perhaps a bronze alloy could work.

[Mk42gunner]

In my opinion, making uppers and lowers for an AR type rifle in anything heavier than aluminum makes no sense. It is supposed to be a light handy gun.

I like the weight and handling of an A1 over an A2 although the brass deflector and easily adjustable sights are nice.

The only place for an AR/M16 heavier than about 7½ pounds is long range match shooting, at least to me.

Robert

[farmbif]

my piston operated ar is heavy enough compared to a normal ar, can't imagine wanting to add more weight to any gun if its not necessary

[VariableRecall]

If you are into casting parts, perhaps a bronze alloy could work.

Like the Henry Rifle of old, living again in shiny brass in .223! Now that's an idea...