So:
To have a good quality result I first had to decide on the tools to be used. As far as the reverse engineering of the original turret all I needed really was a simple Sterrett caliper to take all the measurements and Solidworks to design the 3d object, but the same can be accomplished with any parametric CAD like Fusion and descent precision measuring tool. When it comes to the printer, the choices are kind of limited. Although I've got a few high end FDM printers, for this one I definitely had to use a resin SLA printer. And it would be really good if it was a true SLA and not the LCD ones, otherwise the resolution won't be enough to make clear markings on the turret. Luckily I've got a couple Forlab printers that are true SLA and can go down to 25microns.
Next I had to decide what markings I need in it. Initially I wanted to go just by hundreds of meters but then revised it by adding the MOA marks as well so some MOA calculations would still be possible. Ideally I would have both, but the turrets have covers, so I'm not sure if they are waterproof. If I made both markings, the turret would have to be larger and I wouldn't be able to use the turret cover. The scope has 48 MOA travel per revolution, so I made 48 tick-marks and made the ones that were the drops for 1-8 hundreds of meters longer for markings. Another thing I decided to add is the bullet info, click value and the meters as distance.
For the load type I decided to go with the regular M855, but you can do any load really if you know the drop. I went to JBM ballistics and calculated the drop for the M855 at 2000ft elevation in MOA and translated it into the cad model.
The turret on this scope is 2 pieces, but after looking at it and not finding any reason I should keep it the same I decided to update the model into a single piece.
After all was said and done I double-checked the dimensions on the CAD model and sent it to the printer to print. Due to the way I had it set up post processing was not a huge deal and once the Print went through the washing and curing station, I ended it a bit and applied the paint for the markings. The resin I had in the printer at the time is Gray, and the only paint I have for markings is red, so I had to make do with what I had. But this can be accomplished with many different colors really. The best probably would be the combination of black resin and white paint. It was also suggested to me by a buddy that I can use glow-in-dark paint for the markings, and I don't see any reason why not, especially if it's white. After the part was ready I tested the strength and the finish and installed it. The finish, you'll see in the picture below, the operation was identical to the original turret and as far as the strength, the part was more than strong enough for the application, so I don't have any worries of it failing in the file, especially with it being covered.
So, in short, it was a success and I actually intend to keep the scope now, since I can use the combination of the reticle and the turret for fast and effective solutions. In the feature I will probably make a few more turrets for other calibers and weights and possibly a turret for the windage with MPH markings to make it even faster. Here's some pictures of the final part. Hope you like it.
