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Gunsmithing can a sidecharge handle DPMS LR308 be made?

Abs1314

Private
Minuteman
Oct 15, 2009
6
0
41
What's up guys... I have a DPMS LR-308 I'm interested in trying to make a side charge upper. Has anyone done or know if you can mill a stock dpms upper and drill and tap the side of the bolt carrier to accept a knob? I know there are companies making side charge versions but want to know if it can/has been done at home with a milling machine?
 
Re: can a sidecharge handle DPMS LR308 be made?

Yes sir. Pretty easy with a mill, a drill and a tap & die set.

Rich
 
Re: can a sidecharge handle DPMS LR308 be made?

You will need a carbide tap for the bolt carrier. I use 1/4-28.I would also suggest that you use a straight flute carbide drill as well. The first side charging AR uppers that Fulton Armory offered were done by me. I have done alot of them over the years so i know what works the best to get the job done. HSS Drills and taps will not work on a properly heat treated bolt carrier. FYI Carbide drills and taps are expensive.
 
Re: can a sidecharge handle DPMS LR308 be made?

Tool maker is right on the money.......... Bolt carriers are very hard and tough and carbide drills and taps are expensive.
 
Re: can a sidecharge handle DPMS LR308 be made?

I have a small machine shop in my garage. Thanks toolmaker and everyone else for your help/input ill post up pictures if I decide to go this route... Time to check out Travers and price taps and cutters for my milling machine. Thanks for helping a Noob start off in the right direction. Also Toolmaker can you post any pics of the ones you made? Any further help is very much appreciated.
 
Re: can a sidecharge handle DPMS LR308 be made?

MSC Direct is having a one day sale 30% off on web orders over 149 bucks.

Promo Code is WEB30 and it's good for today only. If you order by noon, you'll have the tools by tomorrow.
 
Re: can a sidecharge handle DPMS LR308 be made?

Sorry LR308, i dont have any pics. The last side charger i did was last june. I never did think of taking any pics. You might want to look on Fulton Armory's web site.
 
Re: can a sidecharge handle DPMS LR308 be made?

Yeah I already went on the site to check it out. Thanks again for the help guys