Defense Distributed has long been a lightning rod for gun owners and gun banners alike. Between the Ghost Gunner series of CNC mills bringing professional quality finishing of 80% receivers, to the DefCad library of 3d printable guns and parts, Defense Distributed is pushing the bounds of what’s possible, and conceivable.
Now, Defense Distributed has announced the release of the Optic Cut Library 2.0, as well as the Optic Cut Kit upgrade for the Ghost Gunner 3, and 3-S CNC machines.
Compatible with slides from Glock, Sig, Smith and Wesson and 1911 patterns, there’s eight different optic footprints to choose from. Two mounting locations, seven mounting depths and three screw thread pitches all combine for more than 1,000 possible combinations (and counting).
A quick glance shows that using the Optic Cut Library is pretty straightforward. Choose your slide, optic footprint, location on the slide, mounting depth, screw thread pitch and get ready to cut your mounted slide.
I have a Ghost Gunner 3-S on hand, and have just received the Optic Cut Kit. Expect a Part 2 of this article, with hands on review and overview of the optics cutting process soon. In the meantime, take a look at the hardware.
The kit includes:
Chip fan (x1) Universal metal parallel (x2) P320 metal parallels (x2) 1911 softjaws (x2) 5/32″ 4-flute endmill, 3/16″ shank, 1.5″ OAL or greater, 7/32″ LOC or greater (x1) 1/16″ 4-flute endmill, 1/8″ shank, 1.5″ OAL or greater, 3/16″ LOC or greater (x1) 4-40 threadmill, Model SPTM080LA or equivalent (x1) 3/16″ collet (x1) 1/8″ collet (x1)
If you have already purchased the Zero Percent Starter Kit, then you already have the Universal Clamps and can purchase the kit above for $160. If you don’t have those clamps, then the full kit also includes the following for $360:
Universal Clamp (x2) Universal Soft Jaw (x2) Clamp Feet (x2) M4x20 (x2) M4x90 (x2) M5x6 (x1) M5x35 (x4) T-Slot Nut (x4) Insulating Washer (x4) M4 washers (x4)
The Ghost Gunner series of machines was already a versatile platform, enabling users to finish off 80% AR lowers, mill out 0% lower receivers from aluminum stock, do custom engraving and finish out receivers for the AK-47, 1911 and Polymer 80 families of firearms. Now, one more layer of ability is added on.
A professionally cut slide… how will the GG3-S compare?
Stay tuned for the hands-on experience!
Check out more articles from Jens “Rex Nanorum” Hammer or visit him on Instagram @Rexnanorum.
