CompuServe Thread

Bob, It was I who responded earlier. (I warned the JNJ guy of the potential confusion if he also used a similar three char signature; oh well…) I've built several rifle models ranging in complexity from a simple external mesh to a highly detailed AK-47 with precision internal parts. I borrowed an AK-47 and disassembled it to measure all the parts. I think this is is some ways quicker than working from drawings, but perhaps not as precise. I lofted crossections down a path with some tilt applied to create the stock. I did the rest of the gun in AutoCAD using AME. This was easier for complex objects like the bolt because of the drafting features of AutoCAD and since you can easily do a dozen or more booleans on the same object and still get a clean mesh. AME also was great for chamfering edges which is more difficult to to with 3DS. This was, however, before the booleans were improved in R3, so I might try the whole thing in 3DS now. I think it is much harder to work in 3D in AutoCAD. Perhaps I'll upload some rifle pictures in the new showcase forum if you are interested. Do you do military stuff in general? I've also built some highly detailed vehicles including a M109 self-propelled gun. (looks like a tank to me <g>) I occasionally build custom models for people if you need one and don't want to do it yourself. I thought from an earlier message that you needed a M24, whatever that is. Is that the same as the Remington 700? (I'm basically a firearms moron.) The best resource I know is forensics expert and animator Alec Jason [71137,2632] who frequents this forum. He created a video series on firearms and their effects, publishes a ballistics journal, and has many contacts in the field. I don't know about efficient access to government information. My wife works for the government in the information business and would probably know, but she is in Washington at the moment. I could ask her the next time I see her (which <sigh> won't be for a while since before she gets back, I leave for the same destination – we'll pass each other in the air.) JKJ

Bob, The Model 700 Remington rifle is not government property. It is manufactured by a non-government corporation. The US Army purchases those rifles from the Remington corporation just as they purchase software, medicine, boots, etc. The designs of everything the US Army purchases are not automatically "available for the public's use." Even if you can get the drawings for the 700, building meshes from a drawing is very difficult and unless you are extremely skilled at reading blueprints, I would strongly suggest that you simply to go out and buy or borrow a 700. They are very common rifles. You could probably buy a cheap used one from a pawn shop. There are, however, some differances between the commercial model and the military model (such as the a heavy barrel, scope mount, and scope on the M24) which may not be important as the internal functioning of the weapon is the same. Alec Jason