Hoplite Arms

[THEIS]

Hi,

So this is one of the great benefits of having a Mastercam guru running the programming and machining...

He can make improvements on the fly; that not only look better cosmetically but improves production efficiency at the same time.

Seconds lead to minutes, minutes lead to hours and hours lead to delays, so it is great when production efficiency partners with cosmetic features at the same time!!

Small details such as making the holes in first picture into the holes in the second picture..Just an 1/8 counterbore 1mm deep makes a big difference.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[_Windrider_]

When is the first armorers course?

 

[TheMammoth]

This is, hands down, the most exciting and interesting thread the Hide has ever seen.
Get. Fuckin. Hyped.

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

Guess what day it is....Guess what day it is... ? ? ?.

Big THANKS to @Terry Cross for his assistance, support and taking the time from his busy day(s) for my phone calls, lol.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[THEIS]

This is, hands down, the most exciting and interesting thread the Hide has ever seen.
Get. Fuckin. Hyped.

Hi,

WOW, almost speechless (well typeless, lol)....THANK YOU for such praise!!! It has been nice to have some conversations here among peers (Some that have become friends even though never met in person yet) that we have had.

It has been fantastic to provide as much transparency as possible in this venture.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[AIAW]

It’s coming right along!

I’ll sign every NDA, CDA and PIA you can throw at me if you let be into external ballistics testing facility ?

 

[Luvman]

It’s coming right along!

I’ll sign every NDA, CDA and PIA you can throw at me if you let be into external ballistics testing facility ?

Yeah what he said!!!!

 

[HTX_17]

@THEIS saw on your website that you’re in Houston! If you ever need anyone to demo your rifles holler. Definitely wouldn’t help your actual R&D but would give me a chance to shoot some cool shit!

 

[Average guy]

I’ve followed in the shadows from the beginning of the thread. I always look forward to reading the updates. So happy you are developing something unique instead of rehashing the same stuff

 

[THEIS]

It’s coming right along!

I’ll sign every NDA, CDA and PIA you can throw at me if you let be into external ballistics testing facility ?

Hi,

This one in Thun Switzerland is real nice during the summer, lol.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[THEIS]

@THEIS saw on your website that you’re in Houston! If you ever need anyone to demo your rifles holler. Definitely wouldn’t help your actual R&D but would give me a chance to shoot some cool shit!

Hi,

Houston is 95% in the rear view mirror, lol.

Moving to new facility just North of Slidell, La...the taxes, crime rate against FFLs, homeless and overall social and political scene just got too much to make Houston enjoyable.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[AIAW]

Hi,

Houston is 95% in the rear view mirror, lol.

Moving to new facility just North of Slidell, La...the taxes, crime rate against FFLs, homeless and overall social and political scene just got too much to make it enjoyable.

View attachment 7200563
View attachment 7200564

Sincerely,
Theis

Damn Houston. It used to not be like that, pre-Katrina ?


Very good move getting that variable off of your plate there.

 

[LeftyJason]

Hi,

Houston is 95% in the rear view mirror, lol.

Moving to new facility just North of Slidell, La...the taxes, crime rate against FFLs, homeless and overall social and political scene just got too much to make Houston enjoyable.

View attachment 7200563
View attachment 7200564

Sincerely,
Theis

I remember spending 2 days mucking out houses in Slidell after the hurricane (while wearing a yellow Helping Hands shirt). The mud line on the wall covered the fire extinguisher with 2-3 inches of silt on the floors. Fridges came out last and were the worst smelling things ever. Nasty.

Hope that never happens to you.

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

This town is far enough North that all it got during Katrina was downed pine trees....

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

12 Sentinels in the house...All this color pattern.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[brianf]

Always wanted to try one out.

Might just have to kill 2 birds with one stone in this one.

 

[Glassaholic]

Hi,

12 Sentinels in the house...All this color pattern.

View attachment 7200984

Sincerely,
Theis

Where's the Sentinel, all I see is bubble wrap

 

[bigdaddydmd]

This is coming together very well and the more I see the more I am impressed. It is nice to see you actually putting plow to field and building the damn things. Too many times you hear about new, innovative ideas and all it ever amounts to is endless talk and designs on paper and nothing ever comes to fruition. I look forward to seeing the reviews of them once they are out and run thru their paces by seasoned shooters.

 

[THEIS]

Where's the Sentinel, all I see is bubble wrap

Hi,

So the Urban Camo works??? GREAT!!!!
I think I am going to want an 18" 308 barreled action sitting in a Sentinel for a Trunk Monkey gun.

@bigdaddydmd
There have been a fair amount of people doing their part in this project and each of them are ready for full assembly.
I cannot speak for other companies and/or other people in regards to talking this vs doing that; but I have been very blessed to have the support and dedication of behind the scenes Team members that there is no way we would not cross the finish line .

I cannot tell you how many phone calls and emails I am still waiting on from companies in the industry though.........

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Glassaholic]

Hi,

So the Aspis and Kopis components are heading to heat treatment today, while the Apsis chassis gets sent to anodizing...

View attachment 7190184View attachment 7190185View attachment 7190186View attachment 7190187View attachment 7190188View attachment 7190189

Sincerely,
Theis

There's something about machined parts that gets me all excited. Beautiful work THEIS! I see you have a number of cartridges in R&D, can you provide any insight as to the design parameters (if you have in another thread I apologize, just point me in the right direction).

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

@wjm308
There isn't much discussed about them because we are not far enough into the T&E to line out production schedule yet.
I am hoping for release around SOFEX timeframe.

The Hoplite Arms cartridges in layman terms.....take your standard cartridges and run them at 90-95k pressures but with cartridge cases designed and manufactured with alloy to handle those numbers along with monolithics designed for such velocity and then some tungsten polymer projectiles for shits and giggles. ?

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Precisiondada]

Can I add to that question? Wondering what your thoughts are on polymer case design and if you see any future potential applications with what you’ve already developed. Or is it all just marketing hype and weight reduction?

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

To be honest, the only polymer case I have physically put my hands on is in regards to the ammunition being tested for the Next Generation Squad Weapon.

Pros: They are clearly running at higher pressures than normal which is one of the biggest driving factors of the NGSW.
Cons: I have not seen enough samples tested in regards to uniformity for the polymer to transition to precision side of the house.

Opinion: I think it will be hard to beat the cnc'd cartridge cases and even harder to beat the 2 piece case designs of Blackwater Ammo (They are working on just how small of cartridge they can get that 2 piece design down to).

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Glassaholic]

Hi,

@wjm308
There isn't much discussed about them because we are not far enough into the T&E to line out production schedule yet.
I am hoping for release around SOFEX timeframe.

The Hoplite Arms cartridges in layman terms.....take your standard cartridges and run them at 90-95k pressures but with cartridge cases designed and manufactured with alloy to handle those numbers along with monolithics designed for such velocity and then some tungsten polymer projectiles for shits and giggles. ?

Sincerely,
Theis

So not just another cartridge design, but a whole new concept, I had no idea, going to have to watch that one.

 

[THEIS]

So not just another cartridge design, but a whole new concept, I had no idea, going to have to watch that one.

Hi,

The entire mindset behind the formation of Hoplite Arms was to create a system in which ALL things were improved upon together instead of individually.

For decades the ELR world has been looking for improvements in powder instead of looking to step outside the "pressure" box.

For years projectiles have advanced beyond the level cartridge case manufacturing has advanced.

For years weapon system features have been stagnant.

So we got tired of watching the individual improvements in the attempt to improve the entire picture so.....from the beginning we knew we needed to manufacturer a weapon system that can withstand higher pressures than ever before so that we can pair it with advanced case design and projectile design all in 1.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Steel head]

If you need to do some forest/rain forest testing in know a few nice spots

 

[THEIS]

If you need to do some forest/rain forest testing in know a few nice spots

Hi,

Me too...up around Bull Hill Ranch in WA

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Steel head]

Meh.
that area is full of wannabe Canadians and sex starved Bigfoots.

 

[Precisiondada]

At the risk of sounding corny, this has been a really cool venture to watch unfold ?

 

[Sticks]

Hi,

@wjm308
There isn't much discussed about them because we are not far enough into the T&E to line out production schedule yet.
I am hoping for release around SOFEX timeframe.

The Hoplite Arms cartridges in layman terms.....take your standard cartridges and run them at 90-95k pressures but with cartridge cases designed and manufactured with alloy to handle those numbers along with monolithics designed for such velocity and then some tungsten polymer projectiles for shits and giggles. ?

Sincerely,
Theis

I'm glad someone is breaching the pressure threshold.

Question - with the increased pressure and velocities, what is this doing to barrel life of their current level of technology?

If we have not solved that problem, about the time we get a load tuned for a barrel and sufficeint data gatherd down range ballistics, it will be shot out and the cycle starts over.

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

The current barrel technology..more specifically the common barrel alloy is the weak link in the shooting world IMO; similar as to tires would be considered the weak link in a dragster build. Luckily they are much much cheaper to replace than the engine .

But luckily the projectile industry has advanced and is advancing at pretty fast pace, especially the bearing surface to length ratios!!

And even though barrel tech/alloy has not changed fast enough, we are lucky to have companies in the industry that not only are willing to modify the lands/groove ratios but also the depth of engraving forces...this is something that when paired with some of the modern monolithics is and can improve barrel life per say.

Along with some of the aftermarket alloy treatments.....barrel life can be extended slightly, but with that being said.....They are the "tires" in our drag cars and are consumable items.

OT Pure Academic Discussion:
I personally see the barrel advancements going to progressive "bore"...not progressive twist but an actually shrinking of the lands/groove dimensions. This paired with a monothic solid built with sacrificial varied OD "sealing bands" could possibly work or the backdrilled projectile design of @Jim Boatright in which the rear of projectile would fan out and seal the larger side of the barrel yet "squeeze" down to the progressive bore as going down the barrel .


Sincerely,
Theis

 

[MarinePMI]

Hi,

The current barrel technology..more specifically the common barrel alloy is the weak link in the shooting world IMO; similar as to tires would be considered the weak link in a dragster build. Luckily they are much much cheaper to replace than the engine .

But luckily the projectile industry has advanced and is advancing at pretty fast pace, especially the bearing surface to length ratios!!

And even though barrel tech/alloy has not changed fast enough, we are lucky to have companies in the industry that not only are willing to modify the lands/groove ratios but also the depth of engraving forces...this is something that when paired with some of the modern monolithics is and can improve barrel life per say.

Along with some of the aftermarket alloy treatments.....barrel life can be extended slightly, but with that being said.....They are the "tires" in our drag cars and are consumable items.

OT Pure Academic Discussion:
I personally see the barrel advancements going to progressive "bore"...not progressive twist but an actually shrinking of the lands/groove dimensions. This paired with a monothic solid built with sacrificial varied OD "sealing bands" could possibly work or the backdrilled projectile design of @Jim Boatright in which the rear of projectile would fan out and seal the larger side of the barrel yet "squeeze" down to the progressive bore as going down the barrel .


Sincerely,
Theis

So basically, a precision swaged bore barrel. Makes sense to me. Played around with swaged bores a little, the last time they were all the rage in the rimfire world. There were some impressive performance numbers as a result, but still was expensive to produce and risky from a liability perspective. Perhaps the timing is right now, for this to take hold(?)...

 

[W54/XM-388]

Hi,

The current barrel technology..more specifically the common barrel alloy is the weak link in the shooting world IMO; similar as to tires would be considered the weak link in a dragster build. Luckily they are much much cheaper to replace than the engine .

But luckily the projectile industry has advanced and is advancing at pretty fast pace, especially the bearing surface to length ratios!!

And even though barrel tech/alloy has not changed fast enough, we are lucky to have companies in the industry that not only are willing to modify the lands/groove ratios but also the depth of engraving forces...this is something that when paired with some of the modern monolithics is and can improve barrel life per say.

Along with some of the aftermarket alloy treatments.....barrel life can be extended slightly, but with that being said.....They are the "tires" in our drag cars and are consumable items.

Sincerely,
Theis

Do you have an idea what the current production cost for Cobalt / High Cobalt alloy barrels is, assuming using the supposedly slightly cheaper ceramic insets for casting instead of milling only?

 

[THEIS]

Do you have an idea what the current production cost for Cobalt / High Cobalt alloy barrels is, assuming using the supposedly slightly cheaper ceramic insets for casting instead of milling only?

Hi,

That I do not know....I just briefly checked my alloy catalogs and for some reason the Cobalt 6B is only being shown in 6 and 12 inch lengths....let me email the alloy company and for giggles see what 30 inch length at 2 inch diameter C6B would cost.....

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[LeftyJason]

Hi,

That I do not know....I just briefly checked my alloy catalogs and for some reason the Cobalt 6B is only being shown in 6 and 12 inch lengths....let me email the alloy company and for giggles see what 30 inch length at 2 inch diameter C6B would cost.....

Sincerely,
Theis

I wouldn't want to cut it by any means other than grinding. Ground threads are nice. Mar m 247 is a pain with carbide and it's only got 9.25% cobalt along with 9.5 tungsten, 8.25 chrome, a little carbon, and the rest nickel.

 

[brianf]

I’m thinking the only way to make cobalt barrel of sorts would be hammer forging.
Not sure it it’s even possible but that would reduce the amount of cutting exponentially.

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

Now.....OT and purely academic......There is some talk of an international company in the R&D phase of a new 2 part barrel system.

1 part would be essentially a smooth bored barrel.
1 part would be cobalt 6 with hammer forged rifling done with Cobalt 6 in "open face" (flat) form, then with some crazy presses....roll the flat into circular barrel insert and press into part 1.

I know of no particulars of that R&D, other than heard discussions of it progressing.

Back to Topic, lol...Was busy day today; machining receiver bodies...here is MasterCam of the bolt guide fitment.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[abn31c]

This whole project has been exciting to follow. As a guy who has "risked" what I had to start 2 businesses I applaud the undertaking. Wish you and your team all the best.

 

[b6graham]

patiently waiting for scope mount updates...i might have a new 30mm in a few weeks

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

They still make 30mm scopes? lol ?

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Veer_G]

Hi,

They still make 30mm scopes? lol ?

Sincerely,
Theis

As The German would say, the poors must have something.

 

[b6graham]

As The German would say, the poors must have something.

the NX8 serves a purpose

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

15 Hoplite Arms DBM with Trigger Guard for the Kopis and Aspis receivers...for the KMW Sentinel stock builds

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[brianf]

Are those totally finished?
What color I can’t tell?

 

[_Windrider_]

Hi,

15 Hoplite Arms DBM with Trigger Guard for the Kopis and Aspis receivers...for the KMW Sentinel stock builds

View attachment 7203619

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[THEIS]

Are those totally finished?
What color I can’t tell?

Hi,

Those are in the raw AISI 4130, vacuum hardened throughout to a HRC 45.

Just FWIW...the trigger guard piece and the magazine bottom metal piece are 2 different pieces even though it looks as if they are a single unit.

Standby for metal coating announcement shortly!!

View attachment 7203706

Hi,

Crap...I had the one 3 spots above that one picked out for you since they are lined out in delivery order...some lucky guys just got bumped ahead of delivery order because you so graciously opted to be lower on delivery list, hahahaha


Sincerely,
Theis

 

[brianf]

@TacticalDillhole ...

Don’t listen to Theis...he’s a snake charmer. ??

I’m prob bumped to the second batch by now.

I’m guessing at that hardness mags won’t be scratching it anytime soon

 

[lash]

Hi,

Those are in the raw AISI 4130, vacuum hardened throughout to a HRC 45.

Just FWIW...the trigger guard piece and the magazine bottom metal piece are 2 different pieces even though it looks as if they are a single unit.

Standby for metal coating announcement shortly!!



Hi,

Crap...I had the one 3 spots above that one picked out for you since they are lined out in delivery order...some lucky guys just got bumped ahead of delivery order because you so graciously opted to be lower on delivery list, hahahaha


Sincerely,
Theis

I keep looking for mine, but it only shows up in my dreams. Sigh...

I’ll never say never, just have to say not right now. Budget says I’m a dickhead for wanting. Hey, ya gotta dream.

 

[brianf]

@lash

Couple bucks a day and comb through the crap in the back of the safe for the PX.

It’s prob closer than you think.

 

[Luvman]

I keep looking for mine, but it only shows up in my dreams. Sigh...

I’ll never say never, just have to say not right now. Budget says I’m a dickhead for wanting. Hey, ya gotta dream.

I was in the same boat when the AI AT was announced. Now I have one.

I’m now wanting a rifle in .300 PRC and I’ve been watching this thread hoping my budget doesn’t say I’m crazy.