Hoplite Arms

[gnochi]

Hi,

Brief (because on my phone lol) update from this past week's testing.

1 issue.. In 5 damn minutes an independent .mil guy managed to decock the bolt while cycling it open. He was not use to running a 3 lug action so as he was pulling bolt back he was ham fisting the bolt to get handle to "feel" like it was in his muscle memory location..so in doing so he found the knotched ramp to remove bolt from receiver, lol.

Solution.. Will be making the bolt release part a non spring loaded and ramped piece...will make knurled knob hard set screw with half turn threads to raise/lower the bolt stop.

2 issue...We had 1 model of a berger ammunition have failure to fire but another model from same manufacturer fired no problem.

Solution.. Will be measuring all the 230gr berger ammunition.

3 issue.. We found inconsistent ejection.

Solution.. Ordering custom spec'd plunger springs.

Sincerely,
Theis

And this is why actual testing in customer hands is critical.

 

[stello1001]

And this is why actual testing in customer hands is critical.

In that case, Hoplite Arms can send me one in a switch barrel setup for 6.5CM & 308 as i have ammo for that. I would test the weapon system at a smoking free of charge deal. I can pay for the transfer myself, doesnt get any better than that for Hoplite Arms...

 

[brianf]

I hope for hoplite’s sake everyone who wants to be a R&D shooter buys a rifle when they come out.

ahem..copper color...ahem

Edit...iPhone auto correct again...

 

[b6graham]

I good for hoplite’s sake everyone who wants to be a R&D shooter buys a rifle when they come out.

ahem..copper color...ahem

oh we will don't worry

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

So engineers and programmers are working on the revisions from this past weeks T&E session with some independent assistance.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[THEIS]

@THEIS I have been following this project on and off. First off, I love the transparency and honesty in the design process! As someone who is neither an engineer (or any type of math guy), but has always been amazed at people that can make metal do what they want, this thread has rocked me back back on my heels many more times than once.

But I have some questions that I couldn't find answers to. I even used the search function limited to just this thread.

The first one may be taboo.

1. Funding: where on earth do you get your money to not take preorders, yet spend what seems to be millions? of dollars on the lead-up to your first sale? I know you're big on transparency, but maybe this is asking too much?
   
   
2. Background: you are obviously an extremely experienced, organized, and smart (not simply in IQ) fellow. Where did you come from, both in country of birth and just general experience? I read you became a US citizen via the US Navy. Pretend I am from your favorite newspaper lolol.
   
   
3. Tradeoffs from high pressure rounds: now, I'm a dumbass. I shoot prairie dogs. I do not reload. I have kids and this is a hobby, not a lifestyle (maybe my wife would disagree?). In my retarded little area of shooting, I don't want recoil. I want to see PDs explode through the scope with my tiny .204. I realize this is perhaps strange, and there are interesting philosophical implications here. Leaving that aside, I also know I am not your target audience at the dinky ranges I work at (1-500 yds). But, with PRS shooters, they want to see bullet trace, from what I gather. You can see where I'm going.
   
   How much more recoil will higher pressure cartridges cause? Will it force PRS shooters to make their rifles even heavier than they are? Do military snipers even care about recoil? I believe they tend to have a dedicated spotter often, but?

Sincerely,

carbonbased

Hi,

Ok so I have been away from my laptop for the past several days and there was no way I could reply to this from my phone, lol.

This post has to be the most "diverse" set of questions so far, lol...1 will make the FAQ list for the new website while the others will not, haha.

1. Funding:
The transparency side of this question is this....Although I appear to be the face and POC for Hoplite Arms there is an entire TEAM of people involved behind the scenes all of which are devoted to our overall business Philosophy and Goals. I have been blessed and thankful that my business partner and friend has the same outlook on the Hoplite Arms business model from the very very beginning.

We launched Hoplite Arms not only to change the way manufacturers interact with customers but the way customers are treated during said interaction; and that included the absolutely no preorder type model where customers fund T&E.

When Hoplite Arms announces we are now accepting orders, all the T&E will have been done and the only thing customers are waiting for is outside vendor parts..barrel.

We do not see grocery stores taking preorders in order to open.
We do not see automobile dealerships taking preorders in order to open.
We should NOT see that in the firearms industry either.
T&E is a cost of doing business and should be accounted for without using customers money to do so.

As I have previously mentioned the first few production batch orders will go something like this in regards to timeframe:
1st batch will take Hoplite Arms 8 weeks to have complete action and chassis finished. At that time we will be waiting on barrels because we just do not have enough market data to know what barrel spec's we need to have on the shelves.
2nd batch will take Hoplite Arms 4 weeks to have complete action and chassis finished. At that time we will be waiting on barrels because we just do not have enough market data to know what barrel spec's we need to have on the shelves.
3rd batch will take Hoplite Arms 4 weeks to have complete action and chassis finished. At that time we will have a better understanding of barrel spec's and will have some barrels on the shelves.

2. Background:
For ease of conversation lets just stick with Eastern European. Although you will never know from talking with me..that is by design, lol.
Professional situation already highlighted in the copied post earlier.

3. HP Trade-offs:
In regards to PRS shooters...most competitions will not allow the MVs of the HP cartridges anyways so they are not really intended for that market space.
Yes recoil will be slightly higher than standard pressure cartridges but as the video with standard pressure 300NM there is not a lot of recoil to the system to begin with so we can handle a little more in order to update the ballistics curve via modern pressure thresholds.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[_Windrider_]

Hi,

Ok so I have been away from my laptop for the past several days and there was no way I could reply to this from my phone, lol.

This post has to be the most "diverse" set of questions so far, lol...1 will make the FAQ list for the new website while the others will not, haha.

1. Funding:
The transparency side of this question is this....Although I appear to be the face and POC for Hoplite Arms there is an entire TEAM of people involved behind the scenes all of which are devoted to our overall business Philosophy and Goals. I have been blessed and thankful that my business partner and friend has the same outlook on the Hoplite Arms business model from the very very beginning.

We launched Hoplite Arms not only to change the way manufacturers interact with customers but the way customers are treated during said interaction; and that included the absolutely no preorder type model where customers fund T&E.

When Hoplite Arms announces we are now accepting orders, all the T&E will have been done and the only thing customers are waiting for is outside vendor parts..barrel.

We do not see grocery stores taking preorders in order to open.
We do not see automobile dealerships taking preorders in order to open.
We should NOT see that in the firearms industry either.
T&E is a cost of doing business and should be accounted for without using customers money to do so.

As I have previously mentioned the first few production batch orders will go something like this in regards to timeframe:
1st batch will take Hoplite Arms 8 weeks to have complete action and chassis finished. At that time we will be waiting on barrels because we just do not have enough market data to know what barrel spec's we need to have on the shelves.
2nd batch will take Hoplite Arms 4 weeks to have complete action and chassis finished. At that time we will be waiting on barrels because we just do not have enough market data to know what barrel spec's we need to have on the shelves.
3rd batch will take Hoplite Arms 4 weeks to have complete action and chassis finished. At that time we will have a better understanding of barrel spec's and will have some barrels on the shelves.

2. Background:
For ease of conversation lets just stick with Eastern European. Although you will never know from talking with me..that is by design, lol.
Professional situation already highlighted in the copied post earlier.

3. HP Trade-offs:
In regards to PRS shooters...must competitions will not allow the MVs of the HP cartridges anyways so they are not really intended for that market space.
Yes recoil will be slightly higher than standard pressure cartridges but as the video with standard pressure 300NM there is not a lot of recoil to the system to begin with so we can handle a little more in order to update the ballistics curve via modern pressure thresholds.

Sincerely,
Theis

I’m just over here tryin to be patient.

 

[THEIS]

I’m just over here tryin to be patient.

Hi,

I am just over here making what was idiot proof in my eyes even more fail proof, lol..
We have cycled the bolt tens and tens of thousands of times and never had what happened in 5 minutes Saturday morning, lol....So the old saying "If it happens once it can happen 100 times".....that is a must fix!!!

O and upon getting back to the shop this morning the power was out and shield activated to secure the magnetic locks so I was locked out of my own building.
Natural Gas backup generator here we come, lolol....

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[MCHOG]

Hi,

So engineers and programmers are working on the revisions from this past weeks T&E session with some independent assistance.

View attachment 7538395

Sincerely,
Theis

He can't put a work of art on that wet and rusty metal bar!! Hand that man a Game Changer! LOL

 

[THEIS]

He can't put a work of art on that wet and rusty metal bar!! Hand that man a Game Changer! LOL

Hi,

That guys day and night job, lol...

Ounces are pounds and pounds are pain......meaning...throw that thing up on rail all he wants, lololol.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[TxWelder35]

Hi,

I am just over here making what was idiot proof in my eyes even more fail proof, lol..
We have cycled the bolt tens and tens of thousands of times and never had what happened in 5 minutes Saturday morning, lol....So the old saying "If it happens once it can happen 100 times".....that is a must fix!!!

O and upon getting back to the shop this morning the power was out and shield activated to secure the magnetic locks so I was locked out of my own building.
Natural Gas backup generator here we come, lolol....

Sincerely,
Theis

Whenever you design your own product you probably have an unconscious bias to do something a certain way. Drop it in someone else’s hands that’s never messed with it or seen how it works is the true test.

 

[THEIS]

Whenever you design your own product you probably have an unconscious bias to do something a certain way. Drop it in someone else’s hands that’s never messed with it or seen how it works is the true test.

Hi,

Exactly!!! I know it is a 3 lug system. I know how far the bolt handle does NOT come up in regards to traditional 2 lug systems.
Someone that has NEVER touched a 3 lug actually thought the handle was not up for enough as he was cycling back....and it happened.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[_Windrider_]

Hi,

I am just over here making what was idiot proof in my eyes even more fail proof, lol..
We have cycled the bolt tens and tens of thousands of times and never had what happened in 5 minutes Saturday morning, lol....So the old saying "If it happens once it can happen 100 times".....that is a must fix!!!

O and upon getting back to the shop this morning the power was out and shield activated to secure the magnetic locks so I was locked out of my own building.
Natural Gas backup generator here we come, lolol....

Sincerely,
Theis

I bet it was a marine that broke it.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

I can tell by the haircut it wasn't a Marine.

 

[THEIS]

I bet it was a marine that broke it.

Hi,

Marines have wet dreams thinking of these guys, lolol

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[earthtrekker1775]

Hi,

Marines have wet dreams thinking of these, lolol

Sincerely,
Theis

Can confirm.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

*ANNOUNCEMENT*


@THEIS will be joining me on the Just F'n Send It Podcast Thursday night. We are going to discuss Hoplite in great detail along with everything in between. Make sure yall tune in to hear it from the horses mouth. The podcast will be uploaded late thursday night, ready for you to download in the AM. Here is the link to the channel. Also available on Spotify, iTunes, Pocketcast, etc.

www.davidbakergli.podbean.com

 

[brianf]

He can't put a work of art on that wet and rusty metal bar!! Hand that man a Game Changer! LOL

Scratch it up
Chicks dig scars

 

[THEIS]

Scratch it up
Chicks dig scars

Hi,

And that is why I should have dropped it from the top of 5 story tower, lolol....

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Dthomas3523]

That buttpad though.....

 

[Dthomas3523]

He can't put a work of art on that wet and rusty metal bar!! Hand that man a Game Changer! LOL

Rifle is just another tool.

Also, photo ops are photo ops. It doesn’t look as cool when you’re 8ft back into a room in the shadow where you should be and not outside on cool looking handrail.

 

[TxWelder35]

Hi,

And that is why I should have drug it behind a pickup truck on a gravel road, lolol....

Sincerely,
Theis

Fixed

 

[brianf]

Rifle is just another tool.

Also, photo ops are photo ops. It doesn’t look as cool when you’re 8ft back into a room in the shadow where you should be and not outside on cool looking handrail.

Must have some lighting or something I looks a lot better than just sunlight.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Must have some lighting or something I looks a lot better than just sunlight.

They dragged some dude around holding a light.

 

[carbonbased]

Must have some lighting or something I looks a lot better than just sunlight.

They dragged some dude around holding a light.

Nay, mere mortals, the beauteous light that bathes this weapon system from above comes not from some dirty shuffling pheasant, but from Apollo, the most beautiful Greek god, and god of light and of the Sun, of truth, prophecy, poetry and more.

 

[THEIS]

That buttpad though.....

Hi,

I don't think the shooting world is ready for that conversation yet, lol...not without more scientific data analysis with real equipment lol.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

At least the bolt issue has been caught early.

Some companies would have rolled forward with production anyway.
"meh, who's gonna know?"

 

[THEIS]

Here’s another angle with different frame rate.

I didn’t have a proper rear bag, just a fortune cookie. With proper rear bag, I’d expect a bit better recoil management.

Hi,

That angle really highlights just how much "control" the shooter focuses into the rifle and how little the rifle moves under said "control".

Sincerely,
Theis

At least the bolt issue has been caught early.

Some companies would have rolled forward with production anyway.
"meh, who's gonna know?"

Hi,

O it would have been easy to dismiss this event as "Holy Shit, that cannot happen again" type thing. It took us a couple hours of cycling the bolt in every way possible before we were able to recreate the issue. Not to see IF it could be done again but to see HOW it happen so we could fix it properly.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Dthomas3523]

Here’s the video that was quoted above:

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

Adding "enclosed" tracks to the adjustment bracket areas so that when you loosen the knob to make adjustments the brackets themselves do not flop around along with making the brackets themselves slightly thicker.

Pretty much the only thing left of the original version is the center section itself BUT even that was dimensionally changed to accommodate the forend...

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

Bolt removal issue should be resolved with this simple redesign.

Bolt Guide in Down position.

Bolt Guide in Up Position

Bolt removal component from top.

Bolt body "notched ramp" to line up with bolt guide has been removed. So there is no way to accidentally line the stars up for bolt removal while operating the bolt.


Interior tracks for the adjustment brackets on chassis.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Dm6]

Hi,

Bolt removal issue should be resolved with this simple redesign.

Bolt Guide in Down position.
View attachment 7540436

Bolt Guide in Up Position
View attachment 7540437

Bolt removal component from top.
View attachment 7540438

Bolt body "notched ramp" to line up with bolt guide has been removed. So there is no way to accidentally line the stars up for bolt removal while operating the bolt.


Interior tracks for the adjustment brackets on chassis.

View attachment 7540440

Sincerely,
Theis

What programs do you use for your design work and computer analysis?

 

[THEIS]

That is so cool.. Having seen the 'flying bolt' incident happen myself and then to see this --WOW... nothing short of elegant fix!
Impressive.

So I'm assuming you do all the 3d modeling yourself Theis? Using... Rhino? Or...

Hi,

Me do the 3D modeling, lolol....I can barely get the flash to work on my phone camera.
We have dedicated CAD Designers and Engineers for such tasks.

Sincerely,
Theis

What programs do you use for your design work and computer analysis?

Hi,

Solidworks 2019 and MasterCam have enough features and functions that there is pretty much nothing it cannot do in regards to designing and analysis.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Episode 36: Theis Protov with Hoplite Arms | Just Fn Send It Podcast

What can I say about tonight's guest? Theis Protov's mind doesn't work like yours or mine. Theis is a perfect example of thinking outside the box. His genuine innovation in the firearms industry is nothing short of ground breaking. We cover a ton of those things but there's even more that...

davidbakergli.podbean.com

As promised, i give you...... Theis Protov and Hoplite Arms

 

[MCHOG]

Episode 36: Theis Protov with Hoplite Arms | Just Fn Send It Podcast

What can I say about tonight's guest? Theis Protov's mind doesn't work like yours or mine. Theis is a perfect example of thinking outside the box. His genuine innovation in the firearms industry is nothing short of ground breaking. We cover a ton of those things but there's even more that...

davidbakergli.podbean.com

As promised, i give you...... Theis Protov and Hoplite Arms

Great interview!

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

@gayguns
Here are prime examples of my artistic capabilities, lol....This is what I sent to Engineering this morning, haha...literally like 15 minutes ago, lol

Note To Engineering:
Serrations in the circle need to be put onto the piece directly above it.

Note To Engineering:
Scallop the cheek piece where I have it highlighted to allow the circled piece to fit through it so even if cheek piece is all the way down the bolt can still be removed.

Note To Engineering:
The rail stop screw holes in the circle...place same holes where I have the lines.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[W54/XM-388]

LOLOL

That's awesome! Good job! Imagine what you can do if you had more than just yellow! Little more practice and you'll give Da Vinci a run for the money.
Christmas is coming and ya just never know what Santa might stick under the Tree.!

View attachment 7541200

None of the cool cats use crayons anymore.

Just get him an active stylus to go with his phone, tablet or computer.

There is usually menus to make everything look nice and straight or round when you start wanting shapes.

 

[bigdaddydmd]

Episode 36: Theis Protov with Hoplite Arms | Just Fn Send It Podcast

What can I say about tonight's guest? Theis Protov's mind doesn't work like yours or mine. Theis is a perfect example of thinking outside the box. His genuine innovation in the firearms industry is nothing short of ground breaking. We cover a ton of those things but there's even more that...

davidbakergli.podbean.com

As promised, i give you...... Theis Protov and Hoplite Arms

*sigh. blocked from my work computer. I can't view the podcast. Will have to give it a go when I get home.

On a different note how the heck does Theis pronounce his name? For years I always saw his avatar name as "THESIS" and its stuck in my mind when I see his posts "Oh, Thesis is posting again. He must be some smart, educated fella who wrote some fancy Masters thesis paper." Once I finally caught on that he doesn't have that first S hiding in there I see his damn name as "The Is" but that can't be correct. Anyone else have this problem or am I just functioning barely above retarded E2 for life assigned to the motor pool levels?

 

[BLKWLFK9]

*sigh. blocked from my work computer. I can't view the podcast. Will have to give it a go when I get home.

On a different note how the heck does Theis pronounce his name? For years I always saw his avatar name as "THESIS" and its stuck in my mind when I see his posts "Oh, Thesis is posting again. He must be some smart, educated fella who wrote some fancy Masters thesis paper." Once I finally caught on that he doesn't have that first S hiding in there I see his damn name as "The Is" but that can't be correct. Anyone else have this problem or am I just functioning barely above retarded E2 for life assigned to the motor pool levels?

Th ee iss is the pronunciation.

The podcast is available on iTunes, Google cast, Spotify, and a few others. Maybe some of those work on your pc.

 

[W54/XM-388]

*sigh. blocked from my work computer. I can't view the podcast. Will have to give it a go when I get home.

Th ee iss is the pronunciation.

The podcast is available on iTunes, Google cast, Spotify, and a few others. Maybe some of those work on your pc.

Can you see if you can just grab the download directly?

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/download/97qkv7/THEIS_MP39nov7.mp3

That might work better if they block some of the other stuff. then just use almost any player software to play the MP3 file.

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

So this week is finally winding down.
CAD Engineer will be working tomorrow on 3D model revisions shown in previous post along with couple other revisions.

At the same time we are actively working on new website that will be very picture centric, lol.

So in closing for this Friday....Know that for the past few hours; 3 grown men in 3 different States (1 La, 1 NY, and bambam in Tx) have been hyper-texting about a single screw placement, lolol. That single screw has sure eaten up some manhours today, lolol.

Sneak Peak at new website Gallery....Lots more than this.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[_Windrider_]

Hi,

So this week is finally winding down.
CAD Engineer will be working tomorrow on 3D model revisions shown in previous post along with couple other revisions.

At the same time we are actively working on new website that will be very picture centric, lol.

So in closing for this Friday....Know that for the past few hours; 3 grown men in 3 different States (1 La, 1 NY, and bambam in Tx) have been hyper-texting about a single screw placement, lolol. That single screw has sure eaten up some manhours today, lolol.

Sneak Peak at new website Gallery....Lots more than this.
View attachment 7541354

Sincerely,
Theis

Noice

 

[Ak47Cuckhold]

So all this technology being implemented is cool but will you ever take it to the semi auto platform. An ar10 with the new case technology and stronger materials for the bolt, reciever, and barrel would be a game changer.

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

I currently have no desire to enter the semi auto small arms arena; unless under 1 stipulation...We receive license to revive the PSG1 into a high pressure cartridge system

Other than that..the only semi auto I am interested in manufacturing would be one suitable for the 20x42mm.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[gnochi]

Hi,

@gayguns
Here are prime examples of my artistic capabilities, lol....This is what I sent to Engineering this morning, haha...literally like 15 minutes ago, lol

Note To Engineering:
Serrations in the circle need to be put onto the piece directly above it.
View attachment 7541136

Note To Engineering:
Scallop the cheek piece where I have it highlighted to allow the circled piece to fit through it so even if cheek piece is all the way down the bolt can still be removed.
View attachment 7541137

Note To Engineering:
The rail stop screw holes in the circle...place same holes where I have the lines.
View attachment 7541138


Sincerely,
Theis

I would love to get sketches this helpful from my management, FWIW

 

[THEIS]

I would love to get sketches this helpful from my management, FWIW

Hi,

For some reason my Engineering guys do not seem to mind my 3D modeling abilities, lol.

QC guys on the other hand........They pretty much have panic stricken anxiety attacks when I tell them to standby for update to process control policy.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

Work is being done for new website. Coding/Programming technician is working on the format and flow of the pages right now.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Stoweit]

Wow, looks great.

 

[samb300]

Daaaaaaamn. Can't wait to see the photo gallery and the new website.

 

[TxWelder35]

Hi,

Work is being done for new website. Coding/Programming technician is working on the format and flow of the pages right now.

Sincerely,
Theis

View attachment 7542224

Does the Dallas address mean that one day when y’all are ready I can go there and fondle one of these?