Ramrod

Ramrod was developed to address the design deficiencies and limitations of the stock FX-9 charging handle. The stock handle has standard steel clip style catch that causes damage on the aluminum upper receiver, it is difficult to use for left handed and ambidextrous shooters as the release is only present on the right hand side, and the short wings and lack of grip make it difficult to operate especial while wearing gloves. While not a concern in the Canadian market, the stock handle has mitigation for gas blow-by that is especial problematic when using suppressors. Ramrod was built to address all of the above issues, improve ascetics, and provide a premium experience worth of the quality product.

design and Prototyping

measurements WERE TAKEN FROM THE STOCK CHARGING HANDLE TO DETERMINE SIZES OF EXISTING FEATURES. LOW COST fdm PRINTING WAS USED TO TEST AND VALIDATE FIT AND FORM ON CRITICAL INTERFACE AREAS.

dESIGN REFINEMENTS WERE MADE BASED ON THE OBSERVATIONS MADE FITTING 3d PRINTED TEST PARTS. THE MECHANICS OF THE CAM AND SPRING RETURN SYSTEM WERE DESIGNED AND TESTED IN THE 3D MODELING SPACE.

a SECOND FUNCTIONAL PROTOTYPE WAS 3D PRINTED TO VERIFY FUNCTION, FIT, AND FORM

THE LATCH AREA WAS THICKENED AND WILL BE MADE OF 6061 ALUMINUM INSTEAD OF STEEL. BOTH OF THESE CHANGES REDUCE THE WEAR ON THE UPPER RECEIVER. THE LATCH OPENING WAS ALSO REDUCED TO IMPROVE HOW MUCH THE CHARGING HANDLE MOVES AND SHAKES WHILE THE BOLT IS IN BATTERY. In future iterations the latch area was widened further specifically for the gen 2 version of the FX-9.

THE ADDITION OF A FLAT STOPPING FACE PROVIDES THE USER WITH ADDITIONAL PROTECTION AGAINST GAS, AND STOPS THE CHARGING HANDLE FROM EXCESSIVE OVER-TRAVEL. THE SMOOTH TAPER TIES INTO THE RECEIVER SEAMLESSLY PRODUCING A MORE REFINED AESTHETIC.

Computer assisted Manufacturing

fusion 360 computer assisted machining was used to program all milling and truning opperations.

3d machining paths were required for multiple rounded features. due to the complex geometry, machined soft jaws were required for back side operations.

cleaned parts post pin tumbling, before matte finish bead blasting.

Machining

packaging and presentation

packaging was designed that was both practical and reflective of the premium product it contained. Custom laser cut EVA foam and card-stock form a glove tight hold around the product. This attention to detail shows the purchaser the care and attention paid to the production of their newly purchased charging handle.