Expert: Paul J. Zepf - 6/20/2009

Question
I am attempting to create new guns, but i have run into some problems. I need to know how to put the weapons into production, i have basic drawings and the mechanics of the weapons. But what i need is a prototype. So what can i do?

Answer
Gun making equipment is very specialized equipment, especially if rifling is involved. Gun drilling is key. You could breakdown an existing gun and use the barrel, caliber and some components and make the rest using local machine shops. It would be best to go to a gun manufacturer and work out an arrangement for them to work with you. If you do not have patents on the designs then guarding your property will be difficult, unless they sign a confidentially document.