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Given the rate that projects are coming out of the DIY Defense space these days, its necessary to go through the DEFCAD archives and respect certain work. Are We Cool Yet? has many projects that merit our time, but the CETME 2077 printable receiver and furniture are stand-outs in style and application. This classic design allows the construction of a .308 semi auto battle rifle using commonly available CETME-C parts kits. The build is difficult but is extensively documented in both the release package and an official build guide video. It was also subjected to, and passed, a thousand-round torture test.

This design requires slightly more advanced tools and techniques than most 3D printed guns. A hydraulic press and a drill press are required, and a welder may be used for one version (a weldless version is available as well). Given the higher-power rounds we are working with here, the increased difficulty is no surprise. This project is an excellent addition to the space and will always be found here, regardless of the fate of other platforms.

Void3DPrinting has been busy with his 2023 Whisper series, giving us 2 new iterations across a sizable caliber base. Start with the SUMMER mix (in 7.62, 300, .40, rimfire, .223, and 9MM) to really give the season a 'pop!'.

Follow this up with the TAB 1 design pack (also for 7.62, 300, .40, rimfire, .223, and 9MM) that really has some excellent grip, especially for the 9MM variant. Check out the rest of Void's profile as he has literally dozens of different suppressor designs to experiment with.

DEFCAD is, and will remain, the pre-eminent home for all DIY Defense technical materials, and each month dozens of members ask us how they can get a better orientation in the beginning 3D printing their files. We'd like to present our new Quickstart Guide, featuring a checklist, simple recommendations, and just enough information to get you into trouble. Download the DEFCAD 3D Printing Quick Start Guide at your leisure, or send it to someone new in the field.

One of our most prolific partners, the mysterious Cyan, has uploaded YZY's Montgo-9 package. This printable lower receiver is for the Montgo-9 upper receiver found at MatadorArms. The Montgo Platform is a 9mm blowback AR system with no need for a buffert ube as well as compatibility with Glock® 17 & 19 OR Sig Sauer® P320™ magazines. The lower receiver is itself heavily remixed across a variety of iterations of similar AR-9 printable lower receivers with geometry gathered from the AR-9 subproject for the Firebolt. Simplicity and aesthetics were achieved without sacrificing reliability. An excellent project for those that want a compact and simple PCC for those close quarter self defense needs.

Often with 3D Printing, you’ll run into surface defects, like tessellations, gaps, and most annoyingly, blobs. We recommend this video by Geek Detour, who offer a great overview of (and fix for) blobs on older printers. And even if you don’t have a problem with blobs, there’s no harm in getting a better understanding of what’s going on under the hood. Watch the video here.