#Liberator12k Manual

2022-03-26 58dac62

Jeff Rodriguez
Unlicensed
 #Liberator12k Manual

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................1
Supporting the Project............................................................................................................................1
Liberator12k.com Store....................................................................................................................1
Donations.........................................................................................................................................1
Code Contributions..........................................................................................................................1
Thank YOU......................................................................................................................................2
Join the Community.........................................................................................................................2
International Builders.......................................................................................................................2
How to Laugh at Danger........................................................................................................................3
Make at Your Own Risk...................................................................................................................3
Bystander Care.................................................................................................................................3
Basic Firearms Safety.......................................................................................................................3
DIY Safety........................................................................................................................................3
Gut Check.........................................................................................................................................3
Tools and Equipment.............................................................................................................................4
Required Tools.................................................................................................................................4
"Close Enough"................................................................................................................................4
You Can DIY Everything.................................................................................................................4
Metric and/or Inch............................................................................................................................6
Drill Bits...........................................................................................................................................6
Reamers............................................................................................................................................6
Taps..................................................................................................................................................6
How to Read the Manual........................................................................................................................7
Preview.............................................................................................................................................7
Description.......................................................................................................................................7
Prints List.........................................................................................................................................7
Hardware List...................................................................................................................................7
Preparation.......................................................................................................................................7
Post-Processing................................................................................................................................7
Technical Notes................................................................................................................................7
Assembly Guidelines..............................................................................................................................8
Printing Guidelines.................................................................................................................................9
Compatible Materials.......................................................................................................................9
Print Settings....................................................................................................................................9
#FatNozzleGang.............................................................................................................................10

1: The "Minuteman" Receiver......................................................................................................................11

Components..........................................................................................................................................11
Large Framed Receiver..................................................................................................................12
Fire Control Group.........................................................................................................................13
Lower.............................................................................................................................................14
Stock...............................................................................................................................................15
Preparing to Print.................................................................................................................................16
Pick Your Colors............................................................................................................................16

i
 #Liberator12k Manual

Table of Contents
1: The "Minuteman" Receiver
Configure Cura and Preheat...........................................................................................................16
Minuteman Receiver Complete Print List......................................................................................17
Bill of Materials...................................................................................................................................19
Metric BOM.........................................................................................................................................20

1.1: Large Frame Receiver............................................................................................................................21

Prints....................................................................................................................................................22
Vitamins - Imperial..............................................................................................................................23
Vitamins - Metric.................................................................................................................................23
Post-Processing....................................................................................................................................24
Install Tension Nuts.......................................................................................................................24
Install Rail Nuts..............................................................................................................................24
Epoxy Acorn Nuts..........................................................................................................................24
File/Sand Internal Surfaces............................................................................................................24

1.2: Fire Control Group.................................................................................................................................25

Prints....................................................................................................................................................26
Vitamins - Imperial..............................................................................................................................27
Vitamins - Metric.................................................................................................................................28
Post-Processing....................................................................................................................................29
Trigger Subassembly......................................................................................................................29
Hammer Subassembly....................................................................................................................29
Firing Pin Subassembly..................................................................................................................29
Charging Handle............................................................................................................................29
DIY Hardware......................................................................................................................................29
Sear.................................................................................................................................................30
Sear Cross-Pin................................................................................................................................30
Recoil Plate....................................................................................................................................30
Technical Notes....................................................................................................................................31
Recoil Plate....................................................................................................................................31
Firing Pin........................................................................................................................................31
Hammer Spring..............................................................................................................................31
Trigger Pull....................................................................................................................................31

1.3: Lower Receiver........................................................................................................................................32

Prints....................................................................................................................................................33
Vitamins - Imperial..............................................................................................................................34
Vitamins - Metric.................................................................................................................................34
Post-Processing....................................................................................................................................35
Install Heatset Nuts........................................................................................................................35
Pin Retainer....................................................................................................................................35
Subassembly...................................................................................................................................35
Technical Notes....................................................................................................................................35

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 #Liberator12k Manual

Table of Contents
1.3: Lower Receiver
Trigger Pull....................................................................................................................................35

1.4: Stock.........................................................................................................................................................36
Prints....................................................................................................................................................37
Vitamins - Imperial..............................................................................................................................38
Vitamins - Metric.................................................................................................................................38
Post-Processing....................................................................................................................................39
Stock Backplate..............................................................................................................................39
Technical Notes....................................................................................................................................39
Stock Pin........................................................................................................................................39

2: Forends - Choose Your Weapon...............................................................................................................40

Your First Build...................................................................................................................................40
CAFE12 or CAFE12+....................................................................................................................40
The Models...........................................................................................................................................40
CAFE12 Plus..................................................................................................................................40
CAFE12 Base.................................................................................................................................41
FP37...............................................................................................................................................41
ZZR6x12........................................................................................................................................41

2a: CAFE12+ Forend.....................................................................................................................................42

The Easy Way......................................................................................................................................42
CAFE12 or CAFE12+..........................................................................................................................42
Prints....................................................................................................................................................43
Inch BOM.......................................................................................................................................44
Metric BOM...................................................................................................................................44
Assembly..............................................................................................................................................44

2b: CAFE12 Forend.......................................................................................................................................45

Partial Kit.............................................................................................................................................45
Prints....................................................................................................................................................46
Vitamins...............................................................................................................................................46
Inch BOM.......................................................................................................................................46
Schedule 40 Pipe............................................................................................................................47
Metric BOM...................................................................................................................................47
Post-Processing....................................................................................................................................48
Foregrip Cluster Heatset.................................................................................................................48
Trunnion Machining.......................................................................................................................48
Barrel Subassembly........................................................................................................................48
Barrel Collar: Extractor Subassembly............................................................................................49
Barrel Collar: Latch Subassembly..................................................................................................49
Forend Subassembly......................................................................................................................49

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 #Liberator12k Manual

Table of Contents
2c: FP37 Forend.............................................................................................................................................50
Prints....................................................................................................................................................51
Vitamins...............................................................................................................................................51
Inch BOM.......................................................................................................................................51
Fence Post Barrel...........................................................................................................................52
Trunnion.........................................................................................................................................52
Post-Processing....................................................................................................................................53
Foregrip Cluster Heatset.................................................................................................................53
Barrel Subassembly........................................................................................................................53
Barrel Collar: Extractor Subassembly............................................................................................53
Barrel Collar: Latch Subassembly..................................................................................................53
Forend Subassembly......................................................................................................................53

3: Ammunition................................................................................................................................................54

4. Developers...................................................................................................................................................55
Requirements........................................................................................................................................55
OpenSCAD.....................................................................................................................................55
Liberator12k Source Code.............................................................................................................55
Rendering STLs....................................................................................................................................55
Export STL for Printing.................................................................................................................56

5. Why..............................................................................................................................................................58
No Step.................................................................................................................................................58
Bigger Fish to Fry................................................................................................................................58
The "Banality of Evil"....................................................................................................................58
What About Mass Shooters?..........................................................................................................59
What About Terrorists?..................................................................................................................59
What About Tanks and Nukes?............................................................................................................59
Some other thoughts of others..............................................................................................................59

Unlicense.........................................................................................................................................................61

Appendix: Top-Break Common - BOM......................................................................................................62

Inch BOM.............................................................................................................................................62
Metric BOM...................................................................................................................................62

Appendix: Top-Break Common - Assembly................................................................................................63

Hardware Kit........................................................................................................................................63
Print Post-Processing...........................................................................................................................63
Forend.............................................................................................................................................63
Barrel Collar...................................................................................................................................63

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 #Liberator12k Manual

Table of Contents
Appendix: Top-Break Common - Machining..............................................................................................65
Drill and Tap the Trunnion...................................................................................................................65
Cut the Extractor Slot.....................................................................................................................65

v
#Liberator12k Manual

Introduction
Welcome to the #Liberator12k project.

This manual contains all the documentation for the weapons, ammunition, and tools in the project. The first
few chapters are a build guide: starting with the Minuteman receiver then a CAFE12 break-action 12ga
forend. This is a good starting point - a simple, safe, affordable firearm.

The Minuteman receiver is reusable in several other configurations similar to how you might swap AR15
uppers.

Supporting the Project

This has been an ambitious one-man pro-bono operation from the start. The project has cost tens of
thousands of dollars and years of my time. Now we have a modular weapons platform, ammunition, and a
suite of ECM tooling. I dedicate it to the public domain to secure self-defense for everyone, forever.

I didn't start this to get rich, but I wouldn't mind help. Research and Development (R&D) doesn't pay the
bills, it only comes with them. Making new guns and ECM machines full-time is the dream - so if you want
to show your appreciation and help continue this work there are a few ways you can help.

Liberator12k.com Store

The Liberator12k.com Store has complete hardware kits. The hardware can be sourced and fabricated
yourself if you have the equipment.

I'm asking the community to support the project by buying directly, or from official vendors - check the
website. It's all public domain, so I'm counting on you to do the "encouraging".

Manufacturing is not my field and my time would be better spent in R&D. Contact me via email
[email protected] for vendor royalty agreements.

Donations

The Donation page on the website has info on how to donate with crypto and more.

I also have a Patreon.

Code Contributions

The first code contributions were received June 2021, after the Alpha release. We were able to get the
Metric version of the CAFE12 setup as a result. Code contributions are priceless, they just need to be public
domain/Unlicensed. Bug reports and improvement requests on GitHub are also a great way to help out if
you're not comfortable in OpenSCAD/Bash/Web.

Introduction 03/29/2022 1
#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

Thank YOU

Prints are the greatest encouragement of all.

I also love likes, shares, and comments and even hatred - if you're a hater. It's fun doing this, but it's also
nice to know other people appreciate it. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey.

Join the Community

Chat with me and other builders! #liberator12k:matrix.org on Element

International Builders

This is a US-based operation. I won't knowingly ship internationally or to a forwarder either, sorry!

There's a metric version but it's less well documented and the STLs are not included in the release. You can
render them, but it's a bit manual.

Join the chat, there's other builders around the world who can help out.

Thank YOU 03/29/2022 2

#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

How to Laugh at Danger

How do you laugh at danger? From behind a solid barrier - don't be stupid. Everyone's a tough guy until
they take a piece of shrapnel to the beanbag.

Make at Your Own Risk

Any experienced printer can complete this build if they buy a kit from the Liberator12k.com Store. I have
done my best to make sure the designs included here are safe to the user and bystanders, but ultimately
you're the one building your own gun at your own risk.

WARNING

Pre-release designs may not be safe. Use extreme caution and two doses of common sense.

Bystander Care

It's one thing if you hurt yourself, it's another if you hurt someone else. The revolver will eject dangerous
shot/wadding from the gap. Keep bystanders behind your back and maintain a safe "180 degree" line or I'll
shake their hand for kicking your ass, because you were warned.

Basic Firearms Safety

1. All guns are always loaded.

2. Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to
shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

DIY Safety

DIY guns require special precautions and procedures that are not fully documented here.

• Use a secure test rig to hold the gun pointed in a safe direction.
• Stand behind a bulletproof barrier, such as several feet of dirt, concrete blocks, or very large tree.
• Ensure there is no direct path from the gun to anyone or anything of value.
• Use a long string to pull the trigger from behind cover.
• Test with at least 5 of the highest pressure cartridges you can find.

Gut Check

The power to create weapons and project lethal force hundreds of yards is now in your hands, use it
responsibly.

How to Laugh at Danger 03/29/2022 3

#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

Tools and Equipment

You can print and assemble an official kit with a couple wrenches and a butane torch.

Reaming holes in the prints is recommended. A drill bit will work, but reamers are a lot better. The cheap
Chinese ones from Amazon are fine, buy a whole set.

Required Tools

• Slip-Joint Pliers

Files

• 3/4" Half-Round File

• Needle File Set

Drill Bits

• 5/16"
• #29 - #8-32 Tap Drill
• 11/64" or 4.5mm Long - #8-32 Clearance Drill
• #39 or 2.5mm

Reamers

• 11/64" or 4.5mm - Small Screw Clearance

• 1/4" - Medium Screw Clearance
• 5/16" - Pivot Pin Clearance
• 1/2" - Large Screw Clearance
• #39 or 2.5mm

"Close Enough"

All the parts are inch-standard (or all-metric), but there are "close enough" metric equivalents that are
readily available even if you live in the US.

Sometimes it's easier and much cheaper to find certain parts in metric, that's especially true for little stainless
pins. 3/32" is just under 2.5mm, and a #39 drill bit is just over 2.5mm.

You Can DIY Everything

You can fabricate all the required parts yourself - the documentation, jigs, and templates are included in the
project files.

Tools and Equipment 03/29/2022 4

#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

If you intend to DIY everything, you'll need more tools. There's not a lot of "machining" required - a couple
tapped holes in flat plate and square rods. A cold saw or metal band saw are ideal for cutting the tubing and
rods to size. If you're using Schedule 40 pipe, a pipe cutter is just the ticket.

I would strongly recommend a drill press if you're doing it all by yourself, but you could get by with some
printed fixtures, jigs, and templates. A CNC waterjet/laser/plasma/mill will make life a lot easier later on,
but with elbow grease and determination all things are possible.

Some designs may require more advanced tooling, see that specific documentation for more details.
Notably, the revolver needs a lathe and TIG.

This Is Spiral Tap

Those bulk pack taps are called "hand taps" and they suck. If you scrap a part with a broken tap, you're
already worse off than if you'd just bought a good tap in the first place.

Spend a few bucks on a Spiral Point or Spiral Flute tap. I like spiral point, myself. You only need one, but
buy two just in case.

You Can DIY Everything 03/29/2022 5

#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

Metric and/or Inch

In general, here's how things go between inch and mm in this project:

Purpose Inch Metric

Small Pins 3/32" 2.5mm
Medium Pins 1/4" 6mm
Small Screws #8-32 M4
Medium Screws 1/4"-20 M6
Large Screws 1/2"-13 12mm
Square Rods 1/4" 6mm

Drill Bits

• 5/16"
• #29 - #8-32 Tap Drill
• 11/64" or 4.5mm Long - #8-32 Clearance Drill
• #39 or 2.5mm

Reamers

• 11/64" or 4.5mm - Small Screw Clearance

• 1/4" - Medium Screw Clearance
• 5/16" - Pivot Pin Clearance
• 1/2" - Large Screw Clearance
• #39 or 2.5mm

Taps

• #8-32 - Spiral Flute

Metric and/or Inch 03/29/2022 6

#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

How to Read the Manual

Complete assemblies are built from several reusable components. Each component in this manual has its
own fabrication instructions. The component sub-chapters all follow the same pattern.

Preview

The component previewed in the assembly position. Refer to the figures depicting the complete assembly to
orient yourself.

Description

A brief description of the component and its purpose.

Prints List

A table of parts to be printed. Includes the part name and a thumbnail view of the model in its print
orientation.

Hardware List

A table of hardware required to complete the assembly.

Preparation

Any preparation steps for the component. Reminders and tips before you print.

Post-Processing

Details on how to finish the prints, hardware installation instructions, and any notes on sub-assemblies.

Technical Notes

Explains why certain decisions were made, what's important to consider when building or before altering the
component.

May discuss alternate hardware.

How to Read the Manual 03/29/2022 7

#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

Assembly Guidelines

Assembly Guidelines 03/29/2022 8

#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

Printing Guidelines
Unless otherwise stated, every print will use these settings. Most parts are good with a thick shell and low
infill.

If a part needs to be printed solid, the build guide will have a note for you. Increase your infill to 100% for
these parts.

Compatible Materials

PLA, PLA+, ABS, PETG, Nylon, PC, POM - almost anything. The strength is in the steel.

Check your parts for shrinkage and scale them appropriately in your slicer if necessary. I've been eSun
PLA+ for reference size. I often scale ABS to 100.8%, but taller layers shrink more. Your mileage may vary.

Print Settings

These are the only vital Cura settings to override.

Shell

• Wall Thickness: 3mm

• Top/Bottom Thickness: 3.2mm
• Filter Out Tiny Gaps: Yes (reduces large-nozzle drool)
• Z Seam Alignment: Sharpest Corner

Support

• Generate Support: Yes

• Support Structure: Tree
• Support XY Distance: 1.3mm

About Layer Heights

0.2mm layers are a good balance between speed and quality.

0.1mm layers will look 50% better and take twice as long.

You can probably print any of the large parts with layers >0.2mm high. This is especially true with larger
nozzles. You should expect the tolerances to change because the material shrinkage will be greater.

Smaller parts, notably the small Fire Control Group parts should be printed with standard layer heights.
Small parts usually have tighter tolerance requirements and taller layers may cause binding. 0.1mm layers
will only help here.

Printing Guidelines 03/29/2022 9

#Liberator12k Manual Introduction

#FatNozzleGang

All print times are given for 0.4mm nozzles at 0.2mm layer height.

The Fire Control Group (FCG) will benefit most from smaller nozzles, print these parts first and then go
ahead and swap to a 1.0 (or something in between).

Increasing nozzle diameter yields exponential speed gains. Since you gain so much speed from a larger
nozzle, you can slow down your print speed and use lower layer heights for better print quality - and still be
faster than stock.

Diameter Area Time Factor Effective Time

0.4mm 0.13mm^2 1 1 day
1.0mm 0.79mm^2 1/6 4 hours

Almost everything can be printed with a 1.5mm nozzle; 0.4mm works too - it just takes a lot longer.

But Seriously

You can buy a multipack of nozzles on Amazon Prime for $15. A nozzle swap takes less than 5 minutes and
will save you days of machine time.

There's a few tricks to it. Watch some videos about how to do the swap on your machine.

#FatNozzleGang 03/29/2022 10
#Liberator12k Manual

1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Figure 1: The Minuteman Receiver

To get very technical this is a Large Frame Receiver with a Stock. That's a mouthful, so I call it the
Minuteman. It works with most of the designs in the project. There are other ways to configure the receiver,
but we'll save that for a future build.

After the receiver is assembled, first-time builders can continue on to building a CAFE12 forend. Chapter 2:
Forends - Choose Your Weapon covers the different forend configurations in detail, but for now lets focus
on the receiver.

Components
Each of the following components has its own subchapter. Familiarize yourself with figures 1-5, this is your
map. You can complete these components in any order and assemble them all at the end.

• Large Framed Receiver

• Fire Control Group (FCG)
• Lower
• Stock

1: The "Minuteman" Receiver 03/29/2022 11

#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Large Framed Receiver

This is "the gun" in the US. I can sell you everything except one of these. It's just one marathon print -
almost two days at 0.4mm or just 20h at 1.0mm.

Figure 2: Large Framed Receiver

Large Framed Receiver 03/29/2022 12

#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Fire Control Group

Abbreviated "FCG" - the most involved of all the components. Literally all the moving parts are here.

Figure 3: Fire Control Group

Fire Control Group 03/29/2022 13

#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Lower

The grip for the gun, also holds the trigger from the FCG.

Figure 4: Lower

Lower 03/29/2022 14
#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Stock

A spacer and buttpad for your receiver. Another of the major prints that will benefit greatly from a large
nozzle.

Figure 5: Stock

Stock 03/29/2022 15
#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Preparing to Print
Pick Your Colors

Two-tone is canon - that means it's official.

Spool 1: Base Color

We'll be using a full 1kg spool for the base color. Most of the "big" parts will be printed with this filament.

Spool 2: Accent Color

The accent prints will take about 500g of plastic, or half a typical spool. Accent parts are often smaller and
bear some kind of load, so if you want to splurge - do it here.

Spool 3: TPU For Your Buttpad

The buttpad was designed to be printed with "90D" TPU filament. 90D TPU is a semi-flexible filament, and
takes some of the sting out of the shot because it's rubbery. The 90D stuff will run in a stock Ender 3. Lower
than 90D is not advised as it requires printer modifications not documented here.

You may not find TPU that matches your base color, keep that in mind when you choose your colors. You
can print the buttpad in any filament, but it may be more punishing than necessary.

Configure Cura and Preheat

Next we need to print the receiver parts. The STL files are located in the Liberator12k zip file where you
found this PDF or from Liberator12k.com.

Configure Cura according to the Printing Guidelines in the Introduction and slice each part for printing.

The models are already in the proper orientation for printing, so leave the bottom side down. You are free to
position them on the build plate however you like.

Printing one part at a time will produce higher quality prints, but it will take longer. You should know your
machine.

Preparing to Print 03/29/2022 16

#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Minuteman Receiver Complete Print List

The table below can be used as a checklist. Print this page then refer to the sub-chapters for complete build
instructions.

The STL files are located in the Liberator12k.zip file's Receiver/ directory. For instance:
Receiver/FCG/Prints/FCG_Hammer.stl

Done Color Print Settings Part Filament Time

[_] Accent See Below FCG_FiringPinCollar 1g 0h48m
[_] Accent See Below FCG_Trigger 14g 1h55m
[_] Accent See Below FCG_Housing 16g 2h12m
[_] Accent See Below FCG_Disconnector 4g 29m
[_] Accent See Below FCG_Hammer 34g 4h37m
[_] Accent See Below FCG_HammerTail 13g 1h38m
[_] Accent Standard FCG_TriggerMiddle 11g 1h23m
[_] Accent Standard FCG_ChargingHandle 34g 4h07m
[_] Accent Standard Lower_MountRear 23g 2h21m
[_] Accent Standard Lower_MountFront 22g 2h09m
[_] Accent Standard Lower_Middle 68g 5h20m
[_] Base Standard Lower_Left 66g 5h52m
[_] Base Standard Lower_Right 66g 5h52m
[_] Base Standard Frame_Receiver 272g 1d18h01m
[_] Base Standard Stock 243g 1d08h52m
[_] Base Standard Stock_Backplate 95g 12h05m
[_] TPU See Below Stock_Buttpad 181g 19h31m
Totals
Base Color ?g ?d?h?m
Accent Color ?g ?d?h?m

Standard Print Settings

Review the Printing Guidelines from the Introduction. Use the right accent or base color!

FCG Print Settings

These small FCG parts have special print settings:

• Infill: 100%
• Layer Height: 0.1mm

Minuteman Receiver Complete Print List 03/29/2022 17

#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Buttpad Print Settings

I have printed Amazon-brand TPU 95 on my stock Ender 3, just select the proper material in Cura. Be sure
to reset the material before slicing other parts. You can use other plastics, but TPU is softer and will absorb
some recoil.

Just select Generic TPU for the material in Cura.

Minuteman Receiver Complete Print List 03/29/2022 18

#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Bill of Materials
Full hardware list for the Minuteman receiver

Parts Kit Purpose Part Quantity

Receiver Tension Bolt Nut #8-32 Heatset Nut (Long) 4
Receiver Tension Bolt Washer #8-32 Washer 4
Receiver Tension Bolt Acorn Nut #8-32 Acorn Nut 4
Receiver M-LOK Rail Nuts #8-32 Heatset Nut (Long) 2
Receiver Stock Pin 1/4x2" Dowel Pin 1
Receiver Stock Pin Retaining Pin 6Dx2" Box Nail 1
Receiver Stock Backplate Nut 1/4-20 Heatset Nut (Short) 2
Receiver Stock Buttpad Bolt 1/4-20x3-1/2" Flat Head Screw 2
Lower Lower Nut #8-32 Heatset Nut (Short) 5
Lower Lower Bolt #8-32x1.25 SS Flat-Head Bolt 5
Lower Lower Pin 1/4x2" Dowel Pin 1
Lower Lower Pin Retaining Pin 6Dx2" Box Nail 1
Lower Sear 1/4"x1.67" Steel Square Rod 1
Lower Sear Pin 2.5x10mm Dowel Pin or 3/32"x1/2" Music Wire 1
Lower Sear Return Spring 0.02" Wire, 0.25"x1.25" 1
Fire Control Charging Handle Bolt #8-32x1/4" SS Socket Cap Bolt 1
Fire Control Charging Handle Nut #8-32 Short Heatset Nut 1
Fire Control Hammer Bolt 1/4-20x5" Flat Head Bolt 1
Fire Control Hammer Bolt Sleeve 9/32"x3.5" K&S Brass Tube 1
Fire Control Hammer Cap Nut 1/4-20" Acorn Nut 1
Fire Control Hammer Nut 1/4-20" Heatset Nut (Short) 1
Fire Control Hammer Spring 0.052x0.625x3" ~6.3lbs/in Compression Spring 1
Fire Control Disconnector Pivot Pin 2.5x18mm Dowel Pin or 3/32"x3/4" Music Wire 1
Fire Control Disconnector Spring 0.22" OD 0.625" Long (0.02" wire) 1
Fire Control Firing Pin 6Dx2" Box Nail, cut flush to 1.54" OAL 1
Fire Control Firing Pin Spring 0.22" OD 0.625" Long (0.02" wire) 1
Fire Control Recoil Plate Center Bolts #8-32x1.5 SS Flat-Head Bolt 2
Fire Control Recoil Plate Side Bolts #8-32x0.5 SS Flat-Head Bolt 4
Frame Bolts Frame Bolt 1/2-13x10 Hex Bolt 2
Frame Bolts Frame Nut 1/2-13 Hex Nut 2
Threaded Rods Tension Bolt #8-32x12 Threaded Rod 4
Recoil Plate Recoil Plate #Liberator12k Recoil Plate 1

Bill of Materials 03/29/2022 19

#Liberator12k Manual 1: The "Minuteman" Receiver

Metric BOM
Full hardware list for the Minuteman receiver.

Component Purpose Part Quantity

Receiver Tension Bolt Nut M4 Heatset Nut (M4xD7xL8) 4
Receiver Tension Bolt Washer DIN125 M4 Washer 4
Receiver Tension Bolt Acorn Nut DIN1587 M4 Domed Hex Cap Nut 4
Receiver M-LOK Rail Nuts M4 Heatset Nut (M4xD7xL8) 2
Receiver Stock Pin None 1
Receiver Stock Pin Retaining Pin 2.5x50mm Nail 1
Receiver Stock Backplate Nut M6 Heatset Nut (M6xD9.5xL6) 2
Receiver Stock Buttpad Bolt DIN7991 M6x90 Countersunk Bolt 2
Lower Lower Nut M4 Heatset Nut (M4xD7xL5) 5
Lower Lower Bolt DIN7991 M4x35 A2/A4 Countersunk Bolt 5
Lower Lower Pin None 1
Lower Pin Retaining
Lower 2.5x50mm Nail 1
Pin
Lower Sear 6mm x 42.42mm Steel Square Rod 1
Lower Sear Pin None 1
Lower Sear Return Spring 0.5mm Wire, 6.5mm OD, 35mm Length Spring 1
Fire Control Charging Handle Bolt TODO: DIN???? M4x1/4" SS Socket Cap Bolt 1
Fire Control Charging Handle Nut TODO: M4 Heatset 1
Fire Control Hammer Bolt DIN7991 M6x130 Countersunk Bolt 1
Fire Control Hammer Bolt Sleeve 6mm ID Sleeve for Hammer Bolt 1
Fire Control Hammer Cap Nut DIN1587 M6 Domed Hex Cap Nut 1
Fire Control Hammer Nut M6 Heatset Nut (M6xD9.5xL6) 1
Fire Control Hammer Spring 1.4mm Wire, 16mm OD, 80mm Length Spring 1
Fire Control Disconnector Pivot Pin 2.5x18mm Stainless Steel Pin 1
0.5mm Wire, 6mm OD, 20mm Length Spring (Cut to
Fire Control Disconnector Spring 1
16mm)
Fire Control Firing Pin 2.5x50mm Nail, , cut flush to 40mm OAL 1
0.5mm Wire, 6mm OD, 20mm Length Spring (Cut to
Fire Control Firing Pin Spring 1
16mm)
Recoil Plate Center
Fire Control DIN7991 M4x40 A2/A4 Countersunk Bolt 2
Bolts
Fire Control Recoil Plate Side Bolts DIN7991 M4x40 A2/A4 Countersunk Bolt 4
Frame Bolts Frame Bolt DIN931 M12x260 Hex Head Bolt 2
Frame Bolts Frame Nut DIN934 M12 Hex Nut 4
Threaded Rods Tension Bolt DIN795 M4x305 Threaded Rod 4
Recoil Plate Recoil Plate 6mm Thickness 50.80x60.325mm AISI 4140 Steel Plate 1

Metric BOM 03/29/2022 20

#Liberator12k Manual

1.1: Large Frame Receiver

This is the core of the gun. In the United States it's the receiver. Legally-speaking it's a gun. If you need to
dispose of it, burn it to ash. Don't make one for a stranger - that's a Fed, especially if they're offering money
in exchange. Screenshot it and ridicule them online.

The Large Frame Receiver is the same as the standard Receiver, but with two large (1/2") bolts support
heavy forends.

1.1: Large Frame Receiver 03/29/2022 21

#Liberator12k Manual 1.1: Large Frame Receiver

Prints
STL Files Location: Receiver/Frame/Prints/

Frame_Receiver

Prints 03/29/2022 22
#Liberator12k Manual 1.1: Large Frame Receiver

Vitamins - Imperial
Purpose Part Quantity
Frame Bolt 1/2-13x10 Hex Bolt 2
Frame Nut 1/2-13 Hex Nut 4
Rail Nuts #8-32 Heatset Nut (Long) 2
Tension Bolt #8-32x12 Threaded Rod 4
Tension Bolt Nut #8-32 Heatset Nut (Long) 4
Tension Bolt Washer #8-32 Washer 4
Tension Bolt Acorn Nut #8-32 Acorn Nut 4
Vitamins - Metric
Purpose Part Quantity
Frame Bolt DIN931 M12x260 Hex Head Bolt 2
Frame Nut DIN934 M12 Hex Nut 4
Rail Nuts M4 Heatset Nut (TODO: Long) 2
Tension Bolt DIN795 M4x305 Threaded Rod 4
Tension Bolt Nut M4 Heatset Nut (M4xD7xL8) 4
Tension Bolt Washer DIN125 M4 Washer 4
Tension Bolt Acorn Nut DIN1587 M4 Domed Hex Cap Nut 4

Vitamins - Imperial 03/29/2022 23

#Liberator12k Manual 1.1: Large Frame Receiver

Post-Processing
Install Tension Nuts

These four threaded inserts are installed in the front of the receiver.

Insert a threaded rod through the receiver from the rear and screw on the threaded insert while you install the
threaded inserts, this will help keep them aligned.

Install Rail Nuts

Insert a threaded rod through the receiver from the top and screw on the threaded insert while you install the
insert.

Epoxy Acorn Nuts

The acorn nuts need to be permanently secured to the threaded rods so you can actually unscrew them from
the back. Red threadlocker or 2-part epoxy are both good options.

File/Sand Internal Surfaces

The smoother these surfaces, the nicer the gun will run. Mostly optional, print at 0.1mm for better overall
quality.

Post-Processing 03/29/2022 24
#Liberator12k Manual

1.2: Fire Control Group

A fire control group for fixed recoil plate designs. Trigger is based on The Unknown Cat's design.

The sear is a square rod with a cross-pin near the bottom. An inclined slot in each side of the trigger forces
the cross-pin and sear downward when the trigger is pulled. A central support tab keeps the sear and its
return spring (not pictured) oriented vertically.

A compression spring located below the sear pushes the sear into the upward position, driving the trigger
forward via the sear pin.

A linear hammer strikes the firing pin, which protrudes through the recoil plate.

The FCG is designed to support slamfire via the optional disconnector.

1.2: Fire Control Group 03/29/2022 25

#Liberator12k Manual 1.2: Fire Control Group

Prints
STL Files Location: Receiver/FCG/Prints/

FCG_Housing FCG_Disconnector FCG_FiringPinCollar FCG_ChargingHandle

FCG_Hammer FCG_HammerTail FCG_TriggerMiddle FCG_Trigger

Prints 03/29/2022 26
#Liberator12k Manual 1.2: Fire Control Group

Vitamins - Imperial
Purpose Part Quantity
Charging Handle Bolt #8-32x1/4" SS Socket Cap Bolt 1
Charging Handle Nut #8-32 Short Heatset Nut 1
Disconnector Pivot Pin 3/32"x3/4" Steel Pin 1
Disconnector Spring 0.22" OD 0.625" Long (0.02" wire) 1
Firing Pin 6Dx2" Box Nail, cut flush to 1.54" OAL 1
Firing Pin Spring 0.22" OD 0.625" Long (0.02" wire) 1
Hammer Bolt 1/4-20x5" Flat Head Bolt 1
Hammer Bolt Sleeve 9/32"x3.5" K&S Brass Tube 1
Hammer Cap Nut 1/4-20" Acorn Nut 1
Hammer Nut 1/4-20" Heatset Nut (Short) 1
Hammer Spring 0.052x0.625x3" ~6.3lbs/in Compression Spring 1
Recoil Plate (L12k) #Liberator12k Official Alloy Recoil Plate 1*
Recoil Plate (DIY) 2x2-3/8x3/8" Mild Steel Plate 1*
Recoil Plate Center Bolts #8-32x1.5 SS Flat-Head Bolt 2
Recoil Plate Side Bolts #8-32x0.5 SS Flat-Head Bolt 4
Sear 1/4"x1.67" Steel Square Rod 1
Sear Pin 3/32"x1/2" Music Wire 1
Sear Return Spring 0.02" Wire, 0.25"x1.25" 1
* Pick one, these parts have alternates.

Vitamins - Imperial 03/29/2022 27

#Liberator12k Manual 1.2: Fire Control Group

Vitamins - Metric
Purpose Part Quantity
Charging Handle Bolt TODO: DIN???? M4x1/4" SS Socket Cap Bolt 1
Charging Handle Nut TODO: M4 Heatset 1
Disconnector Pivot Pin 2.5x18mm Stainless Steel Pin 1
Disconnector Spring 0.5mm Wire, 6mm OD, 20mm Length Spring (Cut to 16mm) 1
Firing Pin 2.5x50mm Nail, , cut flush to 40mm OAL 1
Firing Pin Spring 0.5mm Wire, 6mm OD, 20mm Length Spring (Cut to 16mm) 1
Hammer Bolt DIN7991 M6x130 Countersunk Bolt 1
Hammer Bolt Sleeve 6mm ID Sleeve for Hammer Bolt 1
Hammer Cap Nut DIN1587 M6 Domed Hex Cap Nut 1
Hammer Nut M6 Heatset Nut (M6xD9.5xL6) 1
Hammer Spring 1.4mm Wire, 16mm OD, 80mm Length Spring 1
Recoil Plate (L12k) None 1*
Recoil Plate (DIY) 6mm Thickness 50.80x60.325mm AISI 4140 Steel Plate 1*
Recoil Plate Center Bolts DIN7991 M4x40 A2/A4 Countersunk Bolt 2
Recoil Plate Side Bolts DIN7991 M4x40 A2/A4 Countersunk Bolt 4
Sear 6mm x 42.42mm Steel Square Rod 1
Sear Pin None 1
Sear Return Spring 0.5mm Wire, 6.5mm OD, 35mm Length Spring 1
* Pick one, these parts have alternates.

Vitamins - Metric 03/29/2022 28

#Liberator12k Manual 1.2: Fire Control Group

Post-Processing
Trigger Subassembly

1. Insert the trigger middle portion into the glued sides. It should slide freely.
2. Drop the sear return spring into the trigger middle.
3. Insert the sear and and compress the return spring until the pin hole is visible through the side slot.
4. Insert cross-pin through the inclined slot through the sear. It should lay flush or just below the
surface of the trigger sides.
5. Verify the trigger moves freely.
6. Lube the cross-pin hole, both sides of the slot, front and rear of the sear.
7. Squeezing the trigger should now feel silky smooth.

Hammer Subassembly

Install the 1/4-20" heatset nut into the rear of the hammer (the portion with the large pocket) and wait to
cool.

Install the hammer bolt and slip the hammer bolt sleeve over the extended portion. Add the hammer spring,
hammer tail. Finally, install the hammer cap nut with threadlocker.

Firing Pin Subassembly

Prepare the firing pin by cutting the 6D box nail to 1.535" in length. Cut generously, file flush and gently
round the outer edge of the end. Sand smooth with 220 grit or finer.

Ream the firing pin collar hole to 2.5mm and install into the firing pin collar from the rear, the flared portion
is forward.

Install the firing pin spring into the flared portion of the firing pin collar.

Charging Handle

Install the #8-32 heatset nut into the charging handle and allow to cool.

Before installing the #8-32x1/4" Socket Cap Screw, chuck it up in a drill and file/sand the side of the bolt
cap smooth. Then install the bolt into the charging handle from the underside.

DIY Hardware
If you don't want to purchase a kit from the Liberator12k.com Store, you can make your own. It won't be
faster or cheaper, but all the information you need is freely available and the hardware is available at your
local hardware store or metal supplier.

Post-Processing 03/29/2022 29
#Liberator12k Manual 1.2: Fire Control Group

Sear

• 1/8" hole 5/16" from the bottom for the sear cross-pin
• This hole should be drilled under-size and reamed if possible.
• Filing any burrs is Good Enough

Sear Cross-Pin

• 3/32" Music Wire

• 1/2" long
• Ends should be slightly rounded and smooth.

Recoil Plate

Required Tool Metric Alternative

#8-32 Tap M4 Tap
#29 Drill Bit 3.5mm Drill Bit
5/16" Drill Bit 8mm Drill Bit
2.5mm Drill Bit N/A
Instructions

The full How To is incomplete, but at a high level:

1. Print a Recoil Plate template (TODO).

2. Mark the holes with a punch and drill to specified size.
3. Tap the holes for the tension rods and FCG Housing holes with #8-32.

Sear 03/29/2022 30
#Liberator12k Manual 1.2: Fire Control Group

Technical Notes
Recoil Plate

2" wide (fits between the frame bolts) and 2.375" high, 1/4" thick. This covers the tension rods and provides
room for the revolver spindle pin.

Firing Pin

When the hammer is in the full forward position, the back of the Firing Pin will be flush with the back of
the FCG Housing, meaning anything beyond 1.5" will stick out of front of the recoil plate.

However... nails have a pointed tip - and you have to cut that off.. plus a little deformed metal rear of the tip.
So plan for some loss. A bare minimum of, 40mm worth of nail to work with.

The nail is intended to be glued into the collar, and the collar is indexed with wide flats, so it can't rotate -
making it rimfire-friendly.

Why won't my firing pin fit? It's a 6D, but it's got a 2.75mm shaft

You've got "Common" nails. You need 6D "Box" nails - they're thinner. Sorry :) A 6D Box nail has a
2.4mm shaft.

Hammer Spring

There's some flexibility here. "If it fits, I sits." >5/16" ID and < 5/8" OD.

You shouldn't need a stupid strong spring - 10lb is probably too much, but it shouldn't ever be an issue for
the FCG. The hammer tail would probably fail first, or the charging handle bolt. If you can't charge it by
hand, it's too strong.

Trigger Pull

The coefficient of friction for lubed steel/steel is ~0.16, the trigger has a mechanical advantage of 1.5. Give
or take, trigger pull is 10% of hammer spring.

Plastic-on-plastic friction probably contributes much more to trigger pull than the hammer spring does.

For improved performance:

1. Polish and lube the sear surfaces and pin.

2. Sand/polish the friction surfaces of the trigger sides.
3. Use a needle file to clean up the inclined slot in the Trigger.
4. Sand/polish slot smooth.

Technical Notes 03/29/2022 31

#Liberator12k Manual

1.3: Lower Receiver

Provides a grip, trigger guard, means of attachment via T-lugs. The printed parts are sandwiched and bolted
together. The mount is sandwiched in with the lower side plates. The T-lug tabs secure the mount into the
lower. The lower mount couples the lower to the receiver.

1.3: Lower Receiver 03/29/2022 32

#Liberator12k Manual 1.3: Lower Receiver

Prints
STL Files Location: Receiver/Lower/Prints/

Lower_Left Lower_Middle Lower_Right

Lower_MountFront Lower_MountRear

Prints 03/29/2022 33
#Liberator12k Manual 1.3: Lower Receiver

Vitamins - Imperial
Purpose Part Quantity
Lower Nut #8-32 Heatset Nut (Short) 5
Lower Bolt #8-32x1.25 SS Flat-Head Bolt 5
Lower Pin Universal Clevis Pin 1/4x2" 1
Lower Pin Retaining Pin 6Dx2" Box Nail 1
Vitamins - Metric
Purpose Part Quantity
Lower Nut M4 Heatset Nut (M4xD7xL5) 5
Lower Bolt DIN7991 M4x35 A2/A4 Countersunk Bolt 5
Lower Pin None 1
Lower Pin Retaining Pin 2.5x50mm Nail 1

Vitamins - Imperial 03/29/2022 34

#Liberator12k Manual 1.3: Lower Receiver

Post-Processing
Install Heatset Nuts

Install the heatset nuts into Lower_Left.

Pin Retainer

Locate the small hole in the Lower_MountRear. Insert Lower Pin Retaining Pin, press it into the mount until
flush.

Subassembly

Requires the trigger from the Fire Control Group.

1. Lay Lower_Left flat-side up.

2. Install Lower_MountFront - the extended portion points left.
3. Install Lower_MountRear - the extended portion points left.
4. Tuck the trigger up between the two LowerMounts.
5. Add Lower_Middle to the stack.
6. Add Lower_Right, it should seat on the LowerMount tabs.
7. Gently compress the stack by hand.

If there are large gaps in the stack, light tapping with a rubber mallet should close them. If you need a lot of
force, there's probably something binding. Figure out what's bulging, and file it down. Needle files are great
for this.

Technical Notes
Trigger Pull

File, sand smooth, and lube any friction surfaces that are dragging.

Post-Processing 03/29/2022 35
#Liberator12k Manual

1.4: Stock

A stock and buttpad designed to fit the standard receiver.

Four Tension Rods secure the stock to the Receiver.

A Stock Pin keeps the Stock_Backplate on the stock - this secures the guts of the Receiver in place. Remove
to field strip the gun.

1.4: Stock 03/29/2022 36

#Liberator12k Manual 1.4: Stock

Prints
STL Files Location: Receiver/Stock/Prints/

Stock Stock_Backplate Stock_Buttpad

Prints 03/29/2022 37
#Liberator12k Manual 1.4: Stock

Vitamins - Imperial
Purpose Part Quantity
Stock Pin Universal Clevis Pin 1/4x2" 1
Stock Pin Retaining Pin 6Dx2" Box Nail 1
Stock Backplate Nut 1/4-20 Heatset Nut (Short) 2
Stock Buttpad Bolt 1/4-20x3-1/2" Flat Head Screw 2
Vitamins - Metric
Purpose Part Quantity
Stock Pin None 1
Stock Pin Retaining Pin 2.5x50mm Nail 1
Stock Backplate Nut M6 Heatset Nut (M6xD9.5xL6) 2
Stock Buttpad Bolt DIN7991 M6x90 Countersunk Bolt 2

Vitamins - Imperial 03/29/2022 38

#Liberator12k Manual 1.4: Stock

Post-Processing
Stock Backplate

Insert the Stock Pin Retaining Pin into the back of the Stock_Backplate.

Buttstock

Insert the Stock Buttpad Bolts through the Stock_Buttpad, and screw into the back of the Stock Latch
Subassembly.

Technical Notes
Stock Pin

The Universal Clevis Pin is simply an off-the-shelf item that works for the job. A better, purpose-made pin
can be easily made: 2x1/4" round rod. Cut a small groove cut around the center to act as a detent for the
Stock Pin Retaining Pin. This secures the pin in place.

Stock Pin Retaining Pin

I've used 3/32" music wire, 6D box nails, 2.5mm stainless wire. It just needs to be about that size and about
2" long.

Drill out the hole in the Stock_Backplate to size, and hammer in your pin. Add superglue to the last bit
before you hammer it all the way in.

Post-Processing 03/29/2022 39
#Liberator12k Manual

2: Forends - Choose Your Weapon

Your First Build

Your first build should be a CAFE12 break-action 12ga. Even if there's another design that caught your eye,
the CAFE12 is training wheels for the project and a great way to kick the tires on your receiver build.

CAFE12 or CAFE12+

The Plus version uses 4130 tube instead of Schedule 40 pipe. 3/4" Schedule 40 pipes and 4130 tube are
different sizes, so the CAFE12 and CAFE12+ forends do not share all parts.

The CAFE12 will be slightly cheaper, and you can easily source the parts from your local hardware stores.
The pipe seam must be removed from the barrel, a large rat tail or half-round file works nicely. This may
take some WORK. Pipe seams suck and are sketchy.

The CAFE12+'s normalized 4130 tube is much stronger and seamless. You'll have to purchase it from a
metals supplier. Since it's stronger, machining is harder as well - don't use a pipe cutter on 4130 tubing.

Using an Official Liberator12k.com Store Kit? Go to 2a: CAFE12+ Forend

Planning to fabricate all your own parts? Go to 2b: CAFE12 Forend

The Models
This list includes models that don't fit into the Universal Receiver system, like BARBB. Most of these
forends can be mounted to the universal receiver without modification.

Model Class Status

CAFE12+ Top Break Alpha
CAFE12 Top Break Alpha
FP37 Top Break Alpha
ZZR 6x12 Zig Zag Revolver Prototype
BARBB Bolt-Action Bullpup Prototype

Just a reminder, the Liberator12k.com Store has complete parts kits if you don't want to source your own
hardware. Your support is greatly appreciated, thank you!

CAFE12 Plus

This upgraded kit uses 4130 tubing instead of Schedule 40 pipe.

Jump to 2a: CAFE12+ Forend

2: Forends - Choose Your Weapon 03/29/2022 40

#Liberator12k Manual 2: Forends - Choose Your Weapon

CAFE12 Base

A CAFE12 break-action shotgun that uses Schedule 40 pipe instead of 4130 tube. 2b: CAFE12 Forend has
the full details about what pipes you need to buy and tips for how to prepare them.

FP37

The FP37 was mostly "For Fun" and because it was an easy demonstration of how flexible the
#Liberator12k platform can be. The parts list is almost identical to the CAFE.

2c: FP37 Forend will put a flare launcher in your hands.

ZZR6x12

Still a work-in-progress, but there's enough here that you could run a set of prints. No guarantees that any of
it'll work or even go together properly.

CAFE12 Base 03/29/2022 41

#Liberator12k Manual

2a: CAFE12+ Forend

A 12ga Top Break variant inspired by the venerable pipe shotgun.

The Easy Way

You can buy a CAFE kit from the #Liberator12k store.

CAFE12 or CAFE12+
This is the documentation for the Plus Version using 4130 tube instead of Schedule 40 pipe. 3/4" Schedule
40 pipes and 4130 tube are different sizes, so the CAFE12 and CAFE12+ have different Barrel Collars.

See Chapter 2b: CAFE12 Forend if you're sourcing your own barrel from pipe.

2a: CAFE12+ Forend 03/29/2022 42

#Liberator12k Manual 2a: CAFE12+ Forend

Prints
STL Files Location: Forend/TopBreak_CAFE12+/Prints/

ReceiverFront Forend BarrelCollar Extractor

LatchTab Cluster Vertical Foregrip Sightpost

Part Filament Used Print Time @ 0.4mm

ReceiverFront 57g 07h17m
Forend 189g 1d01h10m
BarrelCollar 114g 15h00m
Extractor 14g 1h55m
LatchBlock 114g 15h00m
Cluster ?g ?h?m
Vertical Foregrip ?g ?h?m
Total 420g 2d08h09m

Prints 03/29/2022 43
#Liberator12k Manual 2a: CAFE12+ Forend

Inch BOM

This build uses the Top-Break Common BOM in addition to the following components.

Component Purpose Part Quantity

Forend/Barrel Assembly Trunnion Set Screws #8-32x1/8" Grub Screw 8
Forend/Barrel Assembly Trunnion 1.25"x0.125" 4130 Tubing 8" Long 1
Forend/Barrel Assembly Barrel 1"x0.093" 4130 Tubing 20" Long 1
Forend/Barrel Assembly Barrel Shim 3x6" 0.002" Shim Stock 1

Metric BOM

TODO

Assembly
Use the [Top Break Common Assembly Instructions][TopBreak_Assembly.html].

Inch BOM 03/29/2022 44

#Liberator12k Manual

2b: CAFE12 Forend

A 12ga Top Break variant based on the venerable pipe shotgun.

This version uses Schedule 40 3/4" and 1" pipe. Read the Chapter 2a: CAFE12+ Forend for the better,
faster, stronger 4130 tube forend.

Partial Kit
You can still buy a Partial CAFE kit from the #Liberator12k store.

It has all the nuts, bolts, and custom parts already completed for you, just no barrel. If you want to DIY
everything, see Appendix: Top-Break Common - Machining.

2b: CAFE12 Forend 03/29/2022 45

#Liberator12k Manual 2b: CAFE12 Forend

Prints
STL Files Location: Forend/TopBreak_CAFE12/Prints/

ReceiverFront Forend BarrelCollar Extractor

LatchTab Cluster Vertical Foregrip Sightpost

These numbers are wrong, TODO: Redo them. Copied from CAFE12+, ballpark accurate.

Part Filament Used Print Time @ 0.4mm

ReceiverFront 57g 07h17m
Forend 189g 1d01h10m
BarrelCollar 114g 15h00m
Extractor 14g 1h55m
LatchBlock 114g 15h00m
Cluster ?g ?h?m
Vertical Foregrip ?g ?h?m
Total 420g 2d08h09m

Vitamins
Inch BOM

This build uses the Top-Break Common BOM in addition to the following components.

Component Purpose Part Quantity

Forend/Barrel Trunnion Adhesive 2-part Epoxy 1
Forend/Barrel Trunnion Bolts #8-32x1/2" Socket Head Screw 3
Forend/Barrel Trunnion 1" NPT Schedule 40 Pipe 8" Long 1
Forend/Barrel Barrel 3/4" NPT Schedule 40 Pipe 18.5" Long 1

Prints 03/29/2022 46
#Liberator12k Manual 2b: CAFE12 Forend

Schedule 40 Pipe

These Schedule 40 galvanized pipes are common in every single hardware store in the United States. They'll
be in the plumbing section, with a silvery finish.

Pipe Seam

Pipes have a seam - this is not a good thing for many reasons, but it is what it is. You'll have to file the seam
out of the 3/4" pipe near the chamber area, and out of the entire 1" pipe.

1" Pipe Nipples

"Pipe nipples" - they're just short pipes threaded on both ends. They're more expensive per foot, but they
tend to be smoother on the inside and will require less filing.

Metric BOM

TODO

Schedule 40 Pipe 03/29/2022 47

#Liberator12k Manual 2b: CAFE12 Forend

Post-Processing
If you purchased a kit all the machining is already done for you.

Foregrip Cluster Heatset

Install the Foregrip Bolt Nut on the inside of the Cluster.

Trunnion Machining

The Trunnion has several #8-32 holes drilled along the top. These holes are used to secure the BarrelCollar
to the Trunnion and the Foregrip Cluster to the Trunnion and Barrel.

DIY Fixture

DO NOT DRILL THE BARREL

A fixture located at Forend/TopBreak_CAFE12/Fixtures/TrunnionFixture.stl can be used

to help you drill and tap your own Trunnion.

Using a #8-32 tap, add threads to the hole in the middle. Use a 1.5" #8-32 to hold the Trunnion in place like
a set screw. Now you're ready to drill and tap the holes.

DO NOT DRILL THE BARREL

Drill the holes out with a #29 wire bit, start out very slowly so the drill bit doesn't walk on the round
surface.Be sure to clear your chips early and often, use lots of cutting fluid.

Once you've finished drilling and tapping, ensure the inside of the Trunnion is clear of any chips and debris.

Extractor Slot Machining

File out a 1/4" wide slot in the 6-O'clock position for the extractor bit. Aim for a 45 degree angle 1/8" deep.

File this same notch in a matching location on the barrel. This is easiest if you wait until you've installed the
Cluster.

Latch Bars Machining

Drill and tap the the Latch Rods 1" from the end -

Barrel Subassembly

Install the Barrel into the Trunnion, add the Cluster and Foregrip. The Foregrip Bolt Nut and Cluster Bolts
should act as set screws to secure the Barrel into the Trunnion.

Post-Processing 03/29/2022 48
#Liberator12k Manual 2b: CAFE12 Forend

Barrel Collar: Extractor Subassembly

1. Insert the Extractor Bit into the Extractor.

2. Drop the Extractor Spring into the Barrel Collar's large rectangular hole.
3. Insert the Extractor into the hole, and install the Extractor Retainer from the large round hole for the
barrel.

Barrel Collar: Latch Subassembly

1. Insert the Latch Springs into the small square holes in the Barrel Collar.
2. Insert the Latch Bars into the square holes in the Barrel Collar.
3. Ensure the Latch Bars slide smoothly - file the holes if necessary.
4. Insert the two rectangular tabs of the Latch into the underside of the *Barrel Collar
5. Depress the Latch Bars while you install the Latch Screws.
6. Lube the slots and bars.

Forend Subassembly

1. Rotate the Barrel Collar up into the Forend.

2. Install the Barrel with the sleeve

Barrel Collar: Extractor Subassembly 03/29/2022 49

#Liberator12k Manual

2c: FP37 Forend

"Flare Projector" 37mm - It's not a weapon.

• Manual Charging
• Linear Hammer
• Single shot
• Top-break action

2c: FP37 Forend 03/29/2022 50

#Liberator12k Manual 2c: FP37 Forend

Prints
STL Files Location: Forend/TopBreak_FP37/Prints/

ReceiverFront Forend BarrelCollar Extractor

LatchTab Cluster Vertical Foregrip Sightpost

These numbers are wrong, TODO: Redo them. Copied from CAFE12+, ballpark accurate.

Part Filament Used Print Time @ 0.4mm

ReceiverFront 57g 07h17m
Forend 189g 1d01h10m
BarrelCollar 114g 15h00m
Extractor 14g 1h55m
LatchBlock 114g 15h00m
Cluster ?g ?h?m
Vertical Foregrip ?g ?h?m
Total 420g 2d08h09m

Vitamins
Inch BOM

This build uses the Top-Break Common BOM in addition to the following components.

Component Purpose Part Quantity

FP37 Trunnion Adhesive 2-part Epoxy 1
FP37 Cluster Bolt Nuts #8-32 Heat Set Short 2
FP37 Trunnion Bolt Nuts #8-32 Heat Set Short 2
FP37 Barrel 1-5/8x19" Fence Post 1

Prints 03/29/2022 51
#Liberator12k Manual 2c: FP37 Forend

Fence Post Barrel

1-5/8-in x 1-5/8-in W x 8-ft H Silver Galvanized Steel Line Fence Post Lowes has this stuff for $26/8ft.
Item #552282Model #58910128

Trunnion

There is no trunnion.

Fence Post Barrel 03/29/2022 52

#Liberator12k Manual 2c: FP37 Forend

Post-Processing
If you purchased a kit, all the machining is already done for you.

Foregrip Cluster Heatset

Install the Foregrip Bolt Nut on the inside of the Cluster.

Extractor Slot Machining

File out a 1/4" wide slot in the 6-O'clock position for the extractor bit. Aim for a 45 degree angle 1/8" deep.

File this same notch in a matching location on the barrel. This is easiest if you wait until you've installed the
Cluster.

Latch Bars Machining

Drill and tap the the Latch Rods 1" from the end -

Barrel Subassembly

Install the Barrel into the Cluster and Foregrip. The Foregrip Bolt Nut and Cluster Bolts should act as set
screws to secure the Barrel into the Trunnion.

Barrel Collar: Extractor Subassembly

1. Insert the Extractor Bit into the Extractor.

2. Drop the Extractor Spring into the Barrel Collar's large rectangular hole.
3. Insert the Extractor into the hole, and install the Extractor Retainer from the large round hole for the
barrel.

Barrel Collar: Latch Subassembly

1. Insert the Latch Springs into the small square holes in the Barrel Collar.
2. Insert the Latch Bars into the square holes in the Barrel Collar.
3. Ensure the Latch Bars slide smoothly - file the holes if necessary.
4. Insert the two rectangular tabs of the Latch into the underside of the *Barrel Collar
5. Depress the Latch Bars while you install the Latch Screws.
6. Lube the slots and bars.

Forend Subassembly

1. Rotate the Barrel Collar up into the Forend.

2. Install the Barrel.
3. Install the Barrel Collar Screws

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3: Ammunition
Now that you've got a receiver and forend, you need some ammo.

The good news is there are printable shells in the project. The bad news is they aren't rendered to STL yet.

Swing by the chat if you want to 3D print some ammo.

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4. Developers
Want to customize the designs to fit the materials you have on hand? Change gauge or caliber completely, or
something even more extreme?

The real "secret sauce" of this project, is the software library I developed during the design process of these
guns. I tried a lot of different ideas, and what I came away with, is an OpenSCAD software library
chock-full of useful configurable gun parts.

If you browse through the code, you'll see the project has been grouped into major functional areas.

• Ammo - Printable Ammunition

• Receiver - Lower+Universal Receiver
• Forends - Interchangeable forends for the receiver
• Tooling - Printable tools for gun making
• Vitamins - Store-bought parts, nut and bolts, collars, etc.
• Toys - Ideas I've tried and thrown away, or not.

Requirements
If you're running Linux/Mac and have make available, there are Makefiles here.

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is required to render printable STLs.

Liberator12k Source Code

You will also need the complete source code ZIP for the project. If you're reading this, you should have a
copy. Otherwise, download the zip.

Rendering STLs
OpenSCAD has a "Customizer" pane which can be enabled from the View menu. Only very advanced users
and developers need to touch the source code - everything else can be done with the customizer panel:

Some of the designs have other presets, like the break-action:

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#Liberator12k Manual 4. Developers

Export STL for Printing

1. Choose the part you want and push F6 to render it, or from the Design menu, select Render.
2. Once you've rendered a part for printing, you need to export the STL.
3. Push F7 or File -> Export -> Export as STL.
4. Save it with a unique filename based on the part name.stl

For instance:

• ReceiverFront.stl
• ReceiverForend.stl
• BarrelCollar.stl
• Extractor.stl
• Latch.stl
• Foregrip.stl

Assembly

When you preview (F5), you will see the complete assembly of all the related parts. This section lets you
show/hide parts, cutaway parts, and control transparency.

Vitamins

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#Liberator12k Manual 4. Developers

Customize the nuts, bolts, tubes, rods, etc used to render the model. This is a great way to customize a
design to your own uses/materials.

Fine Tuning

Allows customizing some of the parameters of a model. Useful for customizing.

Branding

Control the branding text by model.

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5. Why
It is the imperative of every living thing to defend itself. That means it's up to you to fight back when
something tries to eat you.

Get help if you can, but sometimes no help is coming. Let this be a light for dark times.

No Step
The 2-inch-long Golden Poison Dart Frog's skin contains a toxin so deadly it can kill over a dozen adults.
But they'd all have to touch it. Rosebushes and rattlesnakes get along like hemlock and honeybees. Harmless
and helpless are worlds apart.

Let us trade stories, good times, food, jeans, and genes. Go in peace and prosper. Failing that - leave me
alone or else.

Bigger Fish to Fry

The great democides and wars in living memory have demonstrated the need for individually held arms.

If history repeats itself, complying might be the death of you. So like the honeybee - fight like hell anyway.

The "Banality of Evil"

The second greatest danger to human prosperity and life is the order giver. Stalin, Hitler, and Mao never
personally murdered anyone. Neither did Charles Manson or Jim Jones for that matter.

The greatest danger is the unquestioning order-follower. Nothing more than a cog in a machine.

1. Enforce the current government's current laws, even if they are atrocious.
2. Fight the current government's enemies, even if manufactured or imagined.

"Befehl ist Befehl" is German for "an order is an order." Nazis used this explanation in the Nuremberg trials
to excuse their murders. "I was just following orders" they said.

Takeaway: You can be murdered by a normal person just going about their day. That person might be an
upstanding patriot wearing your country's flag and enforcing the law - following lawful orders to murder
you.

See also: Hannah Arendt

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Murder Machine

I'm a software engineer, it's a lens through which I see the world. I see nation states which run like mindless
machines. Code written by lawyers running on flawed human beings doing their part. Its ultimate tool:
violence - to death. And nobody knows this is a machine.

What About Mass Shooters?

Most definitions of "mass shooting" use something along the lines of 3+ people.

Nation states have body counts in the tens of millions, with precedents in living memory. When a state is
murdering it's own people, that's a Tuesday morning in BFE. An event so routine and monotonous that they
make up games to spice things up.

Don't miss the forest for the trees.

What About Terrorists?

The US Government gave them billions of dollars worth of equipment way better than this when it left
Afghanistan.

What About Tanks and Nukes?

Read up a bit on Guerrilla Warfare tactics.

And 3D printed nukes.

Some other thoughts of others

A man's natural rights are his own, against the whole world; and any infringement of them is
equally a crime; whether committed by one man, or by millions; whether committed by one
man, calling himself a robber, or by millions calling themselves a government.

Lysander Spooner, No Treason: The Constitution of No Authority

My political opinions lean more and more to Anarchy (philosophically understood, meaning
abolition of control not whiskered men with bombs) - or to 'unconstitutional' Monarchy. I
would arrest anybody who uses the word State (in any sense other than the inanimate realm
of England and its inhabitants, a thing that has neither power, rights nor mind); and after a
chance of recantation, execute them if they remained obstinate! If we could get back to
personal names, it would do a lot of good. Government is an abstract noun meaning the art
and process of governing and it should be an offence to write it with a capital G or so as to
refer to people. If people were in the habit of referring to 'King George's council, Winston
and his gang', it would go a long way to clearing thought, and reducing the frightful landslide
into Theyocracy.

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The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, pg. 74, Letter 52.

And how we burned in the camps later, thinking: What would things have been like if every
Security operative, when he went out at night to make an arrest, had been uncertain whether
he would return alive and had to say good-bye to his family? Or if, during periods of mass
arrests, as for example in Leningrad, when they arrested a quarter of the entire city, people
had not simply sat there in their lairs, paling with terror at every bang of the downstairs door
and at every step on the staircase, but had understood they had nothing left to lose and had
boldly set up in the downstairs hall an ambush of half a dozen people with axes, hammers,
pokers, or whatever else was at hand?... The Organs would very quickly have suffered a
shortage of officers and transport and, notwithstanding all of Stalin's thirst, the cursed
machine would have ground to a halt! If...if...We didn't love freedom enough. And even more
- we had no awareness of the real situation.... We purely and simply deserved everything that
happened afterward.

Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn , The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956

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Unlicense
This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.

Anyone is free to copy, modify, publish, use, compile, sell, or distribute this software, either in source code
form or as a compiled binary, for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, and by any means.

In jurisdictions that recognize copyright laws, the author or authors of this software dedicate any and all
copyright interest in the software to the public domain. We make this dedication for the benefit of the public
at large and to the detriment of our heirs and successors. We intend this dedication to be an overt act of
relinquishment in perpetuity of all present and future rights to this software under copyright law.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
AUTHORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN
ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

For more information, please refer to unlicense.org

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Appendix: Top-Break Common - BOM

Inch BOM
Component Purpose Part Quantity
Forend Reinforcement Screws #10x3" Bugle Head Deck Screws 2
Forend Trunnion Bolts #8-32x1/2" Socket Cap Screw 3
Forend Extractor Bit #2 flat 1/4" Hex Bit 1
Forend Extractor Retainer 1/4"x3/4" Dowel Pin 1
Forend Extractor Spring 12lb 5/6" OD 2.75" Long 1
Forend Latch Bars 1/4"x3" Square Rod 2
Forend Latch Screws #8-32x1" Flat Head Screw 2
Forend Latch Springs 0.22" OD x 0.02" Wire x 1.6" Long 2
Forend/Handguard Handguard Bolts #8-32x12" Threaded Rod 2
Forend/Handguard Handguard Bolt Nuts #8-32 Heatset Insert 2
Forend/Handguard Handguard Bolt Caps #8-32 Acorn Nut 2
Forend/Handguard Handguard Bolt Washers #8-32 Washer 2
Forend/Handguard Cluster Bolts #8-32x1/2" Flat Head Screw 2
Forend/Handguard Vertical Foregrip Bolt 1/4"-20x3.5" Flat Head Screw 1
Forend/Handguard Vertical Foregrip Nut 1/4"-20 Heatset Insert 1
Forend/Handguard Vertical Foregrip Pin 2.5x18mm Dowel Pin 1
Forend/Handguard Sightpost Bead Screw #8-32x1-1/2" Socket Cap Screw 1
Forend/Handguard Sightpost Nut #8-32 Heatset Insert 1

Metric BOM

TODO

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Appendix: Top-Break Common - Assembly

Hardware Kit
If you purchased a kit, all the machining is already done for you.

To DIY all the parts yourself, read the Top-Break Common Machining section.

Print Post-Processing
Tools you may use include:

• Needle File Set

• 1/2" Reamer
• 3/4" half-round file
• #2 Square Drive Bit
• Sandpaper, ~100-300
• Superglue, 2-part epoxy, or other permanent adhesive.

Forend

1. Ream the frame bolt holes.

2. Lightly apply permanent adhesive or epoxy to the Reinforcement Screws.
3. Screw the Reinforcement Screws into the forend and wipe off any excess.
4. Optional: sand the pivot surfaces smooth.
5. Oil the pivot surfaces.

Barrel Collar

Pivot

1. Using pliers, peel off the supports from the pivot area.
2. Flush cutters can be used to clean up the flat portion.
3. Using a 3/4" half-round file, file the rounded inner pivot area smooth.
4. If there is any elephant's foot, file it off now.
5. Sand the inner curve of the pivot smooth with progressively finer grits.
6. Test fit by rotating the Barrel Collar up into the Forend.
7. Sand the inner and outer curves of the Barrel Collar pivot smooth.
8. If the pivoting action feels tight or sticks, it's probably elephant foot. Clean that up.

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#Liberator12k Manual Appendix: Top-Break Common - Assembly

Extractor

1. Ream the Extractor Retainer hole to 1/4".

2. Insert the Extractor Bit into the Extractor, shim and add superglue if loose.
3. File/sand the extractor's top/bottom/sides smooth.
4. Drop the Extractor Spring into the Barrel Collar's large rectangular hole.
5. Insert the Extractor into the hole.
6. With the Extractor pressed inwards, install the Extractor Retainer through the barrel hole.

Foregrip Cluster

1. Ream the Cluster Bolts holes.

2. Ream the Handguard Bolt hole.
3. Ream the Vertical Foregrip Pin.
4. Heatset the Foregrip Nut on the inside of the Cluster.
5. Heatset the Handguard Bolt Nuts in the sides at the back of the Cluster

Latch

1. Insert the Latch Springs into the small square holes in the Barrel Collar.
2. Insert the Latch Bars into the square holes in the Barrel Collar.
3. Ensure the Latch Bars slide smoothly - file the holes if necessary.
4. Insert the two rectangular tabs of the Latch into the underside of the *Barrel Collar
5. Depress the Latch Bars while you install the Latch Screws.
6. Lube the slots and bars.

Forend

1. Rotate the Barrel Collar up into the Forend.

2. Holding the Barrel Collar, install the Barrel Group from the front.
3. Secure the Barrel Collar Bolts

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Appendix: Top-Break Common - Machining

Drill and Tap the Trunnion

These instructions apply to the CAFE series. The FP37 uses epoxy for fixing the barrel in place.

DO NOT DRILL THE BARREL

A fixture located at Forend/TopBreak_CAFE12+/Fixtures/TrunnionFixture.stl can be

used to help you drill and tap your own Trunnion.

Using a #8-32 tap, thread the hole in the middle of the fixture. Use a 1.5" #8-32 to hold the Trunnion in
place, like a set screw. Now you're ready to drill and tap the holes.

DO NOT DRILL THE BARREL

Drill the holes out with a #29 wire bit, start out very slowly so the drill bit doesn't walk on the round surface.
Be sure to clear your chips early and often, use lots of cutting fluid.

Tip: Use a small end mill to put a flat on it first, if you have one. This will prevent the drill bit from
wandering.

Once you've finished drilling and tapping, ensure the inside of the Trunnion is clear of chips and debris.

Cut the Extractor Slot

File out a 1/4" wide slot in the 6-O'clock position for the extractor bit. Aim for a 45 degree angle 1/8" deep.

File this same notch in a matching location on the barrel. This is easiest to do with the Trunnion installed on
the barrel so you can do both at once. A large square-edged file makes quick work of this operation but you
can also use a Dremel or angle grinder (and a lot of finesse).

Tip: Use a vise.

Extractor Crescent

The extractor bit needs a crescent shaped cutout to go around the cartridge. If you're making just one or two,
check-and-fit until a cartridge chambers snugly without binding.

A Dremel with a cylindrical grinding bit works best for DIY. Use a dummy cartridge.

Drill and Tap the Latch Bars

Drill and tap (#8-32) the Latch Bars 1" from the end

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Barrel Group

1. Insert the Trunnion into the rear of the Cluster and line up the threaded holes on top.
2. Insert the Barrel into the front of the Cluster. Extractor cutout-side first.
3. Headspace on a dummy cartridge. The Trunnion should be flush and the Barrel slightly recessed.
4. Install the Cluster Bolts.
5. Install the Foregrip Bolt into the Foregrip and screw into the Cluster from the bottom.

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