Step 1. First up: The raw stock aluminum is delivered. These pieces are massive, and forklifts are a big part of step one.
Step 2. Once inside, the large bar stock is cut into specific billet size in preparation for a visit to Sharps’ CNC machines.
Step 3. Once they are the correct size, the rectangular blocks are loaded into one of over a dozen machines to begin their transformation. As the machines cut and shape, the machinists occasionally intervene to change the orientation of the part and allow the work to continue.
Step 4. Once the machining is complete, the parts are all tumbled in a semi-abrasive media to clean up the finish.
Step 5. After they have been tumbled, the parts are then finished through meticulous bead blasting. This provides a very good surface for the machinists to work with going forward.
Step 6. The parts are all then closely inspected and packed up for a quick trip to be hardcoat anodized for durability. While this is an official step in quality control, this same process occurs during the entire process.
Step 7. Once the parts return, they are carefully prepped and packed to be shipped for distribution. The commitment to unique designs shown by Sharps Bros. is equaled by the company’s commitment to having an exceptional manufacturing process. As you can see, it is simply one of the best shops in the firearms industry today.
After visiting with John Sharps, I became curious as to the path each Sharps Bros. product took from raw material to finished product. Once again, John was gracious enough to share the process so we could all get a look behind the curtain. So we took a look at the Sharps Bros Jack lower receiver.
As I’ve previously written, Sharps Bros. is famous for its unique AR-platform lower receivers, including the Hellbreaker, the Warthog and the aforementioned Jack.
The renowned Sharps Bros Jack lower receiver consists of more than 3 million lines of CNC-machining code as opposed to an average of 250,000 for regular lower receivers. It is also the most popular product Sharps Bros. makes as well, outselling all others 5 to 1.
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Scroll through the gallery above for detailed step-by-step look at how Sharp goes about the build.
For more information on the Sharps Bros Jack, please visit SharpsBros.com.
This article is from the summer 2017 issue of Ballistic Magazine. To subscribe, please visit OutdoorGroupStore.com.
