Question for guys who understand 3D printing

[35remington]

I am working with a picatinny rail manufacturer in another state to design a rail that will fit a Ruger 96/22 (basically a lever-action 10/22). Initially, I sent him an OEM weaver rail with the proper hole spacing and we thought this was going to be very easy: just require drilling a new hole pattern into the manufacturer's existing 10/22 picatinny rails. However, we have since realized that not only do the two receivers have different hole patterns, but also different slopes, dimensions, and radiuses. The manufacturer doesn't have a 96/22 receiver in front of him to go by, and is relying on me to take measurements and photos via phone and email. It's a PITA. If he had a model, this would be a cake walk.

If I could find someone with a 3D printer, would this work for the purposes of test-fitting a rail? I could send the 3D clone to the manufacturer and not worry about FFLs, much less the fact that the 96/22 is essentially unobtanium and would be expensive and difficult to replace if lost.

Thanks, all.

[BTGuard]

Yes it could be done, ideally you'd remove the barrel and stock, find a 3-d scanner and printer, and you'd be on your way. Someone that has the equipment/knows how to use it could probably be printing one in an hour. Printing may take a while though.
Other option would be to make a mold. Get a bunch of whatever it is people use to make molds, make one, them fill it with plaster and ship that. Might be cheaper them 3-d printing.

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