Talk Me Out Of A MK18 Upper

[702Warfighter]

I had zero reliability issues with my dd 10.3 with the adjustable gas block wide open. The reason that I installed an AGB to begin with was because I expected it to have a gas port on the large side, and I knew that I would be running 5.56 ammo through it. Initially, recoil was very sharp to the point of being rough. Adjusting the gas block smoothed it out immensely. My friend wanted that gas block to fail so he could laugh, but it was I who had the last laugh. But, still, I enjoy shooting the 11.5 more.

So it's kind of a must to install a AGB? My 11.5 is not really a rough shooter. Shoots relatively flat and the recoil isn't a while lot more than my 14.5 middy.

[TXBK]

It isn't a must, but it is better. I have been accused of being a control freak.

[HKGuns]

Mine is bone stock and I don't find the recoil to be objectionable. It is only 5.56 after all.......

[TXBK]

Mine is bone stock and I don't find the recoil to be objectionable. It is only 5.56 after all.......

You are correct, but I must say that Syrac AGB's and A5 RE's work as advertised. You are missing out if you haven't experienced them together on an over-gassed SBR.

[Clint]

IMO, the 11.5" is a much better setup for general use.

Plus or minus an inch doesn't make a big difference in handling.

So I currently have a 11.5" BCM upper and I've been curious about the 10.3" mk18 upper for a while but I'm still not sure of its worth spending more money for essentially a inch less of barrel. Any suggestions or opinions is appreciated.

[Turnkey11]

Each of my DD MK18 uppers have been 100% out of the box. I don't see a lot of complaints about them despite what the LMT fans are claiming.

I did a write up about it here 3-4 years ago, I sold the DD upper 6 months after I fixed it here on the EE as well.

[Iraqgunz]

If you are going to get one, get one with a correct gas port size, or have someone competent cut down a Colt M4 barrel and open the port. Otherwise go with an 11.5". Mine is still rocking solid after 4.5 years and 18K rounds.

[HKGuns]

You are correct, but I must say that Syrac AGB's and A5 RE's work as advertised. You are missing out if you haven't experienced them together on an over-gassed SBR.

I am not that handy, I am sure you are correct, but I try hard to leave my rifles and pistols pretty much stock because I would likely screw up a good rifle installing a gas block.

[702Warfighter]

If you are going to get one, get one with a correct gas port size, or have someone competent cut down a Colt M4 barrel and open the port. Otherwise go with an 11.5". Mine is still rocking solid after 4.5 years and 18K rounds.

Do you prefer the 11.5 as opposed to a 10.3 or 10.5?

[Iraqgunz]

Without a doubt. I have been tempted to do a MK18.1 upper, but decided it has no appeal to me.

Do you prefer the 11.5 as opposed to a 10.3 or 10.5?