My version of a Mk18

[cohiba]

After plowing through the nearly 80 page Mk18 thread on arfcom, let me try to sum it up as best I can:

-Colt M4A1 lower
-Colt upper with a 10.3" barrel OR LMT upper with a 10.5" barrel
-KAC RIS recently changed to DD Mk18 RIS
-LMT rear BUIS with standard FSB OR KAC 300m with KAC flip up front
-Aimpoint Comp M2 in Wilcox mount
-LMT SOPMOD stock
-A2 grip
-KAC vert grip
-SF 9xx series light
-A2 flashhider

There are all sorts of pictures and links to videos as to who is employing these sweet little rifles if you care to look.


While making clones seems like it would be fun, it's not my thing. To me, if it's not the real thing well...it isn't the real thing. I like taking ideas and making them the way I would like them while trying to stay true to the basic concept. Have to admit this thing was a blast but has one little design flaw in the first set of pics as well as a slight build mistake that I had fixed today. See if you can find it.

Barrel: Instead of the LMT or Colt, I used a Noveske CQB 10.5. This is one of the few CL/SS ones. Nice full auto barrel. Uses a Noveske 17-4 GB pinned and set screwed in place. Gemtech bilock as well.

Rail: Got one of the real deal new DD Mk18s from Giffman. First DD rail and very nice. Makes for a continuous look while mating up to the upper reciever very tightly. Free float with removable bottom rail for those fortunate souls who own M203s. Oh wait... :evil: It is anodized in their version of FDE and looks great. It is longer than the KAC RIS so DD makes a Mk18 gas block because you cannot use a standard FSB.

Upper: I used a Colt M4 which would be a correct option

Stock: LMT SOPMOD just like the original. IMHO, when I think Mk18, I think of the LMT stock and the sights. Besides, it's still my favorite stock after shooting today. I've always tried to replace it but keep coming back to it...even compared to a Magpul UBR.

Sights: The original Mk18s used the LMT rear BUIS with a standard FSB. The latest version uses KACs although they seem to mix and match. I liked the look of the LMT and it is a very nice sight. Again, since the DD rail is longer than the KAC, you have to use a lo-pro GB. I used the LMT bolt on front sight to maintain the look. The sights worked well today.

Optics: The Comp M2 in the Wilcox mount is available if you look around. I do not know if the latest versions use this set up. I decided on the excellent Aimpoint T-1 in a LT mount. This worked extremely well today. Not an Aimpoint fan but someone will have to explain to me someday why the Comp M4 or any other Aimpoint is still being made, This thing rocks. 4moa dot is fine for the short distances I would use this upper for.

Lower: My Colt M16 lower is on another rifle so an SBRed PWA works just fine. Early MIAD with grip tape and Magpul triggerguard replace the A2 grip and stock guard.

BCG: One of the excellent Bravo Company ion bond units replaces the standard Colt or LMT M16 ones

Vert grip: KAC but tomorrow I see a LT FUG going on. Oh yes I do. [8D]

Light: All of the pics I've seen show a SF 9xx. I went with a SF 952 in an LT offset mount. If I had another Scout Light, I would have gone with that.

I am not going to call this a Mk18 Mod 2 or anything like that. The nomenclature police are everywhere you know. Had a chance just to run it for function today as part of my range is underwater and made setting up targets a pain. Ran perfectly for the 300 or so rounds through it. These shorties are a ton of fun.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3434.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3433.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3432.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3431.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3430.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3429.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3428.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3427.jpg

OK, the screws are fixed. There were, as Giff said, four long and two short. The Gemtech biock was not working out so Surefire to the rescue. It's mounting system flash hider allows enough room for 556K suppressor to fit properly. My beloved Gemtech suppressor wil be used elsewhere. I really, really like this upper.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3441.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3440.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3439.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3438.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3437.jpg

[Impact]

nice..

[Wally]

Are you going to attach a Surefire 556K suppressor to the front end to go with the mount? Wally

[tiger seven]

Very nice!

The more I see those rails the more I like them. I may have to get one for my Mk18 wannabe. I agree they are a ton of fun. :)

Derek

[RD62]

Looks great!

I'm working on mine right now. Hope to have the stamp and accessories soon.

-RD62

[uxb]

Nice set-up, I really like the FDE rail system

Here is my version of an early Mk18 Mod0:

http://www.fototime.com/7F0C741CA044CA0/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/33D5E1D0808BFCC/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/249C96FCEF0F797/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/CF03F70DA7BA67C/standard.jpg

PWA lower (should have been an A1 lower)

Crane markings laser-engraved by Anvil Arms

LMT SOPMOD

TD pistol grip

LMT 10.5" upper

LMT rear BUIS

Knight RAS with UK/SAS lower rail

Knight QD flash suppressor

Knight vertical foregrip

Surefire M961XM07

Insight PEQ-2A

Aimpoint Comp M2 in Wilcox mount

I need a PRI gas buster charging handle and approval for the Knight suppressor and I'll be good to go...

[MisterWilson]

Didn't all the Mk18's come with the KAC flash hider/QD suppressor mount rather than an A2?

Looks great!

[Dan Goodwin]

Cohiba,

Just saw this thread. What is the weight of your carbine fully loaded?

I'm trying to make a decision on Noveske 10.5 vs. LW 11.5.

[Peacekeeper1408]

Where did you get the PEQ-2A? Been looking for one.

[gt5966b]

does LaRue still make this mount? I can't seem to find it on their site. Does anybody have the part/model # for it? Thx.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/conndcj/conndcj1/DSCN3430.jpg

[uxb]

Where did you get the PEQ-2A? Been looking for one.

Got it from a dealer in South Central KY back in December. He had three of them at $2100 each. All gone.

Saw one last week on Sturmgewehr.com for $1800. I suggest just keeping an eye open there or posting a Want to Buy ad and see if anyone bites.

[target4fun]

I like the looks of the mirco aimpoint!

[Col_Crocs]

Very nice!

The more I see those rails the more I like them. I may have to get one for my Mk18 wannabe. I agree they are a ton of fun. :)

Derek

Oh ya, my favorite rail to date. Incredibly solid design and surprisingly light. Im willing to bet you'll end up getting an extra one for a future build. :D