Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 15

Thread: Covid Quarantine Recce Rifle or “Cov-ee” Rifle

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Republic of Texas
    Posts
    633
    Feedback Score
    18 (100%)

    Covid Quarantine Recce Rifle or “Cov-ee” Rifle

    Purpose
    The CQRR build was born of pandemic boredom and later practical need. The goal was a general purpose carbine with sub 2 MOA capability to 400 yards, non NFA, “Recce” style use concept. Carbine usable for close range (less than 100 yards) but also capable of accurate target acquisition at distance (400+ yards). Also, a lower receiver test bed for build with Forward Control Design components.

    Attachment 63010

    Upper receiver
    The original “recce” concept used a match grade stainless steel barrel to achieve the mission driven accuracy standards. A SS barrel with carbine gas system was the only barrel of the time that would meet the need. Today, there are numerous barrel options. Some chrome lined barrels offer excellent accuracy. Melonite or QPQ barrels now offer a bridge between the reliability of chrome lined barrels and the accuracy of stainless steel match barrels.

    I considered many barrels before favoring two. I didn’t want a SBR or pinned & welded barrel, so I limited my choices to 16” barrels. I also wanted a mid length gas system. The Noveske 16” Chrome Lined, hammer forged, mid weight profile barrel and the Ballistic Advantage 16” Hanson profile 556 melonite barrel. Both of these barrels offer a better profile than the Gov profile, with better weight distribution and harmonics. Both barrels are known for being very accurate, especially with match grade ammunition such as Black Hills Mk 262. Both companies also offer a pinned gas block for reliable operation.

    The Noveske barrel is possibly more accurate than the BA Hanson barrel. The Noveske barrel likely has more longevity than the BA barrel, being hammer forged. The BA barrel however offered acceptable accuracy and longevity at less than half the cost of the Noveske barrel.

    I decided on the 16” BA Hanson barrel for this project. Part of this decision is the capability of the primary operator (me) being a 2.5 MOA capable shooter out to 300 yards. I’m not entirely sold on melonite as a substitute for chrome lining when it comes to longevity, but it seemed like a good compromise for this build.

    I used a Vltor MUR upper for its tighter tolerances and potential improved accuracy. The barrel and receiver fit together tightly, without any wiggle.

    Of course a free floated hand guard for improved accuracy, while offering the flexibility of various support hand positions and providing a secure platform for mounting a future IR laser was a requirement of this build. I chose the LaRue Tactical MLOK hand guard for its balance of weight, strength/ruggedness, and because…Texas.

    Optic
    In the original military “recce” rifle, a common optic used was a variable 2.5x10. I wanted something more usable at short range (under 25 yards), and the modern LPVO seemed the way to go. I made conscious decision throughout the build to sacrifice some accuracy potential for more practical use. I chose the Nightforce NX8 1x8 FFP for its 1X usability and its FFP magnification when used at distances beyond 100 yards. The NX8 is also lighter (about 17oz before mount) than many of the better LPVO optics, such as the Vortex Viper/Razer. And finally, cuz I got a really good deal on the optic from another M4C member, with the scope already mounted in a LaRue CAT mount!

    Lower Receiver
    I’m a big fan of Forward Control’s Design components. They are generally well thought out and offer enhanced capability for shooting left handed. I wanted to build out a lower using as many FCD parts as possible. The Vltor A5 buffer system with Tactical Springs action spring was also chosen for its enhanced reliability.

    I decided on a 2 stage trigger. The first several hundred rounds were shot using a LaRue MBT-2 trigger. Recently, I replaced the fire control with Centurion Arms new 2 stage trigger. I like the slightly rounded trigger shoe of the Geissele and Centurion triggers better than the 90 degree edge of the MBT-2 trigger. This is of course personal preference. The price point on LaRue and Centurion 2 stage triggers makes them a great option compared to the $200ish Geissele SSA trigger.

    Estimated Round Count
    800ish rds. 223 and 5.56 55gr FMJ of various manufacturers. Hornady Super Match 223 75gr OTM. CBC 5.56
    77gr OTM/SMK. So far, rifle has been tested in the temperature ranges from 70 to 100 degrees. I have run slow fire for groups and used it in high volume of fire drills.

    Observations
    So far, I’ve gotten the best accuracy results from Hornady Supermatch 75gr OTM. CBC 77gr OTM also provided acceptable accuracy, though not as tight as the Hornady. Groupings at 100 yards are all under 2 MOA. When I am able to acquire Black Hills Mk 262/556 77gr OTM, I will see if it improves the accuracy over the Hornady.

    POI shift with the SF suppressor is approximately 4 inches low and a ˝ inch to the left at 100 yards. The shift is consistent and the accuracy similar to unsuppressed.

    The rifle has a peculiar knack for not locking back on the last round when using a gen 2 Pmag and resting the rifle on the mag. This does not occur with Okay or DH aluminum magazines or with Magpul Gen 3 magazines. Odd.

    Build Specs

    Upper
    • Ballistic Advantage 16”, mid-length gas, Hanson profile barrel with pinned gas block and melonite gas tube
    • Vltor MUR upper receiver
    • LaRue Tactical 12” MLOK hand guard
    • Sons of Liberty Gun Works BCG
    • Radian Charging handle
    • Surefire 556-212 flash hider & suppressor mount

    Lower
    • Sons of Liberty Gun Works lower receiver
    • Forward Controls Design lower parts:
    o EMR-A – enhanced mag release
    o ABC/R v3 – Augmented Bolt Catch/Release
    o ASF-90Q – Ambidextrous Selector, FC design, Q lever
    o EMR-H – Enhanced Magazine Release, Heavy
    o CNF – Castle Nut, FC Design
    o PF040 – Pivot/Takedown pin, FC, .040
    o TGF/W – Trigger guard, FC, Winter
    o ESF-H1 QD End Plate
    • Remainder of parts (springs and detents) supplied with SOLGW “blaster parts” kit
    • LaRue Tactical MBT-2, 2 stage trigger or Centurion 2 stage trigger.
    • Vltor A5 Receiver Extension, with A5H2 buffer and Tactical Springs “green” rifle action spring
    • BCM pistol grip
    • BCM Mod 0 Sopmod stock

    Accessories
    • Nightforce NX8 1x8 optic with LaRue Tactical CAT mount
    • Magpul Pro front and rear BUIS
    • Ferro Concepts Slingster 2 pt adj sling w/ QD attachment points
    • Surefire 556-212 suppressor
    Last edited by nightchief; 08-04-20 at 11:23. Reason: photo sharing process stinks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    287
    Feedback Score
    3 (100%)
    So how do you like that LaRue free float? I really wish he would make us what we wanted, an Mlok quad hybrid. That would have sold quit a bit.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Republic of Texas
    Posts
    633
    Feedback Score
    18 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by FightinQ View Post
    So how do you like that LaRue free float? I really wish he would make us what we wanted, an Mlok quad hybrid. That would have sold quit a bit.
    I mostly like it. I like how solid it is. The weight is ok. I would like one additional MLOK slot on the 130 & 1030 angles. The lock up system I have a love/hate relationship with. No rail system out there is perfect. None really have every feature I want. The LT is a solid choice for the price though...hard to beat $10/inch.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Republic of Texas
    Posts
    633
    Feedback Score
    18 (100%)
    I added some additional pix on this post.

    Attachment 63018Attachment 63019Attachment 63021
    Last edited by nightchief; 08-04-20 at 11:26.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    2,156
    Feedback Score
    3 (100%)
    Nice! I’m planning on putting together a gun with a similar concept behind it. It’s been kind of a gap in my personal “arsenal” for a while.
    In the short term I’ll probably be stuck with a 1-4x, although that should suffice in the terrain I have in my area. Eventually I probably will upgrade to something with higher top end magnification though.

    Any thoughts toward incorporating a lightweight or QD bipod? It’s something I’m considering but haven’t really settled on anything because every option out there is kind of a compromise and I haven’t decided what I want to compromise on yet.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    3,131
    Feedback Score
    38 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by nightchief View Post
    I mostly like it. I like how solid it is. The weight is ok. I would like one additional MLOK slot on the 130 & 1030 angles. The lock up system I have a love/hate relationship with. No rail system out there is perfect. None really have every feature I want. The LT is a solid choice for the price though...hard to beat $10/inch.
    Nice build OP! If you don’t mind I’ve got a few questions on the LaRue rail.

    Did you happen to weigh the handguard and hardware?

    How rigid is the rail itself? Can you pinch the side of the rail and barrel and make the rail deflect?

    Last thing, is it a true 12” length from front of the upper receiver?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    3,120
    Feedback Score
    50 (100%)
    Nice build

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    2,976
    Feedback Score
    94 (100%)
    Having seen this rifle in action it is the real deal. Also, fantastic write up. Folks should use this as their guideline for posting in the custom build thread.
    Doc n I will try to forgive you for selling out on the MBT trigger. Your LaRue rail and mount love kinda make up for it. ;-)

    Well done!
    "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
    ~ Sam Houston

    “The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.”
    ~ Sam Adams

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    DFW, TEXAS
    Posts
    4,391
    Feedback Score
    274 (99%)
    This is a solid build and a very nice shooing rifle. I will bring some BH MK262 next time we shoot and give it a real test.

    This is how a post should be in this sub-forum. Well Done.
    In no way do I make any money from anyone related to the firearms industry.


    "I have never heard anyone say after a firefight that I wish that I had not taken so much ammo.", ME

    "Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States can't make it without Texas !", General Sam Houston

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    2,976
    Feedback Score
    94 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by docsherm View Post
    This is a solid build and a very nice shooing rifle. I will bring some BH MK262 next time we shoot and give it a real test.

    This is how a post should be in this sub-forum. Well Done.
    And how the pictures should be posted.
    Last edited by RobertTheTexan; 07-02-20 at 11:34.
    "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
    ~ Sam Houston

    “The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.”
    ~ Sam Adams

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •