I'll answer this the best I can:

My first build I had ADCO cut a Colt 14.5" NATO 1/7 barrel (an M4 barrel) down to 10.3" and I asked them to open the gas port to the exact Crane spec of .070 (despite the fact that I heard that ADCO had a proprietary gas port size that they like to open them up to).

That build would feed M855 and XM193 ALL DAY long like a champ but it HATED cheaper commercial spec WalMart ammo. I spent months swapping buffers, springs, extractor springs, o-rings, etc. and I ended up with the same result: a gun that had me searching around for very specific ammo that was sometimes hard to find locally.

^^ That gun was stolen so I sent an identical Colt 14.5" NATO 1/7 M4 barrel to ADCO again to be cut to 10.3" and this time I included in the note: "I trust your judgment; you do this for a living. Please open the gas port to whatever gas port size you think would be best to run both mil-spec (XM193 & M855) ammo AND crapy cheap ammo."

The second build runs like a top. Eats EVERY SINGLE type of ammo I fed her without a single hiccup. I intentionally found the most dirty/underpowered 5.56 and .223 I could muster up and it ran it all.

I'm no expert but based on MY experience, MY suggestion if you want build a gun that can run any ammo you come across today and/or 10 years from now would be this: Send it to ADCO with a note similar to what I wrote. I tend to trust professionals' opinions.

Particularly with the news (rumors?) about M855 over the last couple of days, I don't want a rifle that only runs M855 or XM193 and I build these for my kids to have 20, 30, 40 years from now and I don't know what ammo will be available for them down the road. I want something that eats EVERYTHING, even if it means it is a bit (or a lot) "over-gassed" or has a bit more felt recoil. I mean; we're talking 5.56 now.

NOTE: I don't run a can so my experience is limited to "can-less" operation.

Anyone have any interest in a DD 10.3 barrel with only a few hundred rounds through it? It also has some paint on it.

So what was the port size of either of your builds?

This thread has gone into great detail about port size and without giving us a exact, correctly-measured, port size and a picture of you measuring it, this really doesn't help the conversation.

If you assume that if you asked for .070 that you got .070, ADCO has gone on record in stating that it would not guarantee a specific port size.

How many slaves would you like to barter sir?

Sorry ive been watching vikings all weekend. How much?

429 pages?

That's my point. I have no idea what it *actually* was either time. I'd venture to guess most people here have no idea either; even if they tried to measure it. My suggestion was: send it in and ask them to do what they think is best based on how you intend to use the rifle. It worked for me.

We really need our own forum.  

LMT or B5 SOPMOD, KAC or Matech rear BUIS, KAC 99051 front BUIS, T-1's are seen in the wild but not very common. PRI Gas Buster or standard Colt are the correct charging handles, but alot of us (including me) still run BCM CH's on SOPMOD clones. As far as better BUIS it doesn't get much better than KAC, so thats what id recommend, although I like the elevation adjustment of the Matech. As for suppressors, somebody else would have to answer that one. Most guys in here seem to run Surefire cans though.

Mk18.net, where we can ban people for posting pictures of clone inappropriate pictures!

Yes.

Answering those questions is the reason it's 429 pages long (and longer, counting the old thread that got locked).

If you stray for "better" parts, this isn't the place for you. A general SBR thread might be more fitting. This thread is to be as close as possible with minor exceptions. My minor exceptions are, in fact, very minor: I have a generic rear sling adapter plate (instead of the CQD, but I do have the front CQD skin adapter) and *possibly* the wrong flashlight. I feel guilty about the flashlight, but I want IR capabilities, LED, and haven't been able to justify the cost of a WMX or something like that. Also, probably have the wrong gas port because mine is a commercial DD barrel with the larger port than the ones DD supplied to the military. And possibly my stock, but we've seen picks of the Gen II SOPMODS

Untitled by Will816, on Flickr

Heads up, that site exists, is NSFW, and is Russian apparently lol.

Way to move the thread along with answers to questions on p. 1 (let alone pps. 2-429).

ETA: pic thread (oldie but a goodie)

 

This

I could either answer his questions and move on, or let there be a 3 page conversation on him reading or not reading the past 430 pages.

Next time I'll let you pick.

Mk18 mod 0= KAC Corncob Block II CQBR= SF SOCOM 556 RC

Can use is not necessarily weapon specific as you suggest. Army SF & perhaps AFSOC use the 556RC. NSW still use the KAC NT4 & AAC M42000 on the 416. We only use the KAC NT4 in MARSOC.

Who got the lowest price on new Colt M4A1 Flat-top upper receiver? I need one for a MK18MOD0 Build.

I think it was TinyCrumb who posted the pic, but it was a close up of a CQBR that had a Surefire in winter camo. It was from a Navy commercial. Maybe the Navy is starting to switch to to the Surefire.

Well then.  That's a nice little corner of the internets.

I would highly recommend noscript when visiting it.

::shrug::

I got my NT4 before the SOCOM-RC was announced, so I really don't have a dog in the NT4 versus SOCOM-RC "fight" - but IMHO, here's the way I see it.

Even by the time that I got the NT4, it was already a mature technology, any teething problems, generational upgrades, etc. had been done and over with.  

As others have mentioned - cans being a lifetime purchase for most - there will always be something newer, better, and brighter on the horizon and being used by people who do not have to pay for them on their own and/or have a lot of discretionary funding.  

For better or worse, this thread, as well as the M4A1 thread and MK 12 thread have to do with the discussion and "cloning" of SOF-used weapons in the Global War on Terror.  To that end, with the "hot and heavy" engagements in GWOT winding steadily to a close (without commenting on whether or not they're going to re-escalate in the near future, which is a whole other discussion) - if one can is going to "typify" and "exemplify" the use of sound suppressors by SOF in the GWOT, IMHO, the M4QDSS/NT4QDSS is going to be it.  

IMHO, there is never going to be another can that is more iconic of the first widespread use of sound suppressors in combat by individual service members than the KAC.  Whether or not that's an adequate justification to purchase one today is a matter of personal preference and discretion.  

Yes, the KAC is heavy relative to the competition, but it's also practically indestructible.  This is not meant to say that the SOCOM-RC is or is not, it is still "new technology," and there simply isn't the same amount of data on its use as there is for the QDSS family, with premature baffle wear being a concern not just on the SOCOM-RC, but a great many of the less expensive, lighter weight, "younger" cans on the market - IMHO, for a "lifetime purchase," understanding that you will never permanently be "on the cutting edge" with your suppressor purchase, the QDSS is not a bad investment, thousands have been run through billions of rounds with flash suppressors, and have held up pretty well in every environment from the Arctic to the equator that a weapon system could conceivably face.  They've been jumped with, swam with, blown up, and more--not in laboratory testing or field trials and competitions, but in real-life, real-stakes situations, and has not required a significant upgrade in over a decade of this type of use.  

For better or for worse, the SOCOM-RC is already in a Gen. II version, not long after its initial release, and reports of issues, while not universal, are common enough to not be considered isolated - whether or not it will become as "solid" as the QDSS eventually (the original M4QDSS was quite a bit different than the "modern" QDSS as well), it's not a mature technology and could go through more changes in the future before "settling down," if it ever does, which.  

With any permutation of currently available technology, a sound suppressor is always going to be front heavy.  A couple extra ounces for a can that I'm going to be able to pass down to my kids (legal frameworks allowing) is worth it to me, since I will never be sticking my NT4 on a MK 46 and burning it out, and I suspect the NT4s will still be in service, even if their numbers begin to dwindle slowly, for quite a while.  

Anyways, just some of my thoughts on it.  I'd eventually like to get a SOCOM-RC, too - but before then, I "need" to get a AEM5 and an AE 3rd Model clone, possibly a .30 cal suppressor, and possibly another NT4QDSS, since most of my uppers are already set up to accept it.  Once I've got all that covered, the SOCOM-RC will probably be a mature system, and pretty much any upgrades its going to get will have been done, and I can settle in and not worry about it.  

~Augee

Perfect explanation, nt4 it is!

Thanks Augee

Around how much are NT4's going for these days? I've seen $1430, but curious if that is accurate or not.

I know of one in my state with a price tag of $1699 or something. I may be over a couple hundred. When I visited them they had everything including a mk13 mod7 w/ stiller action. I was overwhelmed.

No denying it's quite possible within the last year. I just don't personally have newer info on it than that.

Found the screen cap of the Navy commercial. This might be the first evidence of Surefire use on Navy guns. I saw this commercial on TV a couple of weeks ago and I haven't seen it since.

Great insight as usual Augee. It was not my intent to stir the pot regarding the NT4. You cannot dispute the ruggedness and impact the NT4 has had on small arms suppressors. My point was for people (perhaps clone and or suppressor novices) to weigh the trade offs and commitment to clone accuracy. All about managing expectations and doing sound research. If I owned multiple cans (hopefully down the road) I'd have an NT4. I don't have the luxury at the moment so my personal interests are perhaps served better elsewhere. Although I don't have a clone worthy build this is one of my favorite threads on ARFCOM. I love the MK18/CQBR platform and discussion. It's not my motive to shit in this thread and/or derail. I think a lot of our discussion (sometimes debate) is very good and educational. We also have subject matter experts who provide great insight as well.

Gun gallery in Jax FL had one for $1399 + tax (if local). I dont know if they would transfer one out though.

Not at all implying you were, just tossing my own two cents into this well worn discussion.  

One aspect of my interest in SOPMOD items, "seen in the wild," and SOF weapons is, I suppose, a little bit of inherent conservatism in my firearms related purchases, mostly because they cost a lot of money, and I only have a little.  

I've long since known and accepted that I will never be at the "cutting edge" of gun-fighting, or the "tip of the spear," if you will, I'm satisfied occasionally hanging out somewhere near the back-end of the blade, and picking up the leftovers from the tip.  

Which means, I don't need to get or to have all of the 100% top of the line, best available gear - because by the time I save enough money to buy it, it won't be top of the line anymore anyways.  What I tend to prefer, therefore, is highly functional, mature technology, that somebody else has already taken to war first, and preferably lots of somebodies.  

I reckon theoretical benefits and impressive specs aside, if it can survive wide issue to decisively engaged SOF, it's at least good enough for me to slap on a rifle, and never worry about whether or not it's "good enough" for me.  

Part of the issue is that organizational purchases tend to be "lifecycle" purchases, buy 'em, use 'em, wear 'em out, get something new.  Privately, however, my purchases are "lifetime" purchases, so I'd rather put my money in five year old technology that I know will still be working in another five, than put it in six month old technology that's going to be re-released in another "generation" in another six months.  

~Augee

Smart words spoken here: "my purchases are "lifetime" purchases, so I'd rather put my money in five year old technology that I know will still be working in another five, than put it in six month old technology that's going to be re-released in another "generation" in another six months."

I especially agree with this on NFA purchases due to the added expense of the stamp and the wait. The NT4 is pretty much my "standard" can, I couldn’t have just one of them and put the mounts on most of my rifles. The long service life and the fact they have been tested and found to be reliable in combat in some of the harshest environments in the world mean my trips to the range are going to be nothing to worry about.

Finally I have to consider(for other builds) are the mounts are very easy to permanently attach compared to the SF mounts which many shops (like Adco) charge extra to do because of the materials they are made out of.

Who is a stocking dealer for KAC suppressors?

I googled but the only non-airsoft hits I'm getting are from Gunbroker.

Email [email protected]

Ayan is a great dude, and KAC stocking dealer.

Anybody know how is KAC customer service from a suppressor standpoint? Or has one never been worn out to need it?

I dont think he has any NT4s right now.

Sure he can order some.

In my time on here and other forums I have never hear of one in civilian hands needing a rebuild. I read in an old post that they sent out the locking ring for one free of charge when one was needed.

Cool thanks for the recommendation. I'll check them out. I've only had my RC for a month but I'm always looking for another can

I am sure he can but with how long F3s are taking (I am over 7 weeks on one) and 41P being a possibility (if you are using a trust) he might be better off looking for a dealer in state that has one. I know I am lucky with Gun Gallery right by me but if I was further away I would drive for a couple hours to get one that was in stock.

 
Anybody ever had any baffle strikes? What kills me on the NT4 is that there isn't a ton of info/consumer feedback or reviews out there.  

Great pic! ACOG FTW!

On another note, I think Augee just sold a few QDSS-NT4's  for KAC.

I wish the price would come down on NT4s, I'd like to have one at ~$1k, but for what I've seen them selling for, I'd rather pick up a Saker. The NT4 is on my "One day, when I have money to blow" list.

Hooray for grip-pods!!

Gun on the right looks like an 11.5in bbl but might be a cqbr

I own an SF SOCOM556RC and have used the KAC Suppressor on a few work trips and they are both badass.

#GripPodNation

Sure looks like an 11.5" to me.