You opened up an expensive rabbit hole with that one

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I actually like the look of that FH much more than the 3 or 4 prong but I've never been a fan of the open tine design. Are there any reports on how well that new flash hider even works? Once they're more commonly available I'll probably pick one up for a different build.

How do you like the elcan on your Mk18?  I am considering going for one on my Mod 0 but not sure it will be right (probably not clone correct)

I realized I had a bunch of spare parts sitting around and thought it’d be fun to build up a Mod-0-ish upper since I haven’t had one for awhile. I’ve been shooting the DD RIS2 builds since they’re more “modern” but I always loved the look and feel of the RAS-based builds. Thought it would be fun to take a few pics and document the build (even though I know everyone already knows all this stuff).


Factory Colt 10.3” barrel with FSB.

My favorite tool for these uppers: Kroil. I used to so angry trying to get those damn pins out smashing my fingers in the process. Now a good soak in this stuff and they punch right out with 2 or 3 whacks.


Getting ready to punch some pins out.


Clamping the FSB and block down helps a lot. I also brace it against my vise. Essentially just getting it clamped so when you whack it, it doesn’t move and all the force is directed at the pins.


Pins out, easy.


Have always used anti-seize on the upper receiver threads.


Good coating on the threads.


I also just put a bit of grease on the barrel extension where it mates up with the upper.


Barrel nut torqued down. Testing gas tube alignment.


As everyone knows, you can’t achieve a perfect torque number with standard M4 barrel nuts because they need to be timed. My strategy is to always get to the minimum torque value and then just keep going until the next hole lines up. Since, the Magpul BEV block uses a bolt carrier, you can insert a gas tube all the way in to the gas key and then visually inspect to see that it lines up perfectly with the gas port. There will be a little play in both directions so I like to make sure that it’s perfectly centered so there’s an equal amount of play on both sides.


Now that the gas tube is aligned, it’s ready to be installed into the FSB.


Geissele roll pin punch makes installing roll pins SO much nicer.


Punching it in.


With the gas tube installed, FSB is ready to get re-installed on the barrel. Don’t forget the front plate for the rail.


Normally I would install a KAC NT4 flash hider on these uppers, but I had a spare 4-prong laying around from an old CQBR build and I thought it’d be fun to run my Surefire SOCOM on this build, so 4-prong it is.


Flash hider timed and torqued. A lot of trial and error with this, I’ve never found the manufacturers shim timing charts to be perfectly accurate. I basically get it hand tight to about 11:00 or so and know that when torquing to the correct value it’ll be almost perfectly timed. Then it’s just a little bit of eye balling it to get it perfectly timed.


Spare KAC RAS I had lying around.


Installing the bottom panel.


Installing the top panel. Some models use a flat blade clamp screw and others like this one use a hex. I’ve always torqued this to about 25 inch lbs.


Time for some SOPMOD accessories. WMX-200, ATPIAL-C, SU-231a & Anodized G33 magnifier.


Surefire SOCOM mini suppressor.


KAC 300m rear BUIS.


All complete.

Damn. 

You just had a spare su-231a and anodized g33 laying around? Have any extra rare clone parts you aren't using?

This is like the firearm equivalent of "I had some spare parts laying around in my garage and threw together a 1970 AAR 'Cuda this afternoon.

Fantastic pics and info as always, Tiny.

Where dat GL/SSC at? Pics or riot.

LOL.  Yeah, great post.


Hey, do you guys know if the B5 Bravo Stock is as wide or the same width as a normal ole Sopmod with the battery tubes?  I'm guessing not, but I've never seen the two side by side.  I'm curious.  I like how the Bravo stock feels and I'm wondering if I get a regular sopmod with battery tubes (LMT or B5 gen 1 or 2) it might not be as comfortable to me if it's wider.......   Too bad I didn't get this on the last page cuz there was so much sopmod stock info and talk.

Where's everyone getting the Velcro straps on the rail from?

They come in the PEQ-15 bag as an accessory

Spare parts were laying around



Hahah, jk

Why did you remove the FSB?

Probably so he didn't have to futz with the gas tube.

ETA: I just saw your user name.......I sent off your Mk18 barrel dimension drawing with my barrel to ADCO the other day.

Mine didn't come with one.

Glad it could be of some use!

The bravo is a lot more narrow then the SOPMOD enhanced stock.  I really like the B5 bravo stock, but feel the SOPMOD stock is more comfortable to me.

I'm hard

Great stuff!

If anyone has a NIB or excellent condition DD MK18 RIS II FDE FSP rail for sale, please message me. Been looking for one and watching the EE as much as I can, But I work a ton and its hard to keep up with it.

Thank you in advance!

That is beautiful

Shameless Plug Dept. - Decided to go ahead and list the MK18 upper in the EE - Decided I don't need two :).  Would appreciate any price feedback from my fellow cloners - had no idea what to ask really.  

I didn't take off my SAW Brand New barrel front sight off when I changed barrels on New in Unfired 16.0 Colt Upper and changed barrels and made a all Brand New Colt MK18MOD0 Upper with a new LMT rear BUIS and a New Wilcox Aimpoint mount with a Aimpoint M2 that is new in Box and never used.

Needs more useless adjectives.

Ok.....

Pic thread...

I've got a Block II build goin' on right now, but it's just a mere pistol.  How long would it take to start up a trust (i.e. how long will it take before I start sending in papers)?  Being underage, I'm not able to go through the tax stamp process as an individual, so I have no choice.  Also, should I purchase the "to-be" SBR lower before I submit my forms?  Looking to get a form 1 and form 4 sent out early this year.

Your asking price isn't bad for what it is, might even be a great deal, but I've found that selling complete uppers, especially complete with accessories and painted to boot, is darn near impossible. I bet you could get $1200 or more if you parted it out, but it might not get any interest complete like that. Aside from lowball offers. I think cloners tend to build part by part, as budget allows, so finding the whole shebang put together like that might not appeal.

If you do part it out, I'd be interested in a few things

It doesn't take more than a few minutes to get a trust, which then needs to be notarized at a bank or other business with a public notary. I did mine through NW Gun Law Group. Super easy.

I'd ask them about being underage though. I don't think a trust gets you through the age requirement

I left out a part.  I would set up the trust with either of my parents.  Trust wouldn't be under my name.  The NFA items are transferable to any of the trustees that are over the age of 18 as long as they go through the registration process.

It sounds like you've verified this and honestly I don't know for certain, but I'd still excessive caution as I'd hate to see a fellow client end up in hot water.

But on the topic of trusts, they're very quick and easy to generate and I think most firms that offer them will also offer some type of legal counsel with the purchase. Mine got sent to me in PDF form moments after I ordered it.

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed it.


Yes, boxes full of them. I've been doing this clone thing for a few years now and I seem to just keep acquiring parts on the off chance that I'll need them some day. There are parts that I hate (Like Gen 1 tan sopmod stocks) that I just keep around "in case" I change my mind and like them one day. It's a disease.


Haha, laziness. If you'll notice I didn't post any pics of installing the delta ring…

I had a few barrel nut / delta ring assemblies that was already together in my box of parts so just decided to use one of those instead of taking one apart and putting the ring on the barrel nut that came with the barrel.

I haven't had the chance to take any good pics of it yet, but here's as she sits after assembly:



That said, it's a cool collectors piece to own, but for actually handling and shooting the 10" beats it hands down.

Awesome.  Thanks for your concern.  If not, I'll take waiting a year and a half over going to prison for 10 years and a hefty fine

Should I go through with a lower purchase though?  There are some M4A1 rollmarked 6920's that I could keep my eye on.

I'll take it off your hands then. A couple anodized G33s too, thanks.

Yes. You'll need the s/n, model, manf. etc. before you submit the stamp.

Great.  Thanks for the help, guys.  Hope my mom's not a felon

Sounds so embarrassing when I talk about my mom having to buy things for my guns

Eh, we were all there at one time (maybe not the SBR thing as a teenager though )

Say that 5 times fast...

that that that that that.  

Anyone got pictures of theirs with a SU-230?  These things are impossible to find

That being said, if you've got one for sale or trade, send me a PM

With the new Rules all trustees have to fill out a responsible party form, and submit photos and prints.  That may or may not rule you out as being a trustee for now.  My advise is to talk to a NFA Trust lawyer to get a real answer as opposed to our "expert" advise.  FWIW, I did mine through 199Trust.com.  They are $79 currently and Eric was extremely helpful and knowledgeable.  Also several SOT's in my area have recommendations for local lawyers that prepare NFA trusts.  You could call a local SOT and ask them for a recommendation.

My mom is down in Austin, which is where Silencer Shop is located.  Would give me a reason to go Austin  They've got a trust on their website for $129 I believe.  Heard some reviews of people that have used their service, and it sounds like they've done it many times before.  I'll do some more research to find someone that might be a little more knowledgeable.  I'm sure there are quite a few gun enthusiast lawyers here in the state of Texas.


P.S.  
I did not mean to turn this thread into a gun trust Q&A

Which stock I like changes almost daily.  I keep rotating several of them.  It makes sense.  

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One day...

Pic from the weekend when driving out to a friend's house to shoot. Didn't take any pics once I was there.
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Switched out optics on one of the CQBR's.  TA31-RCO in place of an SU231a.  I like it!


Also, my pathetic quick attempt at an ECP-esc pic:


Surefire SOCOM mini on the end.  Yes, I need to shoot it more........

Nice NODs!  Oh, and nice rifle too.

Clone a Mk12...all 3 versions.

Since many of the parts are way out of production, it will take you years.

All three upper versions...


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