When discussing the Mk 18 / CQBR program, we can divide the history and discussion in to two distinct categories: 1) The weapon system itself / upper receiver supplied and 2) the group of accessories deployed on said weapon systems (SOPMOD).

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Mk 18 Mod 0 / CQBR

The M4 carbine and M16 are not ideally suited for all missions, so it was proposed that the modularity of the M16 series would allow a user to replace the upper receiver of an existing weapon with one more suitable to the task. One of two proposed special mission receivers that were planned for inclusion into the SOPMOD Block II kit, the CQBR has taken off on its own. Like the proposed Special Purpose Receiver, the Close Quarters Battle Receiver has been more or less taken on by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (often referred to as NSWC-Crane or just "Crane") as its own project following the CQBR's removal from the SOPMOD program. Just as the Special Purpose Receiver morphed into the Special Purpose Rifle, and was type-classified as Mk 12 Mod 0/1, the complete CQBR-equipped carbine has been type-classified as the Mk 18 Mod 0.

The purpose of the CQBR remains to provide operators with a weapon of submachine gun size, but firing a rifle cartridge, for scenarios such as VIP protection, urban warfare, and other close quarters battle (CQB) situations. The CQBR is designed to provide improvement over previous AR-15/M16-type weapons in this category. The CQBR is usually issued as a complete weapon system, and not just an upper receiver. The CQBR was once only available to Naval Special Warfare units, but the Mk 18 Mod 0 has become general issue for Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) missions and, as of 2006, for NCIS agents deploying to active combat zones.[citation needed] The Mk 18 is also used by the Coast Guard's Tactical Law Enforcement Teams, Maritime Safety and Security Teams, and Maritime Security Response Team and the United States Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Operators.

Wikipedia has a good article with sources on the original CQBR/Mk 18 Mod 0 and its development.

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SOPMOD

The SOPMOD Program Management Office at NSWC Crane, IN, provides standardized, versatile weapons accessories to meet needs across SOF mission scenarios. These accessories increase operator survivability and lethality by enhanced weapon performance, target acquisition, signature suppression, and fire control.

The CQBR itself was originally part of the SOPMOD program as an accessory replacement upper receiver for the M4. However it was eventually separated out into its own project.

SOPMOD accessories for the M4/CQBR originally included things like the KAC RIS/RAS, SOPMOD stock, KAC M4QD suppressor, AN/PEQ-2 illuminator/laser, ECOS-N red dot, ACOG, etc

The SOPMOD program has gone through multiple minor and major evolutions throughout its lifetime. The most significant is commonly defined as "Block II" and included the introduction/replacement of accessories that met the updated needs of operators. The most visually significant "Block II" accessory is probably the replacement of the KAC rail/FSB with the  Daniel Defense RIS II free float rail with low-profile gas block. Other updates include things like the Surefire SOCOM sound suppressor, EOTech RDS (553/SU-231 & EXPS 3-0/SU-231a), LA-5/PEQ ATPIAL, etc

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Link to docs and photo albums

 Presentation on CQBR from Crane
 Operator's Manual for Mk 18 Mod 0
 SOPMOD Program Overview presentation from Crane
 Photo Album of Mk 18 Mod 0
 Photo Album of CQBR with SOPMOD Block II accessories

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Because of the long history of both the CQBR/Mk 18 and SOPMOD programs, it's common to find weapons with various mixed configurations in the field, all depending on what time and unit the weapon system belongs to. Below are a few examples with descriptions to illustrate this.


Example of a Mk 18 Mod 0 in as-issued configuration including: M16A1 surplus lower receiver, SOPMOD buttstock, KAC RIS, KAC M4QD flash hider, Aimpoint Comp M2 in Wilcox mount, LMT rear fixed sight, CQD rear sling plate.


NSW Operator CQBRs with original SOPMOD accessories including KAC M4QD sound suppressor and AN/PEQ-2 IR Illuminator/Laser.


Member of a Combat Camera team with a CQBR with KAC RAS and M4QD flash hider but with other updated accessories from the "Block II" SOPMOD kit including SU-231a (EOTech EXPS 3-0), EOTech G33 Magnifier, LA-5/PEQ ATPIAL, Insight WMX-200.


Good example of "early" CQBR with SOPMOD Block II accessories including SU-231 (EOTech 553) and SU-233 (Insight M3x weaponlight).


Example of a more "modern" CQBR with SOPMOD Block II accessories including the updated SU-231a (EOTech EXPS 3-0) and Insight WMX-200 weaponlight.


Many times certain configurations are common within certain branches/groups. Here a Marine Raider is seen with a CQBR with an AN/PEQ-16 (USMC issued vs. the LA-5/PEQ SOCOM issued ATPIAL) and KAC NT4 suppressor (vs. the current Surefire SOCOM suppressor).

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Building a clone

If you're interested in building a "clone" of a Mk 18 or CQBR equipped M4A1, here is a basic parts list to use as a guide and get you started. This list is not exhaustive and see the * note above regarding personalized accessories.

                       | Mk 18 Mod 0                      | M4A1 CQBR Block I                   | M4A1 CQBR Block II                                      
Lower Receiver         | Mil-spec forged A1               | Mil-spec forged A2                  | Mil-spec forged A2                                      
Stock                  | Gen 1 SOPMOD (Black)             | M4, CAR, SOPMOD, CTR & others       | M4, CAR, SOPMOD, CTR & others                            
Pistol Grip            | A1                               | A2, ERGO & others                   | A2, ERGO & others                                        
Rear Sling Plate       | CQD                              | CQD                                 | CQD                                                      
Upper Receiver         | Mil-spec forged M4 profile       | Mil-spec forged M4 profile          | Mil-spec forged M4 profile                              
Barrel                 | 10.3"                            | 10.3"                               | 10.3"                                                    
Rail                   | KAC RIS                          | KAC RAS                             | DD Mk18 RIS II (FDE)                                    
Rear BUIS              | LMT Fixed                        | LMT Fixed, MATECH, & others         | MATECH, KAC 300m, & others                              
Front Sight            | A2 FSB                           | A2 FSB                              | KAC 99051 BUIS (Taupe)                                  
Front Sling Attachment | FSB Sling Swivel                 | FSB Sling Swivel                    | CQD                                                      
Muzzle Device          | KAC M4QD                         | KAC M4QD                            | SureFire FH-556-RC                                      
Supressor              | None                             | KAC QDSS NT4                        | SureFire SOCOM556-RC (FDE)                              
LAM                    | None                             | PEQ-2                               | LA-5                                                    
Weaponlight            | SureFire M962                    | SureFire M952, M962                 | Insight M3X (Tan), Insight WMX200 (Bronze)              
Optic                  | Aimpoint Comp M2 in Wilcox Mount | Aimpoint Comp M2 in QRP Mount, ACOG | EOTech 553 (Tan), EOTech EXPS3-0 (Tan), ELCAN 1-4x (FDE)

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Link to previous threads

 Previous Mk 18 / CQBR Thread Part I
 Previous Mk 18 / CQBR Thread Part II

GTG.

I have a Surefire Socom on another gun. I'll delete the pics and move on.

Waiting on a specwar k for my mk 18 glad you like yours and nice guns!

Still looks killer!  I wouldn't sweat it, I almost got banned from bitching about a tool mark on my new DD Mk18 RIS.

Don't sweat it, dude. Seriously. Nice rifles.

Thanks DBM.  Ain't no thing.  

I mean Sweatpants is right after all and I'm always trying to get more "correct".  Someday I'll get a KAC NT4 but I think I'm gonna try to get another RC first.

GD soiled my precious.



http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1780378_Do_you_add_BUIS_when_some_are_already_built_into_the_optic_.html

This is my updated to do list:

Noveske N4 lower (spray painted and wannabe operator worn finish)
Kac sights
Gas buster CH ( as many as I can buy for hook ups)
Sopmod stock
Tango Down QD VG
Buffer tube
CQD sling mounts

Ha. Well we all gotta get ripped at some point.  Keeps ya humble!

Ugh primary arms is selling 9.5" g rails for 250$ that has me looking at my ris Ii mark 18 wrongly

Those spots are for the lens filters and raised mount that come with the .mil kit. Insight doesn't fill them in for civilian sets

I just got a 512 my bitches.

Cloning the Iraq CQBR minus KX3.

Copy, thank you Bohguy!






Nice!  What FH are you using instead of the pig?

Probably either A2 or KAC M4QD

Nice rigs fo sho, man. Gotta have a tough "hide" around these parts. Feathers get ruffled on a regular basis for little reason it seems.

However, I'm just a few days away from ordering a SOCOM RC from AU. How do you like yours?

Fresh pics from F'n around with my new iPhone

Bravo sir!

Looking good, you should have painted the gen 1 sopmod though

Hahaha he covered the clone incorrectness with his sling.

Fuckin pat.

Paint the gen Juan buddy! Your CQBR looks fucking awesome, one of the best in here. She needs that gen Juan, and painted.

Here is my humble kinda finished offering. Upper assembled and CQBR painted today.

That is not an impossible task. I do have some good bourbon that would be glad to help me paint it

Lol, very observant you jack wagon. I did try to hide it with the sling. Failed at hiding in the last pic though.

It is one of the Army reject Gen 1 B5's. Relieved the inside for a perfect fit.  We'll see if the paint gods are feeling frisky tonight.

The paint gods are always feeling frisky.

Bust out the whiskey tonight, and make sure the stock and paint can are within your view when you do.

What gave you away with the sling was the snaking through other parts, clearly intentional hiding of clone incorrectness.

Umm, cans have always been pretty generally accepted. Just as any milspec SBR lower has been as well.

Even in the previous more anal thread, most cans and milspec lowers were GTG.

Not quite sure why any comment at all was made about your can.

Looks good.

You later went on to say your Billy Bob rail looked worse than a blem rail.

You'll need to show us far more pics than just that tiny toolmark to justify that statement.

Is that the same paint with different lighting? The second paint pic looks more awesome to my eyes. What bbl are you rocking, 10.5?

Bad ass Rover too!


Edit for page pic.

Yeah, it is the same paint in both pictures with a 10.5 barrel.  Not sure why it looks better out of the sun though.

Thanks on the Rover.  It was my first love before I started diving completely in with firearms.

Thanks Pat. I really dig the RC. Very little back pressure, which is important to lefties like me. In my opinion it has the best mounting system out there. And as far as full size, non-Ti cans go, the length added and weight are very attractive. In fact I'm pondering getting another RC since Arms Unlimited has that great price right now.

I'm over it.....I was just butthurt because I dropped $1,149.00 for an upper, only to have Helen Keller install my rail.

You clearly are not over it.

You showed us one tiny toolmark, and when every other's reaction to your issue was "really?", you then instead of just acknowledging a bit of overreaction on your part have continued to go on about it.

I was ready to not say something once again, but now "Helen Keller" installed your rail. As said, you clearly are not over it.

We've seen a tiny toolmark that is incredibly insignificant. If there's more factory "damage" that you haven't showed us, then maybe your comments are somewhat deserved.

Until then, making comments like what "Billy Bob" sent you, what "Hellen Keller" installed, and what looks worse than a blem are entirely overblown in every way imaginable.

But by all means, it's your cash and your upper.

I just know it's situations like this that constantly remind me why I never followed through with investing in a firearms company with a good buddy of mine a year or so back. The market continuing to tank since then is surely another good reminder as well though.

This thread has been drama lately.

I posted pictures of my nearly-finished NV helmet in their thread.  But since people use NV with their builds.....fuck it.  It's fairly relevant.  And drama-free photos.



Helmet by Armed Ferret, on Flickr


All Aboard The FEMA Train by Armed Ferret, on Flickr

Hell yes. Like N_H and I have always said, this thread produces more amounts of butthurt/drama than GD.

Nice setup Ferret!

I lol'd at the second image name. I have an extra ACH I wouldn't mind chopping. School me bro.

seriously?  the only one making this an issue is you........I don't need to justify or explain anything.  It's my hard earned money, and if I want to get sand in my vag, I have every right.  You said your piece, I am forever grateful for your candor and insight as to how I should be feeling about my RIS rail.  

Nice chop!!!

Harbor Freight angle grinder with cut-off wheels (get better wheels than HF sells though, their wheels suck.  The tool itself is pretty solid though.) and jigsaw with high speed and fine blades.

Go slow, and wear a dust mask/goggles.  Shit.  Flies.  EVERYWHERE.  

Then you'll want to epoxy the edges so they don't fray.  I used marine-tex.  My neighbor thought I was using Nutella when she saw me doing it on the deck this morning.  


Zakk--thanks.  


Helmet was free, so I figured WTF why not.  Wouldn't be any worse off than before it was bequeathed unto me.  

Nutella wouldn't hold up as well, but would be decidedly more delicious.

You're not incorrect on either front....

Coming from someone who's entire career has been in manufacturing including running a facility and machine shop I'd say ya if you don't wanna deal with customers you shouldn't invest in anything manufacturing.  Lol

For future reference, Joe Bob Outfitters sells new DDMK18 URGs in both black and FDE for $969.95 + FREE shipping. I've picked up two from them in the past - one just less than a month ago. They're currently out of stock on FDE, but seem to replenish their stock pretty regularly.

Nutella with kevlar fibers would a delicious and excruciating last meal.

I'll check out HF tomorrow. Seems like a good project for a free ACH.

The soon-to-be chopped:

Chopped ACH? I was thinking about doing that, but I'm still not convinced it doesn't mess up the integrity of the helmet. I need NV badly.

At least I could weave a Kevlar vest with your dung at your funeral........too soon?

I'm going to leave my ACH intact personally, but your cuts look good F. Nicely done

USMC LWH actually.  I'm not too overly concerned about the integrity; if it's to a point where I'm the potential victim of headshots, I fucked up the GTFO the NCR plan big-time....and my helmet is the least of my worries.  

It was free, figured might as well see if I could pimp it out first before buying something.

#dramafree



My budget setup!

I was thinking about just buying a decent quality bicycle helmet that stays secure, and mounting a plate on it. I don't envision being shelled as a civilian, and shrapnel is about all helmet are good for even before being cut on.

Just buy a bump helmet.

You'll want a decent counterweight if you use a bike helmet. They aren't designed to be too terribly weight-bearing.

Been done tho.

ETA: ultimately I'd side with DBM though....if you're already gonna buy something, just buy a bump helmet. Even a PT bravo or something. Bout the same price really.

Since my new EEYOREtech looks like it was tossed down the driveway, whatchall bizznatches think?

-spray whole thing

-spray hood

-keep her driveway fresh

Of course I'm thinking option 1 myself. But it would match my RAS nicely as-is.