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

Gotta be Johnny on the spot in the EE. I've found crushing deals at gun shows too. N1s in great shape for $5-15.


Fuck, page pics...

One of my all time favorites

 

There are a few things I'll probably never understand about the Mk 18 clone thread:

1. People who clearly choose note to build a clone and then post their rifle here.

2. The incessant fixation on finding an LMT 10.5" in the wild.

Y'all have been listening to your girls tell you its longer than it really is for so long now you've become detached from reality. Unfortunately, it is what it is. And in this case, it's 10.3.



Okay, I'm just giving you a hard time - but srsly, you guys have been around long enough to know what a 10.3 with KAC looks like. Easy to tell even from that low resolution shot. Remember, NT4s are longer than A2s.

Lol, great post.

Coming from a guy that had his old LMT 10.5 cut to 10.3 due to many a nights of lost sleep

I need one of these bitches. Would match my beat to shit SOPMOD quite well.

Speaking of CAR stocks....

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These are way overdue for the Krylon treatment.

I like my beat to shit gear to be earned but i might jump on one of those.

I love the look of a car stock on the CQBR. Used to run one:

Depending on what your looking to spend I know a guy here on ARFCOM who has a few that look brand new, like they just got pulled from factory rifles. Not cheap but better than most your going to find here.



Here is one I just bought off him, like I said they look new. If you are interested, I can forward you his name. Last I knew he was not adverting them.















 

That's why I edited "Nope" into my post. Low resolution plus a 4 inch phone screen. Thanks for the better pic though, do you have full size?

 

#2.
Speculation here but maybe because 10.5 inch barrels are more common that 10.3's from what I understand and people who have 10.5's want them to be clone correct? When I say 10.5 is more common I mean among civilians, like easier to find/buy than 10.3's. I've seen a few people get razzed pretty hard for running a 10.5" over the years.
That is why I took a factory DD 16" M4 profile barrel with a .053 gas port and send it to ADCO and had is turned down to 10.3" with a .070 gas port. Plus I snagged the DD barrel for $159.00 dollars on some Brownells sale so it was the cheapest option to get to 10.3" at the time and have a "full" DD Mk18 upper.
 


 

Heads up for those of you thinking about doing an 80%. Braceman (some of you may already know this) has EVER engraving pattern available for the Military, including the FN's and HK's.



I see a Colt, FN and HK lower in my future!

These guys hook it up as well:

http://www.orion-arms.com/custom-engraving.html

Yes, Orion and Ident as well do "clone" engraving.......actually, laser engraving...........which is a little less original looking than single point tool cutting of the engraving. Laser engraving cuts very cleanly and very uniformly.......single point tool less so........which is closer to what original roll marking looks like.  Roll marking does not remove any material, which leaves displaced material slightly built up around the lettering/numbering. Cutting engraving on a milling machine pushes some material around, which somewhat duplicates rolling.
  Another consideration is that the "big" companies deviate somewhat from original manufacture's roll marks. I assume that is to avoid "trademark" or "copyright" infringement. They are subtle differences that you might not readily notice if you haven't looked very closely at both originals and reproductions.  The primary differences are usually in the Rampant Pony and Globe on Colt's.  The several lowers that I have engraved for myself were done to match originals as closely as I could.  Braceman's appear to be done likewise.

SO maybe stolen and not worth the trade for my m300c?

Sorry for the bad joke.  Back in the day the 600m micro sights were a real ham to get a hold of and apparently alot of the Marine armorers didn't give a flip if some of the guys kept their old sights.  Apparently if I remember correctly "the man" didnt like the fact that some of their soldiers were keeping their sights and even selling them(as they were still technically gov. property).  So  when the 600m micros were finally easier to find in the public the rumor/myth proceeded on.

The 300m micro sights never got that reputation though.  Both your sights are very good sights, but only the rear is clone correct.  And most cloners, from what I have gathered, are actually looking for the "non micro" versions of the 300 and 600 meter versions.(At least thats the vibe I get when surfing the MK18/BlockII/PR threads)

I personally have 2 of the non micro 300's which I prefer, one 300 micro, and one 600 USMC marked micro as well.  All are great and get the job done easily.  Its mainly personal preference if you are not going to be cloning.

I was just razzin a lil bit.  Sorry for the confusion.  The deal on face value looks pretty straight up but I haven't' bought any clone things in a while as I got a little too into cloning and now have most of the extra parts I needed/wanted.

Oh no, you guys fucked up his trade now and should be banned from the EE.

 

I see what you did there! I snorted my pop a little btw. All joking aside, watch what you say, people might think we are working together on some scheme....
Wait wait, lets keep this on topic. My updated Mk18 build!

 

Looks like you're getting ready for a wild night lol

10.3" inches! ;)
 

An I.M. I received this A.M. from a lurking long time regular-

You are absolutely right on the money regarding Roadblock on how shady his interference was in the whole surefire flash hider exchange. Just like you, I don't believe his words for a minute either. I've read through all 2,000+ pages of both the mk18 and block II threads, so I'm familiar with the usual active posters. Roadblock, since a few years ago, has been posting in these threads about how the sf4p was his "unicorn", and how much he wants just a single one. This was posted by him almost 2 years ago in the block II thread, "Not going to pin/weld unless I can find my unicorn, the Surefire FH-556-RC and I've been looking for over a year and offered up to $200.00 for one, no ones bit yet so I guess I'll just stick with my 16 inch A2 combo!" 

Even up until two days before the $85 one popped up on the EE, he was posting this in the mk18 thread "I pretty much have to stand out on the corner and suck cock to fund my multiple Clone projects as it is. I can't afford to spend $400.00 on a 4P. That an extra $200.00 I can spend on hormone shots and Nair. I mean um AMMO! Yeah ammo!" 

So all of a sudden, two days later, one pops up at $85, well below his self imposed maximum price, and he claims that he contacted the seller before any transaction went down just to give him a heads up on the value and that he wasn't interested in buying it? I'd be real interested to see screenshots of his correspondence with the seller, especially the time stamps to see if it corroborates with his story of contacting the seller before he sold the flash hider just to "help him out". It'll be even more interesting if he ends up posting some pictures in the near future of his rifle with a 4prong, of course he'll probably claim he got it from another source and not some shady backdoor deal with this guy where he screwed the original buyer. Either way, he most likely just wanted to screw the first buyer due to his anger of missing the one thing he's been obsessed with trying to obtain for years. 

Anyways, I'm just a lurker on the forums. I've never posted directly, so I'm not about to do that just to publicly give my 2 cents on the matter. Feel free to refer to the above portion as observations from a forum member who wishes to remain anonymous though. Props to you for calling things out for what they are, and actually helping out fellow members.



Pwned.

I think everyone in here can formulate their own conclusions without having to read between the lines and translate the innuendo.  As much as we give each other in here shit, at the end of the day it's all in good fun and we enjoy the discussion and talking points in regards to something we are passionate about.  There are unfortunately two types of people.  Those who care more about their own personal interests by pulling backdoor deals and fucking each other over. And those who send each other parts to help on builds for free, and front their own money for 20 gas buster charging handles not worrying about making a penny and going out of pocket to cover shipping.  Say what you want about my bad lever, youtube trolling, but at least I'm not screwing members over a fucking flash hider!


Back on topic, looking good SPEC!

I would've let it be if he didn't start running his mouth again. But I found out he did in fact buy the SF4P that he fucked over AK to get. I even found out how much he payed.

Anyways, we can get back on topic again now until he starts running his narc mouth again.

im sent....

So Orion and ident do clone engraving ? I may or may not have a lower to send for a project

Now I remember why I stopped checking in on this thread. This reminds me of a couple of High School girls squabbling over a boy.

Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

Members use to blame me, but it looks like even after my timeout, the same drama continues. I wonder what the real common denominator to the drama is...


Back on topic:

Crawl back into your hole!

Milspec556, you sure you want to keep trashing the thread with this crap? You clearly have NO clue what your talking about. I did NOT buy or make an offer for that flash hider, I still have the guys replies sitting in my inbox.





Lets do this, lets involve site staff. Sound like a deal? Who do you want to involve? How about you PM me if you want to talk about this?
 

Double tap. Roadblock, if you stop flapping your gums about it I will too.

Have you never posted this? As often as you post here I don't Remember ever seeing this CQBR. Didn't know you had an Elcan or a LAM. Did know about the FDE NT4 though.

I say do it publicly and the loser gets the ban hammer.

 

Let's do this:

Appreciate your efforts to get the thread on track sir.

 

I know.   Let's do our damndest to get this thread locked once more. Ho Lee Chit..................grow up mother fuckers.

I find it comical that there are people in here with 100 posts in three years, who don't even own a clone, let alone anything that remotely resembles an issued rifle bitching about me commenting on bad levers, and how I don't contribute anything.....

Let's try to keep the flash hider issue out of this thread from now on. This is really the only thread I visit on this forum and I don't want to see it locked. The bickering amongst eachother is not going to change the outcome of this mess, so let's let the mods take care of it. I'm sure everyone will see the outcome once it is decided.

If you guys want to discuss it I am sure there is a place where you can, but this thread is not the best place.

Edit: Thanks Wilson! I was typing this before your post was up.

Thank you.



I pm'ed a couple of you mods too. Check your PM's.



 

Well said. I can put up with a lot of drama, but this one is even making my head hurt at this point.

The LAM isn't mine and my buddy from TNVC brought it out, as well as some PVS14's and other goodies to a recent night time range session. I've had the SU230 for a while though but, I personally feel I could utilize it better on my Block II inspired 14.5.


ETA: This is how I would run it but, I use the 14.5 quite a bit in local carbine matches and I am quicker with the EXPS so, that's what I am currently using on the 14.5 now. I've though about selling off the ELCAN but, I have an BNIB 6920 and I'll eventually build a 14.5 PR and most likely throw the SU230 on there.

Word. Since the drop is calibrated for a 14.5 barrel, I'd prefer the same. Looks good tho!

Thanks Homie.. Just edited the post above with a pic of the 14.5 and ELCAN.

That thing is clean! I have my block 2 upper currently sitting on my wall as a decoration since I stole it's lower for the standard issue M4A1 build. Looks kind of pitiful. I really need another A2 lower, and a TA31!

I'll catch you later brother, I need to go to the gym before my head explodes. Since you're good at maintaining the peace, I hand you the keys to this bitch while I'm out.

 
Just sent mine to Ident.


Mod0 / CQBRs make me horny. So do corncobs. But mine will wear the AME5 for a while.

Thanks for saying what I was thinking!

I really need to look into the 80% lower thing.