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

Is the rail still fine though? Looks like the outside box did its job of protecting what was inside, not too mention the foam in the DD box...

              Haven't opened it yet, saving that until I get to the P.O. It looks like they tried their best to destroy the contents.

                  Crushing it wasn't enough, looks like it even got punctured w/ something that went right through.

                                             

Jesus. What'd they do, play soccer with it? Reminds me of this:

MRO and never look back.

My only concern with the MRO is that it's so new and not yet proven.



 

I also receive deliveries from Ace Ventura.

Damnit people keep beating me to things.

Pic thread


Duracoating the rail DD FDE today

Hell yeah!  can you get close ups of the cuts?

double post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/-P-xpxzRNK/

Yeah, if you like your optic dimming on you and turning off by taps.

Yep. Louis did such a good job that the only SBR setup I want to run now is a FSP MK18.

I know, it's unreal how talented he is at what he does.  awaiting pics.

I've put about 1500 rounds through mine with 0 issues so far. The earlier ones seem to be hit or miss as far as having issues.

"sounds broken"   "most likely"





i cant bring myself to buy an eotech because i know at some point it will have to go back, most likely for delamination/dimming reticle, but i doubt the eotech division is going to go belly up. i bet the .mil doesnt even stop using them. trijicon cant seem to make an electronic red dot that works, the MRO seems to be doing better than the SRS, but im still waiting a while before i pick one up. The T1/T2 is definitely the way to go(T1 for clone purposes) Aimpoint Micro's are the best red dot/electronic sight/etc out there. ive seen a few cases of the full size aimpoints where the brightness knob breaks/stops working, happened to me once, it is a weak point imo. if they would change them over to the same style switch as the micro then i would put them in the category of "best" also.

Which is the exact reason I never run anything new and unproven.  MRO looks promising, but I want to see the ink dry first on the beta testing.

Ah gotcha

I've put over 10,000 rounds through my CQBR / MRO with zero issues and I trust it with my life every day.

As of yesterday my agency banned EOTECH optics for duty use on patrol rifles due to recent failures.

I'm thinking of going Mk12,......


....thinking.


If I did it, it would be out of this gun, and that rail would potentially be cut down to a GL/SSC....


2015-12-01_03-16-36 by Alex Legore, on Flickr" />

Hmmm,.....so many expensive decisions....

More info in the Mk12 thread, as the expence increases when you see what scope I want on it....

After seeing this I want to now put an MK12 together using my sprm4 and brake.

Yeah, the problem is though, I love mine, but it has a pretty gnarly baffle strike(s) on it (the break came loose), that I would imagine would affect accuracy. I can't really tell now, because I'm using a 4x scope, but if I get a 24x on there I'd probably be able to tell the difference.

Now, I would call AAC and see if they could fix it, but I'm pretty sure the SPR/M4 is out of production (and has been for a while) so I'm not sure they could. Couldn't hurt to call though.

So how many of you are going to jump the EOTech ship?



I really like my EOTech but I've seen many of you say you had to send them back at one point or another. I wish I knew what EOTech was planning to do as far as the optics market goes. Wonder if they will offer an option to "fix" the problem at some point or if they are not even going to?



I do like the idea of 50k battery life though. I want to like the T1 but the EXPS3.0-TAN just looks so good on the Mk18.



I did fill out the RMA for the full retail cost but my big concern is sending it in and waiting 2 or 3 months for the check.

and we're off

DSC_6862 by The Dorsal Fin, on Flickr

DSC_6864 by The Dorsal Fin, on Flickr

Finished e Duracoat today. Came out pretty solid.


Comparison to other rail:

I'll try and get better pics later.

I am. I doubt I'll ever experience the zero shift, but when you combine that with the other issues that are known to occur I just can't trust it.

I might. I didn't check what someone posted above, saying they will buy back your Eotechs. I didn't know if he was joking or not, but if they are, then I probably will. Not because of the recent debacle, but because my old 552 is broken (the batteries, which were perfectly good brand name batteries, corroded and leaked all over the battery compartment, and now nothing works), and while I like my 553, I also don't like how blurry it is in low light conditions, and I've been pondering a T2 for a while, as well as an expensive Mk12 build, and they both require capital.

And if that was all just bullshit about them buying them back, then I might just get the one fixed and sell them/ Who knows. I really hate selling shit, because I know I'll miss it later, but new stuff is nice too.




Yeah, you lucky fuckers get to spray paint yours, lol.

They will fix is.  I sent mine in a year ago for and end cap strike I had for a few years and they fixed it no issues.

da chop is in.

I have only ever had to send in one EOTech for dimming and the thing was 8 years old. I Think that is pretty good. I'm pretty sure that Trijicon sights will dim after that amount of time.

EOTech fixed it for free and it came back brighter than brand new ones.

I think this thing is getting blown way out of proportion... How many guys are worried about a slight MOA shift, but are shooting 4 MOA ammo...?

They aren't joking. This is a direct quote from an email I received this morning:

Exactly.


 

Also, I would bet the refund takes 8-10 weeks.


Eotech will probably make a revision and keep the same form factor to their sights.

That's the same experience I had with EOTech. Had a 553, nearly 8 years old, start to dim. They fixed it -no questions asked- and it came back brighter than ever in 7 days.

^^^^^^^^this.
If I had only one rifle, and I had to depend on it every day for my life, I probably would send it back/refund.   I've got several dozen rifles and all sorts of optics, and generally speaking, my life doesn't depend on any given one on any given day. I'm keeping my EXPS3-0, as I love it.

I've been shooting just fine in up to -30 degree weather with my 553 without a single issue. I must be lucky. To be honest, the only optic I've personally had fail on me was an M68. I'm not getting rid of my Eotechs.

So where/who are you guys contacting for EOTech returns?

http://www.eotechinc.com/return-authorization-request-form

In the comments section you need to write that you are requesting a refund along with the price you paid and where you bought it from. The email asked me to include a receipt if possible, but I didn't see any way of doing it.

EOTech RMA

In the comments section provide:
-Full refund
-Price paid
-Receipt and location of purchase if available.

Yeah, there's no way I'm going to remember where I bought my 10 year old 552, let alone what price I paid and a receipt. Hell, I can't even remember where I bought my 3-4 year old 553.

Law guns lol.

Not but really, what are we to do with our law guns acquired 553's and genuine su231a marked eotechs?  Do they qualify for refunds? lol

I'm sending both mine back......over $1,300 retail.  Fuck it, i'm over it and the clone shit anyway.  Maybe give the MRO a shot.  It's been a good run, but the party is over.

So dramatic. You're worse than my ex gf's!

I got rid of both of my EOTechs to get my Mk12 built, prob gonna snag an Aimpoint Comp M2, 3, or 4 when the time is right.

I kind of want to send one of mine back just because I want a T1... But that seems like a dick move.ill probably just sell it on the EE.

I got tree.fiddy forit

aimpoint is best.

I got rid of my micros as the 30mm fullsize is just right for me.

Word. I think Augee put it best as to why I want a comp and not a T-1.

"I don't like feeling like I'm looking through a piece of macaroni"

30mm is the path to enlightenment for the MILSPEC. I love the EOTech reticle, but it's time for something new. Prob gonna try to trade off my block 2 parts for a comp

Aimpoint master(RDS) race

T-1 doesn't count.

GL selling Techs on the EE......people know it's a buyers market and will low ball, especially after the shit storm.  I have faith in a five year old M2 on EE for $300 over the current EOTech variant.

The eotech buyback could potentially equalize the market - people wanting to sell them may be more inclined to just return them to eotech, may dry up used supply.