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

Individuals have put them on, but there is no issued ambi mag release.  I took one off as it keep releasing his magazine as the weapon was slung across his chest and hitting his kit.


CD

Copy

Thanks for the info.
If anyone has a pic of a ambi mag release being run, i would love to see it!

That is one weird setup. Is that a peq-16? So he has 2 white lights on his gun? One is none, eh?

Norgon for the win baby!  One of the few "must haves" on every AR pattern rifle I build.      Shame they are so MF-ing expensive.

Probably dosnt even use the peq16 white light. I bet it eats the shit out of batteries lol

My 16b lasted about as long as one of my 15s but it does take two cr123's vs just one like the 15.

Didn't know it used 2, then again I don't pay much attention to the 16 since I'll never use one haha.

im still regretting buying the atpial c honestly. I had a chance to buy a used full power unit from an LEO for the same price but didn't because it was black.

the c model illum is pretty worthless past about 40 yards

Used ones turn up every now and then for great prices. I've passed some to bros here.

Used full power peq-15's? How much do those go for?

Edit: Nvm. Seems a bit steep for a peq15a.

Ebay peq15a - $2700

"Ships from Moscow, Russian Federation"

Seems legit.

What's the IR range on the ATPIAL versus the civilian version?

chump change compared to the 39km range on the izlid 200p.  

Jesus...  I've always wanted to stretch my rifle out to 24 miles, maybe this will get it there

That's only 195mW. The La-5c is 200mW, right? I want the MAWL-DA. Looks just about perfect imo.

I "might" have access to a VITAL-100 and the 100mw output is like a lightsaber compared to my ATPIAL C.  It's not really usable but it is freaking cool.......

The PEQ-2As can do a pretty good laser light show when its foggy out... not practical and one isn't really calling in a CCA or CAS stateside... but I totally dig it...

I dig it too. Frankly, the visible lasers are better in fog imo, simply because the color they give off basically NEVER gets translated correctly in a photo or video, and the color you do actually see is friggin' mesmerizing.

Take these for example;

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In those photo's, the red you see really isn't even close to what I'm seeing in person, especially at night.

Now, with nods on, you will almost definitely be able to see the IR laser better, assuming the mW are the same (at least that's what I've found), so you don't really need fog to see a relatively low power IR beam, but the catch is its only going to show up a slightly different shade of green because of the nods. Still very cool, but fog + high power visible laser = awesome.

You wouldn't let me call in CAS at our last shoot...

...Just got the nt4 mounted

Attached File

The form 1 was finally approved.  This is my first SBR and I'm pretty stoked.  Now I'm just waiting for the AAC M4 2000 to clear.  Should be another month or so.  

I had one of these on a 1.5 m4 build and sold it in the eotech buyback. Made a shit ton of money but regret it.

I had thought about it but considering what I paid for it, I knew I'd never get the chance to get one at that price again. Hopefully it continues to live cuz it'll never get sent back to be repaired.

Nice. The AAC is a good can, I have one. You're going to regret not getting the SF though

wondering if you guys could offer some help. i own the DBAL-A3 and it seems around the same price as the APTIL-C. i like the green laser on the DBAL over the red as it is more powerful and easier to pick up. however the APTIAL is the more correct unit and looks better IMO, should i stick with the DBAL? is it a better technical unit? or try to post up a straight trade offer for a APTIL? just looking for insight if its worth it to try to trade up or just stick with what i have.

here is my current setup.


cheers guys.

I wont regret not getting a SF can

Serious question what's the deal with wmx200s going for $700 on ebay?

Surefire pretty much debunked the FH vs Brake as sacrificial baffle for typical use, ie under 10K rounds, IIRC?  Of course shooting a can on a 10.3" is very different than shooting one on a typical non_SBR length barrel too.  I imagine a MB on an un-suppressed MK18 would be plenty loud lol.  I *think* I decided to use a FH for time being and when my SOCOM got approved I would look at switching over to a MB, but it's been so long I've forgotten (252 days and counting) 

Fuck a brake on 10.3.

the flash signature is insane and it rattles the teeth out of your head, you need to double up on ear pro and you  won't make to many friends at the range.

i bought into the sac baffle idea to king I'll always shoot suppressed but in reality I enjoy my gun being really short from time to time.

plus clone correct and all lol.

How is the SF WARCOMP on the life of the SF SOCOM RC 5.56 Life Spand on shorting the life of the SF SOCOM life Flasher vs Muzzle Brake?

Attached File
Attached File


Still want to get rid of my eoteach and go to the t1...

And yes, MB was a mistake on my part.  I never want to shoot without the can.  But finding a legacy FH...

How does that magnifier not poke your eye out?  But that is a sweeeeeet gun.

ha, next time then... you're upper looks sick. Next time we shoot i'd love to hear that NT4... despite the weight, the low tone pitch is the bees knees

Well I never run the stock that close in, so it's never been an issue. Wish I could afford the flip to side mount though.

source on that please. Would like some reading material

When we had the SF Reps in the shop for a demo and products training, I recall them say that using a brake does extend the life of the can by roughly 10k rounds. This was right before the SOCOM 2 was being released so, that's all I personally remember. I'm not sure if that's under normal civilian use or under some type of Gov/Mil testing procedures though but, I do remember them saying 10k rounds.

thank you, that would help a lot for decision on my sbr

So technical question.

Why does SOCOM pay $1860 for a Block II upper?

What makes them cost so much more than a COTS DD upper.

Yeah now that I got a SF4P really not looking to change, to be honest.  

Where'd you get your info from?

I don't have official SF source - it's been discussed on this board and others a few times - however, based on what JBoy mentioned, it appears someone may have mis-understood the 10K number as well.

People in the know posted that in the M27 IAR thread that got locked in GD.

GS5414 has mentioned it several times being the cost SOCOM pays for Block II Mk18 uppers.

With a M4A1 costing the Army $638, I was just wondering how a rail, gas block, and shorter barrel could be that much.

Especially when a DD MK18 Block II upper can be purchased for $980.

I don't know about that. I paid about 1600 for a complete DD mk18 back in 2012, and that has a black rail on it.

Also consider that DD rifles have basically ZERO in common with .mil issued guns besides the rail.

Maybe CD will chime in, but I'd imagine they order parts from Colt, the rail from DD, some other parts from other companies, and then assemble them at Crane or something. I really have no idea, but I imagine it raises the price.

That all doesn't even count for the .government usually paying like 10 times what something is actually worth.

This is a clone thread. ATPIAL-C is the correct answer. Your clone will never look right from 100yds away until you change that. The DBAL looks dumb. Atpial works great. Who cares what the vis laser looks like, it's simply there to help you zero the IR laser.

Also, needs less brake and moar flash hider.

Yeah, I hear you, dude. This is actually one of the relatively small fireballs I caught whilst shooting with a SF break without a suppressor:

<img src="" />

I have video of 3 rounds knocking my camera over too, lol.

And yes, I do have earplugs in, as well as the ear muffs, and it's still pretty loud.

SOCOM pays NAS Crane $1796.00 for 1005-01-621-6031, RAIL INTERFACE SYSTEM II,10.3"  Don't think that includes the suppressor.  That's just an upper assembled by the Crane employees of sum parts.  Here's the break down of major upper parts (source FED LOG of NSNs).

1005-01-233-8529  $130.00 14.5" Govt profile bbl
1005-01-382-6795  $67.96   Upper receiver, flat top, M4 feed ramps stripped
1005-01-441-1619  $84.04   Ass, Bolt Carrier with Key
1005-01-473-1410  $175.74 Front Sight, Folding KAC
1005-01-505-1035  $72.08   Bolt, Breech Ass
1005-01-547-2624  $539.30 RIS II M4A1
1005-01-548-1385  $435.56 RIS II Mk18
1005-01-597-1170  $26.81   Gas Block
1005-01-597-2340  $28.00   Forward Sling Mount
1005-01-599-7048  $103.20 Flash Hinder, FH556RC-1/2-28 (SF4P)
1005-01-460-3249  $83.36   Flash Hinder, QDSS (KAC)

Only think Gov't pays lots on is the rail.  Most of the others are inline with commerical vendors (for the parts you can get).  Some of you pay more for the SF4P but paid less for the RIS II.  No wonder Crane wanted me to issue out the serial number uppers they built!  Cheaper for me the armorer to assemble the parts.


CD

Aaaaah.  Makes sense.  I also notice you have something covering the cheek side of your buttstock.  Does that thing pull the hairs on your face?  I would have to put a piece of tape over that part.  But I've always wanted one of those.

$103.20!! I'm jealous!

Went and shot my CQBR today finally, after switching to my milspec DD barrel, and MK12 gas block, and my spent brass is ejecting at 1-2 o'clock when suppressed.  Is this normal?  If not, how would I fix it?

Why are the rails so much?

Also when they price it out as $1,700 does that include both the RIS II variants at the same time? Just looking that list over you're looking at closer to $1,100 for all that plus just one rail, but $1,700 for both rails.

However I don't know how it works for charging for assembly lol, but still $600 for assembly seems insane.

Thanks for the info BTW.