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To have a custom-built Recce or not that is the question.

I have been tossing the idea of a Recce build for the last couple of years.  I may finally be able to afford it later this year.  10 years ago, custom builds were the only way to get an AR with a match barrel.  Now you can order one off the shelf from high-end niche, and low-end manufacturers.  My question is, are custom builds worth it?  Do they perform incrementally better than BCM, Noveske, and KAC Recce rifles?  Keep in mind that my idea of a Recce is an accurized 16" rifle with magnified optics (a low powered variable in my case), and not a precision weapons system.  A platform that stretches the accuracy and effective range yet is as reliable as an M4, and maneuverable enough to move around in a hallway.  
What have your experience been with Recce style rifles?  Would really appreciate anyone sharing their experience with off the shelf/custom Recce’s.  Especially those that have had both.  Are low power variable optics the “ideal” like I imagine?  If custom is the way to go who would you recommend?

Thanks,

45Cal

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Well, my understanding is that the original "recce" as sourced by Navy  Crane for SEALS did have a precision, match grade 16" stainless barrel from Lilja, 1:8 twist, Wylde chambered, hand lapped with a specific heavy under the hand guard profile. I built my own variation of a modern day recce around that barrel, which Lilja stills sells, added a more modern free float modular rail compared to the free float quad of the day and substituted a modern 3-9x40 tactical illuminated mrad scope for the typical 2.5-10x or 3-9x40 used at the time, combined with a 45 degree offset small duty grade mini reflex red dot, not available at the time. Covers from 1x to 9x.

Performance is not "incrementally" better.  It is much better, as in 1/2 MOA or less with match ammo or tailored handloads.  This is an extremely accurate precision barrel that Navy Crane specified.  I'm sure some of today's factory recce rifles can be  MOA or a bit better, but sub 1/2 MOA?  Depends on your objective, of course and how much accuracy you want.

Example:  BCM has a 16" rifle they call a Recce Carbine.   The barrel is ordinary gov't profile 5.56 chrome lined non-match CMV steel 1:7.

I would strongly suggest that that rifle, name notwithstanding is NOT a recce.  I'll put my Lilja barreled home build up against it.

Just build your own.

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It is Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane

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Yes it is.  And that is the barrel profile and spec as supplied by Lilja.  My more modern take on the recce match 16" is built around that barrel.  The primary contributors to its well-rounded performance are the barrel, free float tube, optics and the SSA-E trigger.  All of these enhancements can be done easily and better without buying a complete rifle or complete upper.  I was not interested in an exact clone, but rather what the concept might be if NSWC were to do a 16" today rather than an 18" Mk 12 or the SBR Mk18.

http://i1366.photobucket.com/albums/r772/gbloss/Mobile%20Uploads/DE5D908C-76C6-461D-8F84-44D61EA2367A_zpsuptux9s_edit_1479617822756_zpsz5jbfv9j.jpg

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Buy the best quality barrel you can afford. The upper, with the correct tools, is easier to assemble than the lower. Put on a quality handguard and decide if you want iron sights, or not.

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Thanks for all the replies.  I have built lowers, but never uppers.  I don't think a Recce, built for accuracy, should be my first upper build.  The advice has been invaluable.  What do's and don't would you advise someone going down the the Recce route?

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Yes. For real look at UTG Pro super slim rails (and their reviews) on opticsplanet. I have one on my Reece as well as my lightweight build and couldn't be more impressed with the quality. For the price u can't beat them