A couple of you know that I’m a bit of a Knights whore. Well, here is my version of what an “enhanced” MK18 should look like:
This is what you get when you mix and KAC SR-15 IWC lower with a 10.5” LMT MRP upper. First the lower. This is my favorite factory AR lower out there. It is fully ambi (selector, mag release, bolt release) with an excellent, and I mean excellent, factory trigger. Although I’m not a huge fan of the SOPMOD stock, it suits my needs just fine. I did replace the grip with one of the BCM Gunfighter Grips. I’m running a H2 buffer with and without a suppressor with great reliability.
The upper is a standard LMT MRP upper. The barrel is the proprietary and capable of quick change at the end user level. However, this is not a feature that I will use that often. The bolt carrier group is a the LMT full auto carrier. The charging handle is a BCM Gunfighter variety which is common on all of my ARs.
As for the optic, I’m running a Aimpoint mico with a TNVC PVS-14 quick release mount behind it. Forward of the optic is a DBAL-A3 with green visible laser. I like the mount for this illumination device and I find the IR illumination just a bit better than the ATPIAL-C. For visible illumination, I’m using a Surefire Scout mounted with on a Thorntail mount. My hand position is such that I can activate the light without the need for a pressure switch. Now for the fun part:
The suppressor is the SF SOCOM 556 RC-2 over a SF Warcomp muzzle device. So far, I’ve had very good luck with the Warcomp. Some people have noted a degradation in accuracy with this device, but I have not seen that so far. It doesn't do much for recoil, but it definitely limits muzzle rise when shooting fast.The RC-2 is like any other can on a very short 5.56 rifle - loud. I doubt that its hearing safe as the supersonic crack leaves my ears ringing after just a few rounds. The is very little gas to the face, and zero shift is about 1/2” toward 4 o’clock at 50 years with the suppressor.
Function has been flawless over the first 300 rounds (about half suppressed). All PMAGS, Lancers, and quality USGI will drop free. I have no idea what the gas port size is, but it does not seem over gassed when using M193, M855, RA556B, or Hornady TAP SBR. Accuracy is identical to what you will get from any other KAC, BMC, or LMT rifle. One quick word on the TAP SBR - that stuff is noticeably softer to shoot. I’ve not chrono’ed any yet, but I’d be surprised if its reaching adversited velocities.
Cost is the downside. The lower alone is usually $6-700. The upper and barrel is another $1500 or so. Then, you add optics, BCG, illumination, etc, etc. and you get the picture. It is not a “cost effective” option. But hey, the country is going to hell and we will all be in re-education camps in a year. So, what do I have to lose?