MK18 Testing Waters
 

So, I have decided that my next project piece is going to be a Mk18. Really like the look and versatility of the platform.

Kinda stuck between going the GBB route or sticking to AEG. I guess I figured I would leave this as an open discussion for anyone who owns/runs either platform. Just looking for opinions on the best starting place for either (I know for GBBR, WE is likely the best candidate, unsure about the AEG though).

I know a GBBR platform would definitely be the more expensive route, especially with the cost of mags and likely having to get a true EOTech instead of a repro (I have decided that want to run a holo sight on it). I already have a good idea of what I would get if going the GBB route, so I would like to know what the Mk18 savvy people on here have to say with regards to their starting platforms for an AEG and how they built onto it.

However, as this is a project that will take a little while to put together, I am still very open to going GBB. I probably won't start the build until the fall, and thus I am just in the research phase at the moment.

Let the opinions/discussions fly.

Overplayed.

I personally think going the gbbr route for a mk18 build would be awesome. Sure it will be more expensive but the realism will be above what you get from an aeg, not to mention gbbr's are just plain fun.

If you go the gbbr route I would say use a WE M4 CQB-R as the base and have the correct mk18 trades engraved for added realism and then add all of the parts you want/need to complete the build. As for the aeg route the best base would probably be the VFC mk18, from there you can change what ever else you need. Sure that won't be much of a build but you will have great externals and need to buy less parts. That will let you focus on internals though.

Two questions I figure I might as well ask, what is your experience with GBBR's? How close to a "real mk18" do you want to be?

If you choose the GBBR route, build up a G&P if you have money to burn.

You're not cool until you have a MK18, I'm gonna make mine a PTW lol
Really its all up to personal preference, can't go wrong either way, I'd push AEG just because it's what >I< prefer.

I know its an overplayed platform, but I love it either way.

This would be my first GBBR, and thus why I am asking for opinions on both. I have been doing lots of research on them and I am leaning towards GBB simply for the ease of working on them as they have many similarities to RS, plus, the realism is shuper shexshy. Gear boxes and circuit boards are Mandarin to me. Ultimately the trades aren't a big issue for me as I will be doing a snake-scale paint job over the whole thing. If I get trades done it won't be until down the road, no matter which route I go.

The mags and having to shell out for a RS EOTech are the kicker though. However, being that it is a project gun its not a huge issue. To my knowledge most Mk18s run between a 10.5-12.5inch barrel, as I have seen platforms with both lengths labelled as such, but I guess my "nub" question would be: what is the most accurate barrel length for a RS Mk18? As well, out of curiosity, how much does trade engraving cost, and where would I be able to get it done within the GTA?

What is the part compatibility like for G&P GBBRs with regards to using RA-Tech aftermarket parts? If going GBB, in your opinions what would be the first things to upgrade? I know this is a widely asked question, but I always get/see different answers to this question. I know most people say play until it breaks, but I would like to k ow what parts I should probably get in anticipation of a failure.

Ahh a PTW would be nice, just too expensive for my taste.

They're both realistic, run whatever length you want. The MK18 MOD 1 is effectively a complete lower, and the "Block" refers to what's available to mount on the rifle, that includes upper receivers.
14.5" barrel with 12" RISII
12.5" barrel with 12" RISII
10.5" barrel with 9.5" RISII
The 10.5" barrel looks way better if you want to use a suppressor
With a GBBR, you only need 250mm of barrel or so to be accurate so barrel length is a non issue for performance
First to upgrade on a GBBR, barrel and hop rubber.
First on an AEG, barrel and hop rubber =p

I converted a WE into a Mk18 (mod 1).

Mk18 Mod 0/1 (as opposed to an SOPMOD M4/M4 SOPMOD Block II) by definition have a 10.5" barrel.

If you're going for a Mod 0, use the WE CQB-R as the base and you're 97% there. You'll need an LMT Crane stock and probably want an LMT rear sight depending how accurate you wanna be.

If you're going for a Mod 1 you can opt for a less expensive M4A1: the outer barrel is 2 piece so you can remove the extension and have your 10" outer (cut down the inner) and you're swapping out the handguard anyway. I used the Madbull one, no complaints. You'll also need a low profile gas block (I used an RS Badger Ord one) and an LMT Crane stock.

There's also a less common EOD variant with a VLTOR CASV-EL and either an M93 or VLTOR Modstock. Occasionally seen with an LMT rebar cutter.

And you don't need a RS EOtech, unless you really want one: I ran one of the Huang ones for a while and it held zero fine.

He was refering to my built I guess haha;

http://imageshack.us/a/img59/8639/m4casv.png

Exactly the info I was looking for. I think I'm taking the GBBR plunge.

Well the reason I was saying RS for the EOTech is because most of the repros aren't shock proof. However, you should refer me to the exact model you got. As long as it holds zero I'm happy with that. You say you ran it for awhile, ha e you upgraded to RS or another sight at this time?

I'll probably go with the CQB-R, 10.5" outer with a 9.5" DD RIS. Not sure which irons i will go with yet, definitely want a green laser PEQ-15 (more for looks, as lasers cant be used most places). I was thinking maybe about using a SureFire tac light/fore grip combo (cant remember the model name off the top of my dome), but am not sold on that idea yet as they are rather large for my liking.

With the Mod 0 is it a necessity to get a new gas block, or will this not be necessary? I have only dealt with my mid-length custom MOE carbine, my SCAR-L and for a short time my old AK, so this is new territory for me. The LMT crane stock is my likely candidate as well; I wanna be OAF and band some chem lights on either side.

Any of you have pictures of any of your existing Mk18s just for me to schmooze over and use as reference points? (I promise I won't totally rip off your image)

I don't see EOTechs on Airsoft Depot anymore... but it was marked as shock proof. Might wanna ask Huang about it.



I discovered I wasn't comfortable with EOtechs, the reticle was too busy for me. Guess I'm an Aimpoint guy.





No, the Mod 0 uses the stock front sight/gas block.




I'll try to find one but I did a pretty generic and by-the-book one myself.

Yeah Huang has a bunch, but they aren't posted on the site (I frequent his shop). Okay, so Mod 1 is without the stars front post, simply the RIS with a front sight on the rail? Ahh I see. I do like the T-1, I have one on my mid-length M4. Generic and by the books is what I'm looking to build off of, but whatever you can show me is appreciated.

Zack have you seen my eotech on the MP7? It works like a charm and holds zero no probelm

I haven't actually, where did you get it Mike?

You have to be logged in and have a verified account to see them

Imperial Engravers is the place to get it done, it is $100 for laser etchings and powder coat and $140 for engraving and powder coat.
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=143781


As for the specifics of a MK18 what everyone has said is pretty much right on. I actually made mention of this in another thread so I'll just quote myself.

There has some been some debate thrown around about specifics because parts are changed around and left overs are used but for the most part this is fairly accurate. There is also a mix of LMT uppes that were thrown in at one point so some of these rifles have a 10.5" barrel. Now Daniel Defense is supplying MK18 uppers as well, they too use a 10.3"

For all intensive purposes though these specifics aren't all that important, like Drake said get a WE m4 CQB-r and you are almost there. You can then change out the rail to a RIS II if you want, and then slap what ever stock you want on. A real B5 sopmod would be a cool choice.

Perfect. Thanks for the info guys. Off to the drawing board I go.

Edit: Goddamn, $70 for a gas block that weighs 1.9 ounces..

I'm guessing you are talking about the DD MK12 gas block. If you want to save money and don't mind not using the real steal part there is the Dytac Vltor gas block, it has the same profile. http://shop.ehobbyasia.com/dytac-vlt...ock-black.html

The G&P VLT gas block and the Madbull Noveske gas block are fairly close too.

If you weren't talking about the MK12 gas block ignore what I just said. :p

u can also take the standard sight post/gasblock and grind that down with a dremel tool to make it low profile. Just make sure to finish it with some oxidizing agent or something.

Good to know. Even a coat of charcoal Rustolium or something should the trick I would assume.

Fun late night/early morning fact: Did an inventory of everything that I will need to make it complete, minus the engraving, including the proper gas block if I decide not to MacGyver the stock one; I'm looking at about $1310 and change including 3 brand new mags, all brand new goodies, taxes in. I'm sure some of the stuff I will be able to find on the classifieds for cheaper. Oooo I'm excited..

Mod 0 vs. CQBR http://www.airsoft-barracks.com/foru...mk18-and-cqbr/

You are thinking of a surefire m900. For a mk18 I would suggest an element m3x. They are pretty damn good for repro.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/q...g?t=1259640493

And a Knights VFG.

Lol Goddamn horto, that's almost the exact look I want for mine. I have already decided against the M900 and decided to go with the SF M600C.much smaller and like having the sun strapped to your gun. Spent several hours last night getting a parts list for erthang a homie needs. Once the credit card is paid, boom, MK18+parts are being ordered.

I'm actually gonna pick up a part time job on the side of my FT job just to pay for it. Dedication.