Barrel: Noveske 16” 1/7 Twist Stainless Steel mid length w/ Ops Inc Profile. The "Recce" is also known as the SEAL Recon Rifle used by the US Navy SEAL teams and the Naval Surface Warefare Center Crane Division (NSWC-Crane). We want to minimize the flexion of the rail, provide good free-floating capabilities, and have strong mounting points for accessories. The market has come a long way since the early ’90s or even the early 2000s. The M4A1 assault rifle has been used … However, I’ve also seen 1-4, 1-6, and fixed low power magnification optics like the Elcan or ACOG used as well. If you decide to go with the SBR route, consider their HoneyBadger. The first time I put a 1-4 behind an FSP, I HATED it. Due to the secretive nature of the end-users, first-hand information and data regarding the Recon rifles seems to be quite rare. Articles with unsourced statements from November 2014, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, United States Navy Mark 12 Mod X Special Purpose Rifle, http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/pdf_barrel_drawings/ar_profiles/M4_navy.PDF, https://military.wikia.org/wiki/SEAL_Recon_Rifle?oldid=4541739. There’s also an element of balance to this (which is the next post going up, actually). So the barrel specification became 18″ and the bean counters were satisfied. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, only shooting at range like that isn’t always the role of the sniper. Odd. If I’m at 1x, I don’t want all that cross hair business cluttering up my view. Trigger Guard: GI. My only suggestion would be to point out how a carbine/rifle is built is probably just as important as the sum of its parts, which would make a great follow up article. Gain insights from pros, new content notifications, vendor discount alerts, and more! Modern pencil weight barrels meet your 1 MOA requirement even when hot. When production of this rifle was turned over to NSWC-Crane, U.S. Army funding and concepts were apparently incorporated into the program (there is some confusion as to the exact events). A barrel capable of 1 MOA is more than sufficient for a light sniper role at less than 400-500 yards. I gather that the only real “spec” for much of its life, was the 16″ barrel, as the SPR/MK12 had an 18″ barrel. This is really a personal preference, but I’m a huge fan of BCM’s rails these days. very first build, which I detailed in another article. Aside from the form factor, the build was meaningful to me because I had attempted it before and failed. It’s accurate, good looking, and compact enough to live with while working well at close and mid-range distances. For durability sake, we should absolutely pin the low profile gas block in place if not utilizing a front sight base. The intent was bridging the capability gap between a standard infantry carbine like the M4, but not step up to the size and weight requirements of something like the M14. When shooting a Recce from field positions, I found the combination of increased magnification and very light barrels to be a disadvantage. For the profile, the goal is something that’s lightweight and easy to carry. I hope you found this guide helpful. The caveat there is that Centurion’s lightweight is still heavier than a true pencil profile. The Mk262 ammunition was developed to enhance both the lethality of the 5.56 NATO round as well as its effective range. After sporting a 10.5″ with both a linear comp and then a suppressor, and this applies most in a shoot house that bounces that reverb back, I don’t feel like I’m… Read more », Good eye, Mark! I’ll put some sounds downrange in the next 2 or 3 weeks and really wring out my views, but I don’t… Read more ». The rifle, which I refer to as a “bushwacking carbine” or “The Partisan”, really performs well whether as a paper punching target rifle or up close and… Read more », Enjoyed the article and agree with you about not cloning rifles. There are plenty more on the market, but getting bogged down in Rail X vs Rail Y discussions really isn’t all that helpful. I have a URGI with an ACSS ACOG over a Geissele SSP trigger – No complaints & still smiling. The original SEAL Recce Rifle was an in-house modification to M4 carbines. I always enjoy hearing how things evolved over time, so thank s for sharing the insight about the optics. The April 2012 issue of Shotgun News had a nice little article by James Tarr about the Recce Rifle and an attempt to build his own. It makes a lot of sense, and now I agree with your barrel choice. To me, pretty much any quality built A16″ R-15 will serve effectively as a Recce Rifle if you put the right optic on top. If needed, the recon rifle could serve for house clearing or traditional fire and movement. Instead, I prefer to look at the role a rifle filled and build towards it using available resources. Broad spectrum of versatility in the AR platform, you can build to taste and function. In the FWIW category, I talked to a couple of buddies who were there and they confirmed that the recce rifle originated with the Navy, though it quickly made its way down south as well. The front end didn’t… Read more ». Beyond this, exact specifications vary. Get a Quote; Check Order Status; Stocking Dealers; Support; Services; Terms & Conditions; Contact Us (616) 710-0609 sales@bgdefense.com. The SEAL Recon Rifle is sometimes referred to as the Recce. I hear you about living in California. a premiere small arms builder, these weapons were initially built in-house with the only specifications being the ability to shoot any 5.56 x 45 mm cartridge in inventory (at the time this included the first iterations of the 77-grain (5 g) Mk 262 Mod 0 cartridge), and that the weapon have a barrel 16 inches (406 mm) in length. Great article. Not to mention practice ammo and gear to review. Kyle Defoor, a former SEAL Sniper and current firearms trainer, gave the best approximation I’ve seen. I agree that for ranging and observation (recon!) As always, let me know if you have any questions in the comments. NF RULR Mount Handguard: KAC FF RAS Rifle Length and Medium Length Barrel: Lilja 17" SS Muzzle Device: KAC M4QD or BE Myers 249F Suppressor: KAC M4 QDSS CORNCOB That’s what I outlined in my guide to buying your first AR-15. Thanks, and again, great article! In this post, I want to dig a little more into the role of the precision carbine. Honestly, if you already have an 18” with collapsible stock, then stick with it. FALKOR has adopted the heavier barrel concept of the Recce and improved on the original concept by marrying it to our Transition rail, enhanced bridged action and sporterized chassis. The end result is an AR15 that is unmatched in accuracy and reliability. There are arguments both ways for FFP and SFP. 3. I don’t think anyone could have predicted the sheer number of variations that arose nor the longevity of the system. The end result is an AR15 that is unmatched in accuracy and reliability. The cartridge developed for the project was the now-famous Mk 262 77gr OTM. The Recce gun has been a passion of mine since I first saw them used in theatre in 2003. Great effort. To close out this discussion, let’s review a bit. I’m getting ready to Rattlecan the whole thing! Is that a Turner Saddlery synthetic sling you’re sporting in that photo? Matching the size of an issue SOPMOD, the Recce runs smoother and allows more agile weapons control, thanks to its mid-length gas system and extended handguard. Recon rifles built by Crane are reportedly all fitted with a free-float handguard system, the most popular being the Knight's Armament Co. M4 Match RAS and the LaRue free-float handguards in the longer lengths (which protect the barrel and provide more area to mount tactical accessories). If you don’t mind the extra weight, the UBR 2.0 provides the best lockup and is the most solid feeling out there. These barrels were mated to flat top upper receivers, and back up iron sights (BUIS) from KAC (knight armament corp). This was the first rifle based on the M4/M16 platform that was meant to fill the DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) role for U.S. Special Operations. Since they were so individualized, there really wasn’t a spec. I am setting up to get one going if you are willing. The recon rifle often gets used with a bipod or other rests. If you aren’t familiar with the lingo, “Recce” is British slang for reconnaissance. I just tend to okay with configurations a lot. When I bought my first rifle, a Springfield Loaded M1A, I had in mind to be some kind of long-range semi-auto sniper. FALKOR has adopted the heavier barrel concept of the Recce and improved on the original concept by marrying it to our Transition rail, enhanced bridged action and sporterized chassis. But then you’re dealing with NFA constraints and I typically try to keep newer shooters away from those. However, it could still support with automatic fire as needed. There were two variants, the Mod 0 and Mod 1. Great article. That led me down a bit of a money hole with the M1A. More magnification provides you with a bit more power to observe the target and provide support as necessary. First Name * Last Name * Most of the arguments flying around the web effectively come down to window dressing. The Everyday Marksman is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. If you click on the link and buy something, then I receive a small commission, typically 4% to 5% of the sale. I personally don’t think First Focal Plane (FFP) or Second Focal Plane (SFP) makes a huge difference here, but I have a personal preference for FFP optics. The SeAL Recon was sometime referred to the “Recce Rifle”. I think a nice medium-profiled barrel with a slight taper works well. To ensure you have the best experience possible, this website uses cookies. I’ve seen too many barrels buggered from… Read more », Good article codifing the nebulous Recce Rifle concept. They were first used operationally in '93 in Somalia by our guys that were attached to our Southern brethren. It’s not that I need to move optics from rifle to rifle. As an aside, the idea of a 20″ barrel never really went off the table. The Falkor Recce rifle from EMG provides the operator with a lightweight, nimble and accurate alternative to traditional heavier profile barreled rifles. A couple months back I made 2 video on each of these guns. But we also don’t want to go too lightweight because of the rate of fire requirement. 2" does make a difference, especially with a can. I might have one of those…maybe. That being said, would it not help the lightweight aspect to use a lightweight/pencil profile barrel? It was a personal choice of the individual sniper. The SEAL Recon Rifle is sometimes referred to as the "Recce Rifle". The BCM Recce 14 was designed by Navy Seals for Navy Seals...But how does this AR-15 Setup shoot with the NEW Accessories? A 1/8 or 1/7 twist shoots all of the common match bullets just fine. It’s not a secret that I think most new shooters are best served with “general-purpose” carbine and lots of practice. Such a receiver was primarily focused on precision. The original specification detailed a 20″ barrel, but the Navy’s procurement system wouldn’t approve it since 20″ barrels were already “in the system.”. The Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) also entered the picture and put their expertise to work. Built in-house by U.S. Navy SEAL Team armorers, and later by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (often referred to as NSWC-Crane or "Crane"), the SEAL Recon Rifle was developed to provide SEAL snipers with a portable, lightweight system with greater lethality than a standard M4 carbine. I notice all your reticle choices are some kind of crosshair MIL variation. The final step is probably the most challenging. And there are some great arguments for doing that. Now there’s nothing stopping you from using slightly less magnification and also bringing along a nice set of binoculars. It’s simply an arrangement I have with the retailer. I’d say spend that money on quality optic and ammo and shoot the snot out of your rifle. Generally, the US military switched to a new primary infantry rifle ever 10-15 years or so. The Recce configuration is very popular these days, so a lot of companies make good approximations right out of the box. Should You Buy a Nitrided Barrel for Your AR-15? This site and its community are a labor of love. The recce rifle, or recon rifle, isn’t really a single weapon, but more a genreof weapons designed to … Upper Receiver. And a proper jig like those from BRD are essential for anyone without experience as a machinist.. at least imo. Hey Andrew, thanks commenting! Aside from that, I say pick your choice from any of the quality makers out there like BCM, B5, Vltor, or Magpul. Sorry for the delay, three of your comments got hung up in the spam filter. The optic you choose stems from how you want to use the rifle. OG SEAL Recce: Optic: 2.5-10x24/32 Nightforce or Leupold Vari-x/MK4 series Rings: Nightforce A110's, Leupold MK4, or KAC 1.4/5" Piggybacked Optics: Doctor in Wilcox NF mount. I usually have one or two sitting in reserve. All we’ve got are stories. He mentioned that the original early 90’s NSW Sniper M4s usually had 16″ carbine-gassed match barrels produced by Lilja. That sounds like a fine setup! Thank you for coming by The Everyday Marksman. I don't really care what charts and scientists say, me and mine can hit just as good with 16" as 18". The development of very bright reticle illumination modules has changed the game somewhat in terms of reticle design, but I am sorta paranoid so I try to choose reticles that maintain reasonable visibility if your battery dies. SPR initially stood for Special Purpose Receiver, but that nomenclature has been replaced as the weapon became a stand-alone weapons system, and not just an add … How many shots over how much time do you need it to maintain that ~1 MOA? It’s a label the civilian world came up with for what the SOCOM guys were doing. Trigger: Knights Armament 2 Stage, Geissele SSA/SSA-E. In fact, the ideas behind it underpin just about every “general purpose” configuration out there. These barrels are otherwise made to the same specs as normal USGI / Gov’t profile bbls. But with time and practice I didn’t even notice it anymore. The SEAL Recon Rifle is sometimes referred to as the Recce. In a lot of cases, the specs for a particular rifle came out in a period where there just weren’t the number of options we have today. NSWC Crane went to the Army to seek input on developing a new lightweight sniper rifle and cartridge to go with it. There are a few people I know who I suspect will make for a good conversation, you being one of them. The idea behind the "recon rifle" was to outfit SEAL snipers on recon missions with an M4 that had a little bit better reach and lethality in the event that your recon op suddenly turned into a "target of opportunity" mission. However, I don’t think that you should pursue crazy levels of accuracy here. Granted they would not hold up under full auto fire as well as a heavier barrel, but would that not be offset by the increased indoor maneuverability and reduced swing weight? Finally a well put together piece on the RECCE that doesn’t come in pieces from forums. When production of this rifle was turned over to NSWC-Crane, U.S. Army funding and concepts were apparently incorporated into the program (there is some confusion as to the exact events). Upper Receiver. So, in other words, officially making a program out of the SEAL’s Recce rifle turned it into a larger and heavier weapon that wasn’t as useful. Mid-length gas was not a “thing” in the early ’90s, but it’s very common today. In other words, it was a true “general purpose” configuration. It’s probably going to come down to usage. I've shot both together on the same range at the same time. There are subtle differences between them, but the most obvious is that the Mod 0 uses a PRI Carbon Fiber handguard and Mod 1 uses the KAC RAS. I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly on, once again, using what works and not necessarily is rigidly prescribed by those who know better. As such, it seems fitting to use a collapsible stock here. [citation needed], According to Wes Grant of M.S.T.N. That is an unpopular position these days, but I am sticking with it. The official Mk-12 program used 18″ rifle-gassed barrels by Douglas. I don’t see any reason to make this more complicated than the article I already wrote on the subject. All of my AR-15s follow that same Recce prescription reasonably closely with some branching out since I am not a clone dork either (great choice… Read more », Ilya, I’d be happy to jump on a podcast when you get it up and running. Despite never having an official designation, the Recce rifle format has been extremely influential in modern AR culture. The barrels have the Ops Inc 12th model suppressors with the specified muzzle brake to mount the suppressor. The SEAL Recon Rifle is sometimes referred to as the Recce . I’ve held this view for a while but had no practical experience with this kind of optic until a few weeks ago when I finally purchased an SFP 1-6x. Another SEAL in a related discussion laid out the role. Another solid article describing origin and philosophy of use of the Recce design. Eugene Stoner would be astonished to witness the platforms evolution, versatility and longevity. That’s especially true if you aren’t running a suppressor. Part 1, FFP vs SFP Optics: The Hype and the Truth, Trijicon LED TA-110 ACOG: Raw Truth Reviews, Accurate enough to serve as a light sniper rifle, Durable enough barrel to support an elevated rate of fire, Either a low profile gas block or front sight tower (both were common). Are you going to be at SHOT next week by chance? A lightweight would work fine, honestly. I can live with that (I’ve spent a fair amount of… Read more ». Some operators reportedly use various back-up iron sights (BUISs) by Knight's, ARMS Inc, and Troy Industries, while others do not. Barrel whip and harmonics certainly play into accuracy as well, so stiffness matters- but I think it gets less important as the barrel gets shorter. Keep in mind the Recce was never a formal designation. The advantage we have today over twenty years ago is that the optics market is dramatically different, and we can take advantage of that. A carbine-length gas system is used. The original Recce Rifle design came from accurizing M4 carbines. In fact, that’s probably the more comfortable option for most people. [citation needed] They have a unique heavy barrel profile, starting with 0.980 in (25 mm) in diameter for the first 2.60 in (66 mm) of length, then narrowing down to 0.850 (22 mm) in diameter, 0.750 in (19 mm) in diameter underneath the front sight block, and 0.725 in (18 mm) in diameter to the muzzle. At some point, the SEAL Recon Rifle gained enough popularity that it left the hands of individual units and went up to NSWC (Naval Surface Warfare Center) Crane for further development. Most of us that have a lot of time on one (myself included) think that 16" is better for a number of reasons: 1. Upper Receiver: Colt AF/Keyhole. So I believe a 16″ middy is the ticket for most people. The range of optics used on Recon rifles is wide, with various models by Trijicon (like ACOG TA01, TA31F), Leupold (TS-30A1, TS-30A2), and NightForce in use. The recce build idea fascinates me, even though I don’t see myself building one anytime soon (too much overlap with other guns). There are times where I link to specific products or companies that I recommend. It had a fixed-length M16A1 stock, a two-stage select-fire trigger, and a free-floated handguard. He's former military officer turned professional tech sector trainer. But we do know that Lilja barrels and optics in the 2.5-10 range were popular. Thanks for reading and commenting, SLG! [citation needed]. They called for an accurized upper receiver with a heavy barrel that could mount to standard lowers . Trigger Guard: GI. The guys at Q over in New Hampshire are doing some interesting work on improving the terminal ballistics of subsonics. Some would go with a Geisselle trigger too, and some would put a tube rail back on. We'd love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment. RECCE Upper (Reconnaissance) Built in-house by U.S. Navy SEAL Team armorers, and later by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (often referred to as NSWC-Crane or "Crane"), the SEAL Recon Rifle was developed to provide SEAL snipers with a portable, lightweight system with greater lethality than a standard M4 carbine. The design was apparently ahead of its time and didn’t gain traction. You really don’t stand to gain much by doing a 16” to fit a similar niche. + Newsletter+ New Content Alerts+ Deals and Sales. I’m enjoying all of your in depth blogs. My primary goal is providing you with quality information and recommendations. SOCOM officially fielded the Mk-12 rifle in the early 2000s with a Douglas-made 18″ rifle-gassed match-grade barrel. The two major branches are the Mk-12 SPR and the slightly less standardized cousin, the Recce rifle. Upper Receiver: Colt AF or Keyhole. It really comes down to smart design of the reticle and where you plan on using the scope. But we do know that Lilja barrels and optics in the 2.5-10 range were popular. I don’t know the history for sure, but I’m pretty sure the name did not come from the civilian world, as the Army guys I was working with in 2003 told me they were calling them that in the early 90’s when they started to really flesh the concept out. I’m glad you enjoyed the article. The end result of this program was the Mk-12 Special Purpose Rifle. Developed originally by the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Crane Division for SEALs that needed a rifle with greater lethality than the M4, but in a lighter, more versatile platform than the MK14. Let’s break down some of the key specs and my recommendations. So it would seem that… Read more ». I pretty much refused to go featureless while… Read more », It sounds like you need to own more scopes so you do not have to move them from rifle to rifle. You can find that by clicking on this link. The thing to keep in mind here is that the Recce Rifle was not meant to be used at the long ranges a 10x scope is usually the answer for. The Seal Recon Rifle was originally built by U.S. Navy SEAL team armorers and then later by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (Crane Divison) was design to provide snipers with a lightweight, portable, accurate weapon with greater lethality than the standard issue M4 carbine. I’ll look forward to the podcast session! If you’re trying to be as close to the real thing as possible, the owner of Centurion Arms spent a long time developing the contacts to sell the exact same barrel used on the real deal carbines. The sub $1,000 Recce rifle build and Howa Bravo in 6.5 Creedmoor. The fact that we’ve stuck to the same system for 50 years is quite a feat. They saw it as a less-effective version of what they started with. But this particular thread of AR-15 development seems to have origins in the early 1990s. No, my commission comes at no additional cost to you. The SEAL Teams were apparently disappointed with the performance of the resulting Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR), and convinced the program managers at Crane to return to the original specifications. But if you take that RCO and put it on a 16″ carbine firing 77gr Mk262, then what? For the price of a box of ammo, you can help keep the lights on and the content flowing. How much these specifications have changed with regards to Crane's "production" weapons is unknown. Did I mention his description was short and to the point? It’s also compatible with the A5 buffer system, which is a big plus for me. Nobody really knows the true origins of it, though. FALKOR has adopted the heavier barrel concept of the Recce and improved on the original concept by marrying it to our Transition rail, enhanced bridged action and sporterized chassis. I haven’t gotten to handle one yet. As with any mission, the terrain dictates the type of training needed. My version, circa 2005, was made with a Lilja barrel and Knights furniture, though there has obviously been a lot of variations before and since. Great article. We don’t want to go down the path of heavy barrels since it defeats the lightweight purpose. The mounting system works well and you can have it in your preferred flavor of Keymod, M-LOK, or 1913 rail. The story goes that US Navy SEAL snipers began mounting precision scopes and barrels to some of their M4 carbines as in-house modifications. Since they were so individualized, there really wasn’t a spec. But what makes that interesting for civilians like me is that these heavier SOCOM profile barrels are also proving to be surprisingly accurate – and it seems to be due primarily to the stiffness imparted by the heavier profile combined with the short 14.5in length. According to the Small Arms Defense Journal. We have an almost unlimited number of choices when it comes to rails and handguards. The M4A1 assault weapon. Triggers are a highly personal thing. The original rifles had a wide variety of optics, but the 2.5-8 or 2.5-10 magnification ranges were the most common. My main issue is that BDCs are a kind of “one size fits all” option for a specific bullet fired at a specific velocity. I couldn’t do something like that unless any income made from the blog was paying for it, so maybe in a few years (or one of the other conventions like TriggerCon). One of the quotes above highlights a lesser-known function of observation. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes with getting a podcast going. Barrel: Lilja 15.1” 1/7 Twist Stainless Steel midlength gas system w/ Ops Inc Profile, Lilja 16” 1/7 Twist Stainless Steel midlength gas system. I discussed that history in my article on Designated Marksman Rifles. The original intent was to allow snipers to observe and provide rapid lightweight precision-fire capability at moderately close ranges (300-400 yards). A lot of new shooter slings have hit the market since then, with my favorite being… Read more ». I recently added a SUREFIRE DualFuel and a Viking Tactics sling. I do wonder how much of that was related to Colt being the manufacturer, as their barrels are generally known for good accuracy. For a lot of folks just getting into the game, it’s their ideal “SHTF-TEOTWAWKI” general-purpose rifle. So what is an affiliate link? The SEAL Recon Rifle is sometimes referred to as the "Recce Rifle". The modified versions that sprang up as teams worked over their Mk-12 rifles usually got collapsible stocks as well. Mounting a precision scope onto a standard infantry rifle isn’t a new idea by any means. FALKOR has adopted the heavier barrel concept of the Recce and improved on the original concept by marrying it to our Transition rail, enhanced bridged action and sporterized chassis. The barrel blanks are made by Lilja Precision[citation needed] and then chambered by Compass Lake. Home » Equipment » The Recce Rifle: Builder’s Guide to Modern Classic. FALKOR has adopted the heavier barrel concept of the Recce and improved on the original concept by marrying it to our Transition rail, enhanced bridged action and sporterized chassis.