Which SBR to buy?

[ColbyLang]

OK guys, got my NFA trust done. Got a few cans on paper file with the ATF. Next up, the SBR. Let's throw price tags out the window. I basically narrowed it down to 2 different guns. Have prices on both from a trusted friend in the industry. 1) Daniels Defense Mark 18 2) LMT LM8 SBR. I know the LMT will be a three-five hundred dollar increase in price. (I already have an LMT LM8). SO, do I keep it all in the LMT family, or do I get that fancy looking brown Mark 18? What would you do if it were your money?
Gotta get this purchase in before the kid arrives in February........

Thanks for the input guys

 

[jasonfaz]

Are you considering the LM8 in DI or piston? I'd definitely vote DI, and if my only choices were between the DD MK18 and a DI LM8 I'm pretty sure I would be struggling to make a call. I like the monolithic upper on the LMT, but I also like the ability to change my handguard if I want to. Other than that I don't see a lot of functional differences that would set one apart from the other. Neither have keymod, both have CHF barrels (I prefer a medium contour stainless on SBRs), and neither give you a factory option to adjust gas settings.

Out of curiosity, why have you narrowed it down to those two options out of everything else that's available?

 

[cramey74]

LWRC M6A2 10.5". Mine runs like a sewing machine.

 

[ColbyLang]

Are you considering the LM8 in DI or piston? I'd definitely vote DI, and if my only choices were between the DD MK18 and a DI LM8 I'm pretty sure I would be struggling to make a call. I like the monolithic upper on the LMT, but I also like the ability to change my handguard if I want to. Other than that I don't see a lot of functional differences that would set one apart from the other. Neither have keymod, both have CHF barrels (I prefer a medium contour stainless on SBRs), and neither give you a factory option to adjust gas settings.

Out of curiosity, why have you narrowed it down to those two options out of everything else that's available?

Going DI on the LMT if I go that route. These two options are easily available at my buddy's gun shop. They have to be ordered and transferred in, but it won't take long like other brands will.

 

[Guest]

SBR is next on my list, have paperwork in on a can right now.

Still haven't decided but I am either going with this SI Upper or building my own. I have their SI Tier 1 Recce upper and the thing is a laser, 100% reliable and extremely light. I have the first version they came out with that has the Troy Alpha rail. They now have gone to the keymod rail. Love the WOA match barrel. Just slap it on your registered lower and your ready to go.

 

[Name Enough]

I am also running an LWRC piston driven AR. Both of my SBRs are chambered in 6.8 SPC. The piston system is useful when shooting the SBR suppressed. The suppressed rifle runs pretty dirty and the piston system negates a lot of the carbon blow back. I also run a 12.5" DI upper so I can see the difference. If you do use a DI you should very seriously consider getting an adjustable gas block which will aid in tuning. If you are getting an SBR the logical next step will be a suppressed SBR.

 

[Goin'Hot]

I just brought my DD Mk 18 home Friday. I really like it. I also have a AA 7.5" piston upper that I've ran my muffler on. The piston isn't magic as far as filth is concerned...

I'm waiting on my form 1 to come back to make a dedicated short muffler for my SBR's.

 

[ColbyLang]

I'm going suppressed on the SBR. Most likely getting a Saker for it

 

[SKS Guy]

I'd go DD. Both are quality weapons but the DD looks a little cooler.

 

[az-bred]

I just picked up a LWRC ic 8" piston.
The upper is nice and slim without all of the rails, but it does come with 3 rails for accessories. The lowers are my favorite they are full ambi with bolt hold, bolt release, mag release, and safety. DD mk 18 is good but this one is just better.

 

[zeuskab00s]

Noveske SBR https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=4596

 

[alan98]

This is my DDMK18. Not the best pic but I was trying out the Surefire SOCOM on it. Should have the can approved in 3 months or so.

 

[skeeterIII]

I liked the fact that Sig did the work for me on the size of the gas ports (I just bought the pistol version) on my Sig 556 SBR plus a big factor was it is a folder too (only 19.5" long) It has the Swiss folding stocks and I bought and had DDS shorten the 550 hand guards.
It has never jammed or had a FTF. It has all the reliability of the AK system (which it is) with the accuracy of the AR system.
I did both processes of the interview with LE and the Trust was much faster and better.

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Contact Wes at MSTN….

Home Page

Or….

Brian at Werner Arms
Werner Arms Home
[email protected]

 

[ColbyLang]

thanks for the input guys. Moving a few inventory items to make room for the SBR, one sold, two to go. Gotta make a decision fairly soon as the ATF tax stamp and my baby should all be here at the same time

 

[Why1504]

I own 2 Daniel Defense SBR's. I don't believe that you can make a bad choice with any top line DI gun (I have personally seen 2 piston guns break after 1000 or so rounds and am not a fan.). I consider SBR's battle rifles. The DD's are accurate guns that run. They are overgassed. I believe this is by design to insure they will run most any ammo. The DD rifles also tend to be less expensive than other top of the line rifles.

Good Luck!

 

[jasonfaz]

I just picked up a LWRC ic 8" piston.
The upper is nice and slim without all of the rails, but it does come with 3 rails for accessories. The lowers are my favorite they are full ambi with bolt hold, bolt release, mag release, and safety. DD mk 18 is good but this one is just better.

AZ,
Are you running a can on your LWRC?

 

[az-bred]

Yes,
I'm running a AAC SD-6 in 7.62 suppressor
Here's a pic of the sbr without the can and a really bad pic with the can.

 

[cal50]

Short OAL, piston drive & no stamp.
16 1/4" barrel gives a little more zing & better ballistics.

 

[brcook03]

I'd look pretty heavily at a Colt factory SBR also (6933 is one model, I think). I believe DD intentionally overgasses their commercial Mk18 uppers/guns to work with lower pressure ammo. This is going to tend to give a slightly more harsh recoil impulse and be harder on parts if you plan to shoot a lot of 5.56 pressure ammo. If you want to stick with the Mk18 theme, I believe High Caliber Sales can also build a Mk18 to Crane specs for you also.

 

[az-bred]

The Tavor is one of my favorites with a 16" barrel the total length is 26.54"
DD 10.3" upper with complete sbr is 26.75"

 

[cal50]

The Tavor is one of my favorites with a 16" barrel the total length is 26.54"
DD 10.3" upper with complete sbr is 26.75"

The desired short OAL is the one area any bullpup really shines and has a longer barrel length.

After owning a transferable M16-A1 with various uppers from the 10" barrel with bird cage & XM177 moderator to rifle length I never grew fond of the 10" barrel configuration. The short tube I ran with a AWC / CQB can that tamed the bark quite a bit but adding length & weight of the can offset the benefits of the short OAL.

 

[az-bred]

The desired short OAL is the one area any bullpup really shines and has a longer barrel length.

After owning a transferable M16-A1 with various uppers from the 10" barrel with bird cage & XM177 moderator to rifle length I never grew fond of the 10" barrel configuration. The short tube I ran with a AWC / CQB can that tamed the bark quite a bit but adding length & weight of the can offset the benefits of the short OAL.

Ya the short barrel is definitely a little louder, but their still a must have for an AR platform. The short barrel uppers kinda offset how front heavy the AR's are too.
The Tavor weight distribution is all in the back so it can easily be held for long periods of time or one handed. I run a GEMTECH HVT QD 7.62 on my Tavor and it's a machine.

 

[skeeterIII]

I would not worry about the SBR being louder as you should be using ear muffs or ear plugs. With the 50 cal you need both.

 

[The Gump]

MK18 for sure!

 

[Jmo]

This is my DDMK18. Not the best pic but I was trying out the Surefire SOCOM on it. Should have the can approved in 3 months or so.

alan98 did you use the flash hider or the break from surefire to mount the can? Did it fit up without a problem? I have the SOCOM can as well and have been pondering buying the DD MK18 upper but was unsure if the can would screw on with the rail that long.

 

[John_in_WYO]

GT Distributors in Austin, TX had some SBR SWAT trade-ins a while back. Both Colt and LMT. All Surefire forend light equipped.
I picked up a Colt for $789.00
None seemed wore out.
More exterior wear than internal from the few I examined.
Some cerakote on the outside and they'll look good as new.

Colt top, LMT bottom

 

[jasonfaz]

alan98 did you use the flash hider or the break from surefire to mount the can? Did it fit up without a problem? I have the SOCOM can as well and have been pondering buying the DD MK18 upper but was unsure if the can would screw on with the rail that long.

It will. You'll have a few millimeters of clearance. It fits perfect. Looks like a monolithic set up all the way through the end of your can.

 

[jasonfaz]

Colby,
If it were my money I would most definitely build. Especially if you're looking to run it suppressed. There are just too many MFGers making these based on a design that would allow the avg person to run any ammo you could find though them and do it reliably. Building your own is the only way to get it shooting exactly how you want it to......and you can probably do it cheaper!

 

[ColbyLang]

building is definitely an interesting way to go. Never thought of that option. Shot a Mk 18 this past week and enjoyed it thoroughly. A touch over gassed. Id love to get my hands on an LMT to find out how it shoots Thanks for all of the great input guys

 

[jasonfaz]

Building is definitely the route I'll take 100% of the time. It's whatever you want/need it to be. I just wish he'd let me shoot it occasionally...

 

[az-bred]

Building is definitely the route I'll take 100% of the time. It's whatever you want/need it to be. I just wish he'd let me shoot it occasionally...

SBR porn at it's finest

Jason - What's your build here ? Larue upper, seekins lower ?
T1 or h1 optic, how do you like it ? (thinking about picking one up)

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I have an LMT 10.5" DI upper with the DD Mk. 18 rail on it. Hard to go wrong with either company, honestly.

 

[jasonfaz]

SBR porn at it's finest

Jason - What's your build here ? Larue upper, seekins lower ?
T1 or h1 optic, how do you like it ? (thinking about picking one up)

Build is:

Yankee Hill billet upper
San Tan ambi lower (short throw safety version)
LWRC UCIW kit w/Slash's buffer & spring
JP FMOS BCG
10" BCM KMR
11.5" Noveske pipe w/Mod 0 chamber & switchy switch
Geissele SD3G
KAC barricade support/keymod rails
Aimpoint T-1 2MOA on a GDI mount
Usually wears the AAC M4-2K

7 or so years ago I went the factory route the first couple times. Frustrated with over gassing I jumped into building something custom based on my specific preferences. After a bunch of these built, this is one fine shooting 5.56 shorty.

 

[ZombieMonkey]

Can't go wrong either way. I've got the LMT MRP in a 10.5" SBR (DI obviously). Gun just plain runs both suppressed and unsuppressed. I will say that it could benefit from an adjustable gas block to help tune the gas system to my particular ammo, but I never really saw the need, especially as for a while I used it on duty as my patrol rifle with my previous agency. (Current agency is stuck in the "Colt or nothing" mentality...yuck)

Building your own is always an option too if you're not quite content with either of the options you're considering.

 

[jasonfaz]

And I love the T1. I don't feel there is a faster optic out there as long as you use it correctly (keep both eyes open and focus on target not the optic).

I forgot to mention the charging handle too. I thought I would just because the OP mentioned shooting with a can. This is the first time I've used an Armageddon Tactical GMS-15. The entire design revolves around managing gas blow back. It is an extremely effective design. Right up there with PRIs gas buster when it comes to gas mgmt, but you get an ambi handle also. These will ride my future builds as well. Very impressed.

 

[ZombieMonkey]

Jasonfaz touched on a good point, no matter what you do, you're likely going to want to pick up a charging handle such as the one posted or the gas buster from PRI. Suppressed SBRs tend to be a bit on the gassy side, especially factory SBRs.