Tell me about your shorty WK180 upper

[jacotsmith]

Hi everyone,

*edited*

I came late to the WK-180C party. When they were first released, I had lots of other fancy expensive AR-ish guns to keep me busy, and with all the bad reviews inherent with the growing pains I never gave them a second thought. I inherited a Gen 1 model a while back though and with minimal investment I now see the potential in these rifles, at least for cheap fun now that I’ve sold off most of my more expensive rifles.

Particularly, I see the opportunity for some relatively cheap SBR action. I’ve read a few old threads on here but wonder what people’s thoughts are in the current environment and given a few years of experience.

For the price of building a dedicated short upper with new parts, I had considered if picking up a cheap complete rifle might be the way to go and chop down the barrel, (until I was reminded that such options are not legally available to us in the People’s Democratic Republic of Canada).

In any event, I am interested to hear other’s experiences; how the uppers run, if they needed to add muzzle devices to help cycle, what mods were required to the gas ports/block, etc.

And because photos make everything more interesting, here are a couple of random shots I’ve pulled off the web.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Colin L]

For the price of building a dedicated short upper with new parts, I wonder if picking up a cheap complete rifle might be the way to go and chop down the barrel......

Sawing off the barrel of a rifle less then 18" makes it prohibited.
If you want a SBR WK180, you'll need to source a factory-made short barrel, have it installed, verified and registered as a restricted rifle.

 

[jacotsmith]

Ah yes, our clear and logical gun laws, thank you for reminding me. OP edited to reflect.

I’m still looking for opinions though. Wondering if it’s worth the expense (short barrels aren’t cheap, especially if the gas ports need machining or dimpling or whatever), and hassle.

 

[Dexter Morgan]

It's not a horrible idea.
The factory barrels are heavy and awkward.

If/when the imminent threat of banning and confiscation comes to pass;
I might consider putting on a shorter barrel and registering mine as restricted.

 

[Colin L]

If/when the imminent threat of banning and confiscation comes to pass;

I would say the ban threat by the Liberal Government is dead. They are done as a government and Conservatives are almost certain to win a majority.
I don't see any government initiated bans for at least a decade. Never know what the RCMP may decide on a whim though...

 

[Dexter Morgan]

I would say the ban threat by the Liberal Government is dead.

My understanding was that another big wave of bans was supposed to be coming
as soon as the new gun-ban advisory committee is formed.

That committee was supposed to have been assembled right after C-21 passed.
Not sure whatever happened to it?

 

[jacotsmith]

If there are bans on the horizon, all the more reason to enjoy what little freedoms we have while they last. At present, a WK upper is not a regulated item, with or without a barrel that is less than 18.5”, and a short barrel only becomes an issue when it is attached to the regulated lower. There are varying opinions on how long it can be attached before the obligation to register kicks in, but as evidenced by the multiple platforms (FX-9, Raven, etc.) that many people swap out to temporarily enjoy with the blessings of their ranges, I don’t think there is any immediate concern. YMMV

Still interested to hear about other’s builds though, I know they’re out there. Cheers.

 

[OkayShooter]

Sawing off the barrel of a rifle less then 18" makes it prohibited.
If you want a SBR WK180, you'll need to source a factory-made short barrel, have it installed, verified and registered as a restricted rifle.

Actually under 18.5" for semi auto centerfire

 

[Colin L]

Actually under 18.5" for semi auto centerfire

Saw off a semiauto-centerfire between 18.4" and 18" -it becomes Restricted.
Saw off a semiauto-centerfire less then 18" -it becomes Prohibited.