Sterling Arms R18 MK3

Okay but what does the otherside look like and will this one actually work...? I had a mk2 and it was constant issues
 
I should have a test rifle in-hand for evaluation in a few weeks time. In addition to providing my feedback to Sterling Arms, I will be providing a CGN Initial Impressions Review and an Intial Shooting Report (Reliability, Accuracy, Perceived Recoil, etc). The long-term, high round-count reporting will be provided by The Shooting Edge, based on one or more Range Rental rifles.

Some readers will have undoubtedly noticed that the MSRP is $1000 (30%) less expensive than the R18 Mk2. How did Sterling Arms International achieve such cost savings so that they could pass them on to the Canadian consumer? The "Magic" was to move the manufacturing of major components off-shore, where labour is far less expensive for ISO-quality manufacturing capacity. The winner is the end-user, who reaps the benefit of a far less expensive rifle which is actually of higher quality than the R18 Mk 2. For instance, the R18 Mk3 features Type 5 Hard-Coat Anodized T7075 aluminum Receiver halves, whereas the Mk2 utilized the less expensive (and softer) T6061 alloy.
 
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Karnage said:
The lines and colour are giving me HK vibes...
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If that's the case, just wait until you see the new, 1-piece Bolt-Catch/Release. Or the Self-Regulating Gas Block. Certain aspects of the R18 Mk3 will be very familiar to those who are intimately familiar with HK products. Other Mk3 design aspects flow from competing manufacturers' non-patented products, with mimicry being the sincerest form of flattery....

The R18 Mk3 is well-positioned to provide the Lockhart Tactical Raven with some serious Short-Stroke Piston competition, at a similar price-point to Lockhart's "Silver" edition. This should prove both interesting and beneficial for Canadian consumers!
 
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Compared to MK2 upper and handguard are much more streamlined. Overall MK3 is way more aesthetically pleasing, lines, fit and finish. Stock is significantly better, it is still 1913 attachment, but I think its some 3rd party, quick push button removable. Charging handle has a smaller hook I think one piece, not sure, instead of large round barrel knob. New piston, new carbine length rod is one piece, really stubby and short. Bolt carrier is significantly different from usual 180s, seems to be way more elegant compared to previous Mk2, can't say, but it appears that bold carrier lost a lot of weight. Return springs are captured, bolt carrier is getting out with return springs and rods as one assembly. Nevertheless return springs and rods can be removed and installed from/to carrier without tools. Springs back plate appears to be different.

Bolthead and piston are either chrome plated or are in white metal unfinished. Didn't ask. Was thinking about something else.

Oh yeah, 9mm is cute too. Same upper, handguard, stock overall polish as MK3. Feeds from their own metal magazines 5/10 round. Look like tiny mp5 mags. 9mm barrel is not full length rifled to maximize velocity and has end section with ports cut right into it. They are quite long and it looks somewhat strange.
 
zupermann said:
I didnt hear anything about twist rate or if the bore is lined.
Anybody know?

And they also mentioned a 7.62x39 version. I wonder if theyll do AK mags or AR mags.
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Has to be AR mags. Any change to the lower would be a change to the design, and the 5 round proprietary Crypto-style magazine rule would apply.
 
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