Howdy Felllow CGNers!
This is a follow-on update to my original review of the R18 Mk2 Test Rifle, first published here on 11 June 2021. At the time of initial testing the rifle was a fairly svelte 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs) due in large part to the pencil-weight Barrel. Unfortunately, it was determined through testing that the thin Barrel profile was responsible for excessive "Barrel-Whip", resulting in contact between the Gas Block and the Handguard. The net result was disappointing accuracy in the 3-4 MOA range @ 100 yds. Determined to resolve the disappointing accuracy with "AR15-like" results, R18 Developer JR Cox of The Shooting Edge in Calgary and M Scott of Sterling Arms International conducted experiments with varioius weights of Barrel until a satisfactory result was achieved. The resulting heavier weight of barrel no doubt improved the R18's accuracy potential (at the expense of overall unit weight), but to what degree? And just how much weight did the R18 Mk2 gain with the heavier production Barrel?
The new bottom line for overall weight with Iron Sights (no optic) and a Steel Folding Stock Knuckle is a beefy 4.8 kg (10.2 lbs). Add the latest optical hotness with an Eotech Vudu 1-10x in an American Defense 34mm Titanium QD Cantilever Mount and the weight rises to a hefty 5.5 Kg (12.1 lbs), which is firmly in full-calibre "Battle Rifle" territory. That said, the net result of the extra weight for folks like myself who either shoot from the bench or execute relatively brief "run and gun" stages as part of an overall match, is weight-induced off-hand steadiness and absolutely miminal perceived recoil.
What about accuracy with the new, heavier tube? Ah, here's the payoff for those extra pounds at last! Straight to the point, my 5-round groups with 69 Gr Federal Gold Medal Match were consistently 1.5 MOA or less. With 77 gr IVI OTM, I was getting 1.75 MOA or better. PMC 62 Gr M855 "Green Tip" ammo produced consistent 2 MOA 5-round groups. Needless to say, the new Sterling Arms International (SAI) 1:8" Right-Twist Barrel with Wylde Chamber apparently did the trick insofar as improving the R18 Mk2's accuracy is concermed. Unfortunately I did not have an opportunity to recover my targetry so that I could photograph the groups for irrefutable proof of what I say. Until I can offer photographic evidence you will just have to take my word for it. I haven't exaggerated anything at this point and see no reason to start now. It is what it is for the R18's pleasing new accuracy results.
The additional weight penalty, while not particlularly welcome, is not necessarily a show-stopper in my view for the reasons mentioned above. That said, those who envision using their R18 for wildlife defence on long hikes in the woods may want to explore a lighter-weight option such as the similarly-priced Tavor X95. For those who cannot abide a Bullpup layout, the R18 Mk2 offers a compelling option at just under the $3K price-point. It combines mostly-ambidextrous AR15 Ergonomics with first-rate CNC-Billet machining to produce a handsome, handy and (now) accurate, semi-automatic, sporting and utility rifle that is currently unique to the Canadian market. That said, if SAI has anything to say about it, the R18 Mk2 will also soon be appearing in the hands of European sport shooters through Sterling's European Union business contacts. Watch and shoot on that front...
Here is the latest iteration of the Sterling Arms International R18 Mk2, with some additional, curated enhancements as follows:
- TNA "Probe" 2-Chamber Flash-Compensator
- Magpul MBUS PRO Back-up Iron Sights
- Magpul MLOK QD Sling Attachment
- Magpul Vertical Foregrip
- Magpul Enganced Magazine Catch
- Troy Defense Ambidextrous Magazine Release
- Trigger Tech Curved Black Trigger @ 3.5 lbs
- Magpul MOE+ PIstol Grip
- Yankee Hill EZ-Pull Take-Down Pins
- Midway Industries Picatinny Folding Buttstock Adapter
- B5 SOPMOD Buttstock
- EOTech Vudu 1-10X LVPO with 34mm Tube and "progressive Reticle"
All things considered, I still quite like the reconfigured Sterling Arms International R18 Mk 2. With the earlier accuracy issues addressed at the expense of some additional weight, the R18 now offers a very reliable, accurate and durable semi-automatic platform with AR15 ergonomics and a high degree of modularity (Picatinny Buttstock, AR Pistol Grip, MLOK Handguard). A bit of stabilizing heft aside, what's not to like?
The Sterling Arms International R18 Mk 2 is available exclusively through The Shooting Edge in Calgary AB and Target Sports in Gormley ON. The retail price is $2699.95 for the Telescopic Magpul MOE Buttstock with the buyer's choice of a mid-length or full-length Handguard.
Full Disclosure: The Sterling Arms International R18 Mk2 pictured in this review was gifted to me after the fact by my old friend JR Cox of the Shooting Edge as a gesture of thanks for my efforts in putting together the initial 2-part detailed Review of the platform. I had no prior knowledge of Mr Cox's intentions such that the gift came as a complete surprise some time after the intial reveiw had been published. Thanks very much for that, JR!
Here are links to the original 2-Part Review:
Part 1: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-1-Initial-Details-and-Pre-Firing-Impressions
Part 2: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-2-Live-Fire-Reliabllity-and-Accuracy-Results
This is a follow-on update to my original review of the R18 Mk2 Test Rifle, first published here on 11 June 2021. At the time of initial testing the rifle was a fairly svelte 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs) due in large part to the pencil-weight Barrel. Unfortunately, it was determined through testing that the thin Barrel profile was responsible for excessive "Barrel-Whip", resulting in contact between the Gas Block and the Handguard. The net result was disappointing accuracy in the 3-4 MOA range @ 100 yds. Determined to resolve the disappointing accuracy with "AR15-like" results, R18 Developer JR Cox of The Shooting Edge in Calgary and M Scott of Sterling Arms International conducted experiments with varioius weights of Barrel until a satisfactory result was achieved. The resulting heavier weight of barrel no doubt improved the R18's accuracy potential (at the expense of overall unit weight), but to what degree? And just how much weight did the R18 Mk2 gain with the heavier production Barrel?
The new bottom line for overall weight with Iron Sights (no optic) and a Steel Folding Stock Knuckle is a beefy 4.8 kg (10.2 lbs). Add the latest optical hotness with an Eotech Vudu 1-10x in an American Defense 34mm Titanium QD Cantilever Mount and the weight rises to a hefty 5.5 Kg (12.1 lbs), which is firmly in full-calibre "Battle Rifle" territory. That said, the net result of the extra weight for folks like myself who either shoot from the bench or execute relatively brief "run and gun" stages as part of an overall match, is weight-induced off-hand steadiness and absolutely miminal perceived recoil.
What about accuracy with the new, heavier tube? Ah, here's the payoff for those extra pounds at last! Straight to the point, my 5-round groups with 69 Gr Federal Gold Medal Match were consistently 1.5 MOA or less. With 77 gr IVI OTM, I was getting 1.75 MOA or better. PMC 62 Gr M855 "Green Tip" ammo produced consistent 2 MOA 5-round groups. Needless to say, the new Sterling Arms International (SAI) 1:8" Right-Twist Barrel with Wylde Chamber apparently did the trick insofar as improving the R18 Mk2's accuracy is concermed. Unfortunately I did not have an opportunity to recover my targetry so that I could photograph the groups for irrefutable proof of what I say. Until I can offer photographic evidence you will just have to take my word for it. I haven't exaggerated anything at this point and see no reason to start now. It is what it is for the R18's pleasing new accuracy results.
The additional weight penalty, while not particlularly welcome, is not necessarily a show-stopper in my view for the reasons mentioned above. That said, those who envision using their R18 for wildlife defence on long hikes in the woods may want to explore a lighter-weight option such as the similarly-priced Tavor X95. For those who cannot abide a Bullpup layout, the R18 Mk2 offers a compelling option at just under the $3K price-point. It combines mostly-ambidextrous AR15 Ergonomics with first-rate CNC-Billet machining to produce a handsome, handy and (now) accurate, semi-automatic, sporting and utility rifle that is currently unique to the Canadian market. That said, if SAI has anything to say about it, the R18 Mk2 will also soon be appearing in the hands of European sport shooters through Sterling's European Union business contacts. Watch and shoot on that front...
Here is the latest iteration of the Sterling Arms International R18 Mk2, with some additional, curated enhancements as follows:
- TNA "Probe" 2-Chamber Flash-Compensator
- Magpul MBUS PRO Back-up Iron Sights
- Magpul MLOK QD Sling Attachment
- Magpul Vertical Foregrip
- Magpul Enganced Magazine Catch
- Troy Defense Ambidextrous Magazine Release
- Trigger Tech Curved Black Trigger @ 3.5 lbs
- Magpul MOE+ PIstol Grip
- Yankee Hill EZ-Pull Take-Down Pins
- Midway Industries Picatinny Folding Buttstock Adapter
- B5 SOPMOD Buttstock
- EOTech Vudu 1-10X LVPO with 34mm Tube and "progressive Reticle"
All things considered, I still quite like the reconfigured Sterling Arms International R18 Mk 2. With the earlier accuracy issues addressed at the expense of some additional weight, the R18 now offers a very reliable, accurate and durable semi-automatic platform with AR15 ergonomics and a high degree of modularity (Picatinny Buttstock, AR Pistol Grip, MLOK Handguard). A bit of stabilizing heft aside, what's not to like?
The Sterling Arms International R18 Mk 2 is available exclusively through The Shooting Edge in Calgary AB and Target Sports in Gormley ON. The retail price is $2699.95 for the Telescopic Magpul MOE Buttstock with the buyer's choice of a mid-length or full-length Handguard.
Full Disclosure: The Sterling Arms International R18 Mk2 pictured in this review was gifted to me after the fact by my old friend JR Cox of the Shooting Edge as a gesture of thanks for my efforts in putting together the initial 2-part detailed Review of the platform. I had no prior knowledge of Mr Cox's intentions such that the gift came as a complete surprise some time after the intial reveiw had been published. Thanks very much for that, JR!
Here are links to the original 2-Part Review:
Part 1: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-1-Initial-Details-and-Pre-Firing-Impressions
Part 2: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-2-Live-Fire-Reliabllity-and-Accuracy-Results
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