Sterling Arms International R18 Mk3 Part 1 Review - Specifications and Initial Impressions

Here is another build as I putter around my gun room on a cold and rainy autumn day. Some different eye candy to maintain interest and generate discussion as we await the arrival of the re-vamped Bolts.

- Generic Polymer Front and Rear BUIS
- Elcan Spectre DR 1/4 with OSight on top
- Magpul Vertical Foregrip
- Magpul 5/20 Magazine
- SIG MCX Folding Buttstock

The SIG MCX Buttstock is actually an Airsoft Artisan brand, which retails for $169 CAD. There are less expensive clones of the SIG MCX Buttstock out there, but I cannot vouch for their folding mechanism or durability the way that I can for the Airsoft Artisan example. It is rock-solid and seems to be every bit as durable and precise as the real deal that I used to have. Here's the link: https://www.sixmm.com/en-ca/product...3-folding-stock-for-mcx-m1913-rail-adapterblk

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We’re hoping the same thing. It will all come down to the testing: we need 5000 rds through 10 rifles… and to be happy with the results

The positive is, we’re making some great changes from the feedback.
When are the R9s expected? I recall you saying in the Taccom interviews end of OCT for them
 
Another week, another configuration, thanks mostly to the Picatinny Buttstock interface which makes swapping Buttstocks a breeze. This time we have a basic Polymer Buttstock on a conventional (New style) Buffer Tube with a Sig Folding Picatinny Interface. Optics are an Eotech with a Vortex Micro 3x Magnifier.


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You have what appears to be hundreds of parts to swap in and out of firearms but the one that always stays constant is that same Magpul VFG. Is that your go-to on every setup? Why not the myriad of other VFG options including AFGs and other hand stops?
 
Another week, another configuration, thanks mostly to the Picatinny Buttstock interface which makes swapping Buttstocks a breeze. This time we have a basic Polymer Buttstock on a conventional (New style) Buffer Tube with a Sig Folding Picatinny Interface. Optics are an Eotech with a Vortex Micro 3x Magnifier.


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Hey Bartok do you think it's possible to use something like the Kynshot Shotgun Buffer tube on a 1913 pic adapter? Would that be even a good idea?
 
You have what appears to be hundreds of parts to swap in and out of firearms but the one that always stays constant is that same Magpul VFG. Is that your go-to on every setup? Why not the myriad of other VFG options including AFGs and other hand stops?
There are some constants in life, and for me the Magpul RVG is one of them. It does everything that I need from a VFG and nothing that I don't, so why would I change it for something else that I like less? Buttstocks are buttstocks - they don't change the overall feel of the rifle that much, if at all based on cheek-weld. The effect of swapping out the RVG is much more significant for me.

Hey Bartok do you think it's possible to use something like the Kynshot Shotgun Buffer tube on a 1913 pic adapter? Would that be even a good idea?
It is possible, but not really necessary given the minimal recoil impulse of the .223 cal/5.56mm round. I have a Kynshot Hydraulic Buffer "Tube" on my APC 308, and it does appear to assist in reducing the perceived recoil of the .308 cal/7.62x51mm round. That said, it also adds a considerable amount of weight to the back end of the rifle, so there is that....

So how are these new bolts doing?
No idea. It has been crickets from SAI since the last announcement that the bolts were overdue from the Canadian sub-contractor. I will reach out and try to see what's what......
 
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Any updates yet Bartok?

I got ahold of JR Cox, who has been busy tweaking Gas aport sizing, Gas Block design and Barrel quality while awaiting the revised Bolt Heads from the Canadian Subcontractor. As a result, the 25 pre-production rifles will be re-barrelled with new Gas Systems and improved rifling prior to live-fire testing.

The new Bolts are expected this week, with the re-barrelling occurring ASAP once the new parts arrive from overseas contractors (eg. Slovenian Barrels and Taiwanese Gas Blocks). That should occur fairly soon.

The expectation is that live testing will commence later this month, with retail sales launching early in 2025 once testing is complete and any final tweaks have been incorporated into the design and production.

Patience is a virtue.....
 
As we await the new parts for the production guns, how about a discussion to see what the minimum amount of mags guys figure they should keep on hand?

Anyone here agree with the same school of thought as Clint Smith and have milk crates full of mags everywhere for your rifle? 😆😆
 
I got ahold of JR Cox, who has been busy tweaking Gas aport sizing, Gas Block design and Barrel quality while awaiting the revised Bolt Heads from the Canadian Subcontractor. As a result, the 25 pre-production rifles will be re-barrelled with new Gas Systems and improved rifling prior to live-fire testing.

The new Bolts are expected this week, with the re-barrelling occurring ASAP once the new parts arrive from overseas contractors (eg. Slovenian Barrels and Taiwanese Gas Blocks). That should occur fairly soon.

The expectation is that live testing will commence later this month, with retail sales launching early in 2025 once testing is complete and any final tweaks have been incorporated into the design and production.

Patience is a virtue.....
Thanks for the update!

You should ask JR what other changes have been incorporated. I remember seeing a post of his where he mentioned that they have made a few changes to the rifle based on feedback. Any idea what the changes may be?
 
Thanks for the update!

You should ask JR what other changes have been incorporated. I remember seeing a post of his where he mentioned that they have made a few changes to the rifle based on feedback. Any idea what the changes may be?
If I understood JR Cox correctly, they have managed to incorporate a tool-less Handguard Retaining Screw in the style of the HK 416/MR223, where a Bolt Lug functions as the interface to loosen or tighten the screw.

An attempt to make the Barrel Nut and Handguard HK-compatible based on CGN user requests unfortunately did not work out, as it would have required an extensive redesign of the Upper Receiver with a revised CAD program. This idea will be held for a future R18 Mk4 if such an animal eventually comes to pass....

That was about all I recall in terms of CGN user feedback for further improvements to the Mk3, but I will reach out to JR to see if I missed anything.
 
If I understood JR Cox correctly, they have managed to incorporate a tool-less Handguard Retaining Screw in the style of the HK 416/MR223, where a Bolt Lug functions as the interface to loosen or tighten the screw.

An attempt to make the Barrel Nut and Handguard HK-compatible based on CGN user requests unfortunately did not work out, as it would have required an extensive redesign of the Upper Receiver with a revised CAD program. This idea will be held for a future R18 Mk4 if such an animal eventually comes to pass....

That was about all I recall in terms of CGN user feedback for further improvements to the Mk3, but I will reach out to JR to see if I missed anything.
Ask them for a folding charging handle and an ambi safety switch 😊
 
Ask them for a folding charging handle and an ambi safety switch 😊
Folding CH is in development as an optional purchase item costing approximately $50-$60 CAD.

An ambi Safety Switch, like an ambi Magazine Release, can be installed by the user based on personal preference. As it currently stands, the R18 Mk3 is set up to satisfy 90% of (Right-handed) shooters at the $1800 price-point. Start adding on extras and the retail price must necessarily go up. SAI is doing everything possible to ensure that the Mk3 remains the most affordable 5.56mm gas-gun on the Canadian Market.
 
Folding CH is in development as an optional purchase item costing approximately $50-$60 CAD.

An ambi Safety Switch, like an ambi Magazine Release, can be installed by the user based on personal preference. As it currently stands, the R18 Mk3 is set up to satisfy 90% of (Right-handed) shooters at the $1800 price-point. Start adding on extras and the retail price must necessarily go up. SAI is doing everything possible to ensure that the Mk3 remains the most affordable 5.56mm gas-gun on the Canadian Market.
I get what you're saying about keeping the cost down. Personally, I wouldn't mind paying an extra $100 to have those things included instead of waiting for aftermarket options.

Any word on the R9? Was supposed to be nearing release by this time. Has it been held up too for some reason?
 
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