Sterling Arms International R18 Mk3 Part 1 Review - Specifications and Initial Impressions
- Thread starter Bartok5
- Start date
The Mk2's Handguard was problematic for several reasons, not the least of them being that the 6 Steel Retaining screws were threaded into aluminum, causing a wear issue over time.
The new handguard retention system is based directly on the HK 416/MR 223. It is a much "cleaner" design. Making use of a cross-bolt to secure the Handguard Tube to the Barrel Nut, this system does not result in nearly so much wear over time. At present, the Cross-Bolt is a hex-head design. All that is required to make the Handguard Retention Bolt tool-less is to redesign the head of the Bolt from the current Hex Key to instead accept a Locking Lug from the Rifle's Rotating Bolt-Head. Simply remove the captive Bolt Carrier Assembly from the rifle and you are now holding the part necessary to unscrew the Handguard Retention Bolt. Simple and elegant, just like HK designed it....
No, it is NOT the new (most likely patented), Handguard retention system. It is the cross-bolt system which needs to be altered so as to make the Bolt's Head tool-less (it is currently a Hex Key).
You will see the term "cross-bolt" used frequently in my previous Handguard post. Nowhere did I mention HK's new Handguard retention system....
The KISS Principle applies here. The cross-bolt is entirely adequate for Handguard retention on a sporting/utility rifle. After all, it was good enough when the HK 416 was launched.
You will see the term "cross-bolt" used frequently in my previous Handguard post. Nowhere did I mention HK's new Handguard retention system....
The KISS Principle applies here. The cross-bolt is entirely adequate for Handguard retention on a sporting/utility rifle. After all, it was good enough when the HK 416 was launched.
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Here is what I am talking about, a picture being worth 1000 words.....
The Handguard Retention Cross-Bolt and the Bolt-Head Locking Lugs that are used to loosen the Cross-Bolt.
The Handguard Retention Cross-Bolt perched on one of the Bolt-Head Locking Lugs used to loosen the Bolt.
ETA: The Handguard Retention Cross-Bolt also accepts a flat/blade screwdriver if you don't want to use your Bolt's Locking Lugs....
The Handguard Retention Cross-Bolt and the Bolt-Head Locking Lugs that are used to loosen the Cross-Bolt.
The Handguard Retention Cross-Bolt perched on one of the Bolt-Head Locking Lugs used to loosen the Bolt.
ETA: The Handguard Retention Cross-Bolt also accepts a flat/blade screwdriver if you don't want to use your Bolt's Locking Lugs....
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What is the appeal of a handguard with a QR system? Ease of maintenance?
Isn't the whole purpose of a better and reliable gas system less maintenance and have a grab an go always ready rifle? Or do you guys clean your rifle after every time you take it out? and wear out the QR system even more by undoing it every time?
From a mechanics perspective and my experience with QR systems is that they wear out lots faster that any bolt on system. I wouldn't want my handguard to have play or not be sturdy after installing accessories on it and weigh it down?
Or having a QR lever or knob getting caught on clothing or poking me while carrying the rifle on a sling.
I guess I'm just surprised that this feature has such a big demand...
The one bolt, flush to the handguard looks pretty sleek, and is just one bolt to disassemble the handguard.
Isn't the whole purpose of a better and reliable gas system less maintenance and have a grab an go always ready rifle? Or do you guys clean your rifle after every time you take it out? and wear out the QR system even more by undoing it every time?
From a mechanics perspective and my experience with QR systems is that they wear out lots faster that any bolt on system. I wouldn't want my handguard to have play or not be sturdy after installing accessories on it and weigh it down?
Or having a QR lever or knob getting caught on clothing or poking me while carrying the rifle on a sling.
I guess I'm just surprised that this feature has such a big demand...
The one bolt, flush to the handguard looks pretty sleek, and is just one bolt to disassemble the handguard.
For me personally I like to see the clever designs in firearms where its fully serviceable without tools. That's an interesting point about wearing down a tool-less design more frequently, I believe the first gen brn180 had a redesign to the handguard for this exact issue and so did the Raven.
The other thing is, let's say the torque spec. for the M5 handguard bolt is 7 or 8 NM, matching that amount of torque to a QR lever is hard for many people and often these levers are to loose or to tight, causing even more issues
I'm not familiar with the HK416 and it's handguards, if the 416 system works well and if that's the only way to make these handguards work for this R18 rifle then I guess I'll change my mind and join team QR.
The 416 seems a solid rifle and would love to see more handguard options for the new R18.
I'm not familiar with the HK416 and it's handguards, if the 416 system works well and if that's the only way to make these handguards work for this R18 rifle then I guess I'll change my mind and join team QR.
The 416 seems a solid rifle and would love to see more handguard options for the new R18.
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No it's not about desire to have or not to have QR system. It's about common requirements for military rifles since 19th century (and is valid for modern civilian firearms too):
- tool-less field strip (or using some parts of the gun as tools)
- field-strip should facilitate firearm cleaning and basic troubleshooting by allowing access to main components of the system.
On most of piston guns you can either remove and clean gas system without removing HG (like Bren 2, for example), or, you can remove HG without tools to get to gas system (SKS, Type 81 for example).
Mk3 design doesn't allow access to gas system without HG removal, so discussion swiveled into how this can be improved. Naturally, manufacturer could consider changing the design of the gas block or gas system, but this will be much bigger change to the design and I doubt is something they will be considering.
P.S. I never leave firearm uncleaned after range. Could be a day-two delay until I get a chance , but one can bet it will be cleaned. This is how I was trained and this is what I believe is right.
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Maybe I missed something, but what's the deal with the short handguard? Meant for a restricted length model, or will it be available for the NR as well?
Edit: Haven't had my coffee yet and didn't look close enough, the 3 slot handguard might actually look a little ridiculous on an 18.6 barrel lol
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It doesn't need to be tool-less, but to make sure joe won't strip it or over tighten it. People in a hurry will use whatever when they don't have the proper tool. include a proper Hex key, that cannot over tighten the bolt. Basically the HK416 approach. If the USMC and Norwegian grunts can deal with it so can many.
This is a commercial product at 1800 CDN, I really do not expect some of the government features like QD or MCx tongue and groove fit ( that costs 3500 CDN .
The key point is to make sure Joe does not overly tighten it with too much muscle, and strip off the head when he tries to undo it.
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Many people already mentioned that: field stripping and cleaning of a rifle must not require any additional tools. it's not like users are too dumb to use a hex key properly, but that hex key will be lost, misplaced or not available right at the moment when it is needed.
All the commercial HK MR223A? MR556A1 and LE HK416 are shipped hex/flat and multi-tools for many many years. As long as it is fool proof and cannot be stripped it is fine. No one ever complaints about HK MR and 416. The receiver / handguard top " male/female" interface ( which everyone copied including R18 I thiink ) makes sure LAD will retain zero. In reality there isn't a need to take that thing off everytime to clean the piston rod and cup. It is like stripping carbon off the AR bolt tail it is time best invested on drinking beer IMHO.
