*Finished* Lone Survivor Build (MK12 SPR)

[MickeyD]

     Hey guys, Mickey here. Now that I've finished my last couple of builds and currently have a solid gun for both indoor and outdoor gameplay, I've been toying around with the idea of building a DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle). While serving the purpose of looking cool as hell, it will also give me a spare outdoor rifle in the case of gun failure on the field. I can tell you from experience that having your only gun fail at an op really sucks (especially if you drove a long way to get there). So before OP: IronClad in September I'm hoping to have a pretty decent spare rifle built.
     There are plenty of options for a DMR on the market currently; but I like to go the custom route. My initial thoughts were to "pimp out" an HK417 or some other 7.62 variant, but I came to realize that I could make the build much cheaper if I went with an M4 platform (magazines and such). I hadn't quite decided how to start my build until a couple of weeks ago when I re-watched the movie Lone Survivor. Something about the rifle used by Marcus Luttrel (Mark Wahlberg) caught my attention. It turns out that the rifle used in the movie is a version of the MK12 SPR (the movie replica resembles a MOD 1). A few google searches showed me that pretty much all of the parts on the rifle have airsoft counterparts; with the exception of the Rockriver pistol grip showed in the movie (an LMT grip is present in pictures of Luttrel himself, of which there is an airsoft version available). Even the exact suppressor model is available from King Arms! I think I've found my next project (Heck, I might even paint it like the one from the film ).
     So what are you thoughts on this kind of build? Are you a fan of DMRs or do you think they're ineffective in airsoft regardless of FPS rules? Feel free to leave any questions or comments below.

SEAL Team 10


Luttel (Wahlberg) and his MK12


Build Layout


Planned Build List:
Base Gun: Classic Army Colt M4 (Quick Change Spring)
Scope: G&P M1 Scope
Bipod: Replica Harris Bipod (9''-13'')
Stock: A2 Style (Full) Stock
Grip: LMT Pistol Grip
PEQ: G&P PEQ-2 CREE LED
RIS/Barrel: Echo 1 MK12 Kit w/SPR Flash Hider
Gas Block: G&P Low-Profile CNC Gas Block
Iron Sights: Replica KAC Flip-up front and rear sights
Suppressor: King Arms Ops 12th Model Suppressor for SPR Flash Hider
Gearbox: Custom, 450 FPS w/.20 gram
Motor: Lonex A2 High Torque
Hop-up: ProWin w/Flat Hop
Inner Barrel: Prometheus 6.03 Tightbore (509mm)

[Shaggy]

Looks great! Though I would suggest thinking about keeping it just below DMR status. That way you can keep the looks and performance, but be able to use it in closer ranges if necessary. Other than that it looks great! Bonus points if you do a sweet paint job on it.

~Shaggy

[MickeyD]

I thought about that, but my hop-up upgrades can really get me some nice accuracy (especially with heavier bbs, so the higher FPS will help a lot lobbing them out there). And for the sake of realism I'm going to disable full-auto anyway and carry a sidearm for up close. But thanks, any input is appreciated!

[Rockstar]

Although flat hopping really increases accuracy and range, you may want to look into R-hopping it instead. Also, a 455mm barrel will actually give you better performance than a 509mm if you're really looking to get all the accuracy/range you can get out of it. If you're going to disable the full auto anyways, and assuming you're using higher than 18:1 ratio gears with your Lonex motor, you might as well shoot for the 500fps mark and have a full on sniper. I guess with your quick change spring gearbox you can always fiddle with it though.

[Joe]

Problem with the above post (nothing personal, Austin) is most fields, groups and events limit semiautomatic rifles to 450 fps as measured with a .20 gram bb; 500 fps is overkill.  Restrict it semiautomatic only and keep it to 450 fps and you can use it anywhere.

[MickeyD]

Correct Joe. I wanted to build a rifle that most fields would actually allow. As for R-hop, it has never given me a performance boost that was worth the extra effort. I'd rather just install a flat hop and call it a day. And I'm not sure where your information on barrel length is coming from but there is a lot to take into account when determining the correct barrel length for an AEG (i.e. cylinder volume, barrel diameter, etc…). I have always found a 509 to be a good balance between accuracy and compression, especially with classic army's bore-up kit. Not trying to shoot down your comment, I'm just gonna go with what has always worked for me.

[Rockstar]

I didn't take the field restrictions into consideration. In that case I would have to agree. My barrel measurement is based on what I have gathered from other people's tests as well as my own. 455mm will allow you the same/better performance than the 509 and you won't have to get a bore up kit. Even though I've got enough room in my gun for a 509 I still opted to go with a 455 and it has actually given me better performance. I'm in the process of flat hopping it now as well. If you're going for a truly all out DMR build, here is an article I highly suggest reading if you haven't already: http://www.airsoftsniperforum.com/43-longrange-aegs/892-holy-grail-building-your-dmr-aeg.html There are also a significant amount of DIY mods in there that won't cost you money but when you combine several together for better consistency then it can definitely give you an accuracy and range boost. If I may ask as well, what do you plan on putting in your gearbox?

[MickeyD]

New Classic Army M4s come with a bore-up kit preinstalled along with high torque gears and 9mm bearings. All that I plan on doing is correcting AOE and a couple of other mods to improve reliability and reduce wear. I will probably end up switching out the piston and tappet plate as well. But when giving other people advice on their builds keep in mind that your past success may not apply to others. In your case a 455 may have given you better performance but that does not mean it will always result in better performance. Very rarely in airsoft is range and accuracy based on anything more than perception; for this reason I tend to stay away from forums on subjects like this because any and every "chairsofter" will pitch in his two cents and believe that they have the "right answer". I truly appreciate the input but trial and error has always worked out for me in the end.

[MickeyD]

Build is starting to come together… Replica Ops Inc 12th Model SPR Suppressor (Same one used in the movie) by King Arms with rifle wrap similar to the movie as well

[Reverandff7]

That is lookin nice man

[MickeyD]

Thanks man. I got in the front end kit today, and my base gun comes in tomorrow. I'll post pictures when I get it put together

[MickeyD]

I feel like I need to elaborate more on the barrel length issue Austin brought up. I understand your point about a 455mm barrel being more accurate for you, and if the classic army M4 didn't already have a bore-up kit you would probably be correct. I should have pointed out the bore-up kit earlier so that you could have taken it into account, because without it a 509mm would likely lower my FPS to the point where it would not be in DMR quality. Sorry if I came off as being a "know-it-all" I just wanted to make it clear that I have sound reasoning for choosing each part I am using. I also read up on some forums about the optimal barrel length for a DMR and the general consensus is that anything over a 509 is too long and will reduce accuracy. As long as I can get the compression and FPS out of my 509mm I will stick with that, but I may end up switching to something shorter like a 455 or a 469 as you suggested if it ends up being too long even for the bore-up kit.

[MickeyD]

Still needs a scope and a PEQ-2, but the majority of the MK12 is together.

[Shifty]

Looking good Mickey, I'm digging the flip up sights. I wasn't sure if I would like them but they are growing on me, much easier sight picture compared to the Magpuls.   

[MickeyD]

Yeah, just trying to stay true to the movie lol they shouldn't look too bad after I get a scope either