For those not familiar, URGI stands for Upper Receiver Group Improved. The parts we used do not perfectly match what USASOC is using because we are not cloners. Still, we used very high-quality parts and trust that the rifle will perform to the same high standards as the issued rifles.
The stock we picked is a B5 SOPMOD. The fatter cheek weld makes being on the gun for longer periods of time more comfortable. Some prefer a slimmer option like the CTR, but because we have an LPVO on the upper, this B5 seemed best.
Moving forward, we have a CQD end plate (ok, maybe we clone a little) and a Blue Force Gear sling point to attach our sling. The upper is a standard, forged Aero upper with a BCM bolt carrier group. As far as bolts go, we trust what BCM is doing and wanted one for this build.
Our Colt lower is housing a Geissele SSA-E trigger, Mil-Spec parts kit, and A2 grip. Because the flat, aluminum trigger guards can be sharp, we added some tape to ease the pain.
Radian Raptor charging handles have become standard in this industry, and while the actual URGI has a Geissele Airborne, we wanted to test this Raptor LT. So far, the polymer wings have been holding up just fine as expected.
True to URGI style, we dropped an L3 NGAL on the Geissele MK16. The simple Modlite pressure pad helps when using these lasers because of the "fire" button location and size. Along with the laser, we have an Insight light. Much like SureFire Vampire lights, this Insight can illuminate with either white or IR light.
Again, if we were going for clone-correct builds, we would have installed a four-prong flash hider on this Criterion barrel. But three-prong flash hiders actually do a better job of suppressing flash, so we chose to use this instead. This 14.5" Criterion will also outshoot a lot of other Mil-Spec rifles, and while it may not last as long, we can service our guns whenever we see an accuracy shift.
Offset red dots may not be needed on every LPVO build, but if you have ever spent time shooting at distance and close in the same drill, it's sure nice to have a no power optic. If you haven't heard, we prefer the DeltaPoint Pro as an offset rifle dot.
These Blue Force Gear U-loops are a cool attachment for a sling. Plenty of people have used these on AKs and HKs for years, but we installed this because the Clash Hook makes so much noise on this end plate. Again, it's not for everyone or for every build.
On the other end of the sling, we have a simple QD point. As you know by now, these are proven and reliable.
Cable management and pressure pad locations are often overlooked. For example, it would not be fun to turn on your white light when you wanted a laser. So, take time to place your activation buttons in such a way that mistakes won't happen. Also, make sure that you get some reps on your laser and light with your feet moving, in the prone position, or when it's dark. Knowing the system you put together makes a difference.
A bipod stud at the end of a magnified gun is a good idea, even if we don't always use it. If you have a bipod that is sometimes on/ off your gun, try getting some reps deploying and stowing the bipod as well as shooting off a bag.
This Nightforce ATACR is a pricey optic but flat-out performs. The 1-8 variable and reticle design keeps the optic usable at any magnification. Also, because it's first focal, there is less math involved when shooting at strange powers on the optic. Lastly, if you ever need to hammer in a nail, these Nightforce optics could double as a hammer.
The mid-length gas systems on these uppers are very smooth shooting, and while the actual Daniel Defense barrels have a .076 gas port, we have a .07 gas port under this Geissele block... not to get too nerdy. In non-scientific terms, the gun shoots very smoothly, or as Lucas Botkin says, "It's a hum-dinger."
In a perfect world, every gas block would be pinned to the barrel, but because we change builds so often around here, we saved a step and just used the set screws. It may not be bomb-proof, but we trust it for now.
All in all, this gun came out really well. Lucas has been punching reduced C-Zone targets out to 500M with no problem. All it needs now is a case of Mk262 ammo. Unfortunately, the ammo is going to be just as expensive as another suppressor.
Build List
Upper
- Upper Receiver — Aero Precision Stripped Upper Receiver.
- Barrel — 14.5 Criterion Hybrid Profile, 223 Wylde,1:8 Twist, w/ (Mid-Length Gas System, .070 Gas Port).
- Gas Block — Geissele Super Gas Block, .750 Journal.
- Gas Tube — Aero Precision, Mid-Length, Melonite.
- Bolt Carrier Group — Bravo Company BCG, Parkerized, Carpenter 158 Bolt.
- Handguard — Geissele 13.5” Mk16, DDC.
- Muzzle Device — SureFire Socom 3 Prong Flash Hider.
- Charging Handle — Radian Raptor LT.
Lower
- Lower Receiver — Colt Lower Receiver, Colt Lower Parts Kit, A2 Pistol Grip, Close Quarters Defense Endplate.
- Trigger — Geissele SSA-E.
- Buffer System — H1 Buffer, Sprinco White Buffer Spring.
- Stock — B5 Sytems SOPMOD.
Attachments
- Optic — Nightforce ATACR 1-8, FFP.
- Optic Mount — Geissele Scope Mount, 34MM, Hyper-Extended.
- IR Laser/Illuminator — L3Harris NGAL, & Modlite Modbutton Lite (Laser Plug).
- Weapon Light — Insight WMX200 IR/White Light, Insight Pressure Pad.
- Offset Mount — T.REX Offset Mount, Leupold DeltaPoint Footprint.
- Offset Optic — Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, 2.5 Moa Dot.
- Sling — T.rex Sling, Coyote Brown, Blue Force Gear U-Loops.
If you have any questions about this build or others you see on our website, please feel free to contact our customer service team at team@trex-arms.com.
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