The Mk 18 is a short-barreled variant of the M4 carbine. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and features a 262mm (10.3in) barrel compared to the M4’s (14.5in) barrel. It is the weapon of choice for CQB when the maximum engagement distance is expected to be less than 300m.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The history of the Mk 18
- Why is the Mk 18 used by Special Operations Forces (SOF)
- Which SOF units use the Mk18
1. The History of the Mk 18
The Mk 18 was originally known as the Close Quarters Battle Receiver (CQBR). It was developed by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division as a replacement upper receiver for M4 carbines issued to Navy SEALs. The M4 splits in half into two receivers, the upper and the lower. The upper contains the barrel and bolt carrier group, while the lower contains the stock and fire control group. The idea behind the CQBR program was to allow the user to quickly swap upper receivers based on mission parameters. However, the CQBR program evolved from a simple upper receiver replacement into a complete firearm package: the Mark 18.
1.1. Mod 0
The original Mk 18 mod 0/CQBR was essentially a cut-down M4. They both primarily utilize the Knight’s Armament Company-produced rail attachment system (RAS). The RAS has an internal clamping mechanism which allows any laser aim module attached to it to retain zero. The handguard is lightweight and relatively short, filling the gap between the end of the receiver and the front sight block. However, because it attaches to the front sight block, any pressure applied to the handguard can cause a shift in accuracy. The mod 1 would solve this issue.
1.2. Mod 1
Mod 1 utilizes the rail interface system II (RIS II), a free-floating railed handguard designed by Daniel Defense for the Mk 18 and M4. The RIS II covers the barrel completely and only contacts it where it meets at the receiver. This does two things:
- The extended length allows the user to grasp further out on the carbine, providing greater control while firing.
- The lack of contact points with the barrel provides greater accuracy and less point-of-aim/point-of-impact shift.
The RIS 2 also allowed the user to mount an M203 grenade launcher to their mod 1. The RIS II significantly improved the capabilities of the carbine. There is a new variant of the carbine that has been seen in the wild, primarily used by Air Force SOF but has not received an official designation. It utilizes a shortened version of the M4 Upper Receiver Group – Improved’s (URGI) Mlok rail. This is significantly lighter than the RIS II rail while maintaining the benefits of length and free float. However, it is more fragile and cannot mount an M203.
2. Why the Mk 18 is used by Special Operations Forces (SOF)
The Mk 18 is used and loved by SOF for various reasons, most of which can be understood as soon as you pick one up. The carbine’s small size makes it perfect for fighting indoors or for carrying in vehicles. Although it sacrifices lethality at the range when compared to the M4, the Mk 18’s maximum effective range is about 300m. However, when fighting inside an urban environment, sightlines can be quite short, often less than 100m. For SOF elements conducting urban raids in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, the Mk 18 became the perfect tool for the job. The M4’s barrel length can make room clearing difficult and the added lethality at range often goes unused during SOF raids. As a result, the Mk 18 has become the go-to weapon for special operators fighting in close quarters.
3. Which SOF units currently use/have used the Mk18
The Mk 18 has seen use by basically every unit in SOCOM and some outside of it. The Navy issued the Mk 18 to some of its criminal investigators that were forward deployed and the Coast Guard issued it to some of its boat crews. However, special operations forces have always been the primary users of the Mk 18.
- Navy SEALs
- DEVGRU (SEAL Team 6)
- Combat Applications Group (Delta Force)
- Special Forces (Green Berets)
- 75th Ranger Regiment
- Regimental Reconnaissance Company
- Intelligence Support Activity
- Marine Raiders
- Marine Force Reconnaissance
- Air Force Special Operations
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