In this ultimate build guide, we put together the best MK18 parts list for anyone building a SBR (NFA) or a pistol (non-NFA).
For around approximately $1500, you can build a bad ass MK18 with exact parts you want, and you can also upgrade it later.
Let's check them out...
Top 22 Parts To Make A MK18 Clone (Mod 1)
Lower Receiver
- Spike Tactical Lower (Any receiver will do)
- DD Stock/Grip Set - Use this if you want a Daniel Defense look
- Magpul UBR 2.0 (Buffer tube included) or VLTOR EMOD - Very sturdy stock
- Geissele SDE Trigger - Trigger makes a huge difference, be sure to check out our best AR15 drop in trigger guide
- Anti Walk Pins - It prevents trigger pins from walking out after high volume use
- Geissele Super 42 Braided Buffer Spring
- H2 Buffer (Normal Use) or H3 (Suppressed)
- Geissele Lower Parts Kit - It works
- BCM AR Trigger Guard - It works just fine
- Magpul BAD Lever - Enables firing hand bolt lock / release
- BCM Mil Spec Buffer Tube - It works
For MK18 pistol builders, voiding NFA headaches by getting a pistol brace:
- SB Tactical SBA3 - Good looks
- Maxim Defense - Very slick PDW looks
Warning: Do not modify pistol brace configuration
Most receivers are made at the same factory (Contiental Machine Tool) as any others, the difference is that the brand logo determines the price you pay.
Tip: You can tell where it is made by looking at the stamp on the receiver
Please check out our upper receiver guide for more info.
For your MK18 build, just stick with a mil-spec receiver for the best fit.
Our favorites upper & lower receivers:
- Rock River Receiver
- Aero Precision M4E1
- VLTOR
- Spike Tactical
- BCM
Some has very slick billet cut design to make your MK18 stand out more than the standard A2 upper.
Upper Receiver MOD 1 Build
Check out MK18 weapon light configs here
- VLTOR or BCM Upper
- Bolt-Up System DD Barrel Nut Wrench
- DD factory BCG or Nickel Boron
- DD RIS II 9.55" Rail (Must Have!) Or Geissele MK8 Rail
- DD 5.56mm 10.3" Gov Barrel
- 0.070" size Gas Block (unsuppressed)
- Carbine Length Gas Tube
- Geissele Airborne Charging Handle
- Forward Assist
- Surefire War Comp 556-1/2-28
Build Tools Required
We highly recommend using these tools to assemble the upper receiver at home, or take it to a gunsmith.
Midwest Industry Reaction Rod - It prevents receiver shear while torquing barrel nut and muzzle
Vice Clamp (Heavy) - Holds everything in place on a work bench
Work Bench - Must be able to handle torque (Recommend something sturdy)
1/2" Drive Torque Wrench (Ft lb) - Use to apply exact torque
Buy Factory Rifle Options
Daniel Defense MK18
The Daniel Defense MK18 is the official MK18. The DD RIS II handguard rail REALLY makes rifle for what it is.
Easiest Option - Buy a Daniel Defense MK18 factory upper and build a pistol lower.
Or purchase the factory MK18 pistol. (Local FFL Transfer Required)
DD RIS II Rail - The Real Deal!
- Battle proven 6 bolt bolt-up system securely attaches the handguard to the upper receiver
- 2 piece design accepts M203 grenade launcher without additional parts
- Seriously made for war
- 6061 T6 aluminum, durable & lightweight
- Free float system, increases accuracy
- Continous top rail
MK18 Optics
The EOTech EXPS3 and ELCAN make the MK18 builds look like others you may have seen before, but there are tons of other options available to make it fit what you want.
please check out our red dot sight guide for more information.
Other MK18 Variants
MK18 Mod 3
The MK18 MOD 3 is about having a 11.5" barrel and the MK16 rail & better suppressor performance. The US Army calls it the MK18 CQBR UGRI.
The upper is improved to prevent gas blow back in suppressed mode, the MK18 Mod 3 also comes with the PRI M84 charging handle.
MK18 MOD 0
The MK18 Mod 0 was one of the earliest configurations based on the M4A1.
It was simply a shorter M4A1, and it features the classic KAC M4 quad rail plus the fixed A2 front sight post.
If you clone this upper just for the aesthetics, it's quite simple. You can buy affordable Aero Precision 10.5 complete upper then change the rest as you desire or build from scratch:
![500 VS 1000 Lumens [Examples Shown]](https://www.badassoptic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/500-vs-1000-lumens-270x162.png)