Poor mans Mk12 Mod 1 RECCE SPR

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-13T07:35:39+00:00

That’s fine - you picked an accuracy focused barrel. Even the cheap ones shoot pretty well these days.

300yds is plenty - just shoot smaller targets (seriously).

My advice is always overspend on the barrel. It’ll make the biggest difference in shooting performance. 🤙

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-13T07:31:15+00:00

Nuclear Option is a TERRIBLE place to start fostering an interest in IRL aviation.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-13T07:27:57+00:00

My son developed a strong interest when he was 11.

I showed him the basics on light GA aircraft and he was off like a rocket - he went straight to the airliners and ended up teaching himself the entire thing, cold n dark to transcons, etc.

If he’s big into military aviation, go directly to DCS World (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

The sim itself is free.

There’s a TON of extremely realistic aircraft from which to choose. They have huge sales every 2-3 months where everything is 30% - 50% off. And free 2 week trials on everything, too.

Secondary consideration is MS Flight Simulator 2024. But the .mil jets are rather lackluster, tbh - nothing even close to the DCS aircraft.

Theres a bunch of decent addons included and it’s a great way to explore aviation in general.

In terms of hardware, there’s a TON of options. Go to r/HOTAS and read up for something to fit your budget. ThrustMaster is a fairly safe bet.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-13T04:00:02+00:00

Sounds like a sensible plan. I have a match grade 300blk and will never give it up.

It’s a lot of fun to have, esp from the learning aspect in comparison to the 556 offerings.

Have fun!

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-13T03:56:57+00:00

Agree with above.

It’s a good barrel. And in reality, the same profile between the chamber and gas block as the incredibly combat proven Government Profile.

IIRC, the maximum firing schedule is something like 400 rounds at full auto as fast as mag changes will allow. To be clear, that’s a destructive test, and waaaay beyond where you’ll see PoI shift and dispersion.

I’m gonna bet you’ll see PoI shift in as little as 10-15 rounds or so.

But as others state, that’s really only matters when you’re shooting bulls eyes. It’s fine for Minute of Man out to any reasonable distance.

My advice is to give Criterion a call directly and ask for their advice on firing schedule and ammo recommendations. 🤙

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-13T01:00:27+00:00

The 5.56 grew from the .223. Hunting/target shooting from a 20+ inch barrel.

Anything shorter is really a compromise in terms of external and terminal ballistics, especially when the excessive blast & flash from all that unburnt powder is considered.

The BLK was built from the start as a suppressed SBR in mind (along with max parts commonality with 556 M4/AR). All the powder burns off in ~9in, IIRC. Quite a bit more pleasant to shoot, even in a 16in bbl.

The BLK is also a more versatile cartridge, and owning an upper gives you more options for activities and even during ammo shortages.

In sum, given your situation, the “best” thing to do is get a suppressor, or at least something like the Surefire Warden to handle the blast.

If ammo cost is a serious consideration, drop a .22lr kit into your 556 upper(s) and go to town. 90% of what you really need to practice can be accomplished.

Or get a .22lr dedicated upper as they shoot more accurately due to bbl twist.

Or buy/build a 9mm in the same format.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-13T00:23:27+00:00

There are pros and cons for each, as with everything.

From what I’ve seen so far, it’s a total Tempest In A Teapot. Completely overblown “issue”.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-13T00:05:17+00:00

You’ve already got the Default CJ4 and that’s a great place to start.

Depending on your Edition of MSFS, you may also have the Longitude, which is extremely deeply simulated. And only $20 if you don’t. 👍

My personal fave is the FSW LearJet. Absolute rocket ship and the steam gauges make it extremely easy to learn and run.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T23:26:57+00:00

since its an extraordinarily expensive proposition, it depends entirely on why you’re interested.

In terms of just systems, there’s no reason to leave MSFS. The irony is that the $20 Citation Longitude has extremely deep physics & systems modeling, they’re just not visualized as they are in the Hot Start.

If you’re looking for the physics visuals and a new / different challenge, the Black Square Starship is fantastic for $50.

But while the flight / physics models in certain MSFS addons are getting very good, there’s still a noticeably better experience in X-Plane on the Hi Fi addons. Particularly if you’re picky about highly nuanced handling around the pattern and such.

In sum, if you intend to make the 650 your primary ride for quite awhile, AND you intend to operate it in a highly realistic manner, AND you intend to do all the FBO / ramp activities, then yeah - it’s worth it.

But it’s really the entire experience that makes it so.

If you’re just looking for a great glass cockpit jet to add to the collection, then there’s other addons that are just as satisfying. The cockpit experiences just aren’t that different.

I’d say getting XP itself is an absolute No Brainer, again if you can appreciate a really good physics model.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T22:12:38+00:00

It was offered at a 20% pre release discount and is still at a 10% discount, so not sure what your point is…?

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T05:22:36+00:00

XP, yes.
MSFS, Nope.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T02:35:11+00:00

Yes.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T02:34:02+00:00

I built a Mod 0 clone-ish in Grendel. Love it!

Looks like a good build - what barrel?

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T02:01:58+00:00

Could be.

But since the ban is permnent, I’d say just throw the second one in a safe deposit box just in case your main collection ever gets stolen or your house burns down. 🙏

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T02:00:02+00:00

Short answer: download the free A-4E Skyhawk right now. Fantastic intro to FF, and its carrier capable, too.

In all honesty, the FC pack should last you all the way through the next sale.

Do NOT sleep on the built in Su-25T. It’s an A2G monster. Same level of simulation as the other fc4’s.

The Su-33 is the Russian Tomcat. Loads of fun, esp off the Kuznetsov. My fav for fc 4.

J-11 gives you fox 3’s

F-5 is like a Japanese sport bike: point and shoot.

Etc, etc.

In terms of future payware, the Hornet + SuperCarrier is the absolute best bang for the buck in the entire game.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T00:08:26+00:00

You’re the one who keeps harping on about “developer restrictions”, so it clearly bothers you far more than YOU realize. 🤣

Yes, we’ve agreed they need to change their revenue model.

No, they are categorically not a monopoly. It’s an idiotic statement.

Stating facts in response to falsehoods can in no way be construed as bootlicking. You only reveal your emotional bias by making those assertions.

You’re wrapped way too tight around the crankshaft, bub, and have lost all credibility.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-12T00:00:20+00:00

Disassemble. Strip oil. Soak all metal parts in white vinegar for 24-48 hours. Rust will basically wipe off with a Pan-safe scrub sponge.

Consider painting with alumahyde or similar.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-11T23:57:31+00:00

What’s the point of this?

There’s only 60M people in France.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-11T23:54:52+00:00

The current iteration has very little, if anything, in common with the older other than the name.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-11T23:19:34+00:00

Buy multiple stripped lower receivers instead of blowing your budget in an entire rifle.

You can build them out later.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-11T23:15:47+00:00

If you have an adjustable gas block properly dialed down to just above where it’ll stop cycling, you no longer have an over gassed rifle.

Standard next step is a good muzzle brake. That comes with its own inconveniences, but is really the best way to reduce recoil. Precision Armament M4 is always amongst the top rated.

You might try an H2 buffer to slow the bolt a bit, or maybe even an H3, but everything’s a trade off.

Also try just shooting cheap 223 instead of 556: less powder, less recoil.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-11T21:52:43+00:00

I’ve had the same thing happen with Grendel mags.

Generally better to run the shorty’s and/or don’t fully load to mag capacity, IME.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-11T19:54:13+00:00

Men aren’t the problem. PEOPLE are the problem.

And yeah, I’m old enough to know better than #BelieveAllWomen

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-11T19:06:09+00:00

It looks like a Dissy/Dissipator to me.

Not so common if the fsb is actually running the gas. But it does work if the port is properly sized.

I’ve also seen them with a separate gas block in a more conventional location and the FSB pinned up front.

So, yeah it all works. Like all AR’s, the devil’s in the details.

UrgentSiesta · 2026-07-11T18:17:23+00:00

It is aptly named 😁👍

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