MK18 Build Week 5 - Griffin Armament MK2 Lower, Geissele, Radian & Forward Controls Design

Stop scammers and stop getting SPAM calls with Aura, the sponsor of this video. Get a two week FREE trial with my link: aura.com/sawto...
In episode five of the MK18 Build Series, we finally got the Griffin Armament MK2 Ambi lower. I installed the Geissele SD-E trigger and Radian Talon safety, as well as the buffer tube, but I also finished the upper. The build is almost done, at this point. The rest of the lower parts will be here later this week and we will finally be ready to take it out and put some rounds through it at the range. Let me know what your favorite ambi lower is in the Comments and don't forget to Subscribe!
#gungear #ar15pistol #homedefense
Get yourself an EOTech for your own MK18 here:
amzn.to/3SjFlIa
Order some Daniel Defense backup iron sights here:
amzn.to/3SmLgMN
Pick up a Phase 5 strap for your pistol brace here:
amzn.to/3Sm2euN
These are affiliate links, which help the channel. Thanks!

[@armorers_wrench]

I need to get a MK2 lower. I got a Griffin HRT 5.56 suppressor that should be at my doorstep one day next week. Stamp got approved in 5 days. I also have a Griffin Mk1 that I turned into an SBR. I like Griffin.

[@BrixRacing]

You will be very pleased. I have two recce 5’s and they’re quiet, extremely now flash and super durable

[@sawtoothtactical404]

You will love the MK2 lower!

[@carls2210]

I agree you will love the mk2 lower. Wish they came out with them sooner. Can’t beat the price either.

[@mrhandleup]

Thanks for the videos, I really appreciate them. You have been very informative and helpful with ideas for different builds. Keep up the great work.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Thanks! I'm really glad you like it!

[@juancruz1092]

Some things I would change: 1. KAK Down Vent bcg 2. ADM QD for Unity Fast Riser 3. Rearden Atlas hub mount Btw I also have multiple ADM lowers which are my faves, but they’re NOT double the price of the MK2’s. I get mine for $265 at Bevan Ballistics.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

That's a damn good deal! They're $389 on Brownells right now.

[@MrKingArthurhk]

It sounds like a PITA to change such a small part.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

It kind of was, but once I had already purchased the part, I had too get it done.

[@nickadkins7765]

I have an 11.5 Colt Commando 6933 EPR upper that I had to do the same thing with regarding putting on the FCD dust cover 😂 WORTH IT! Mine is also paired with the Griffin MK2 as I believe in previous videos I recommended that one to you haha! Funny because my first build which was an ADM4 lower on a complete custom 13.9" p/w upper built by me (13.9 upper is now going to a friend for half of what I have into it so he has a good first gun at an incredible 🅱️rice), but now it has a complete Geissele 16" SD upper with the ADM4 lower (the ADM4 is the same as the UIC, but doesn't have the design around the magwell, it's just blank like the Griffin). On the 11.5 I run a VLTOR A5 buffer tube with the rifle length Geissele Super 42 spring, and a VLTOR A5H2 buffer paired with a very gassy OCL Polonium and Griffin Recce 5. It's got damn near perfect ejection. I could probably get away with an H3 as well, but the Super 42 spring does a good job of adding extra resistance over say the Sprinco Green Spring that's in my 16" build, so it kinda works like an H2.5 or H3 so to speak....plus if need be I want my 11.5 to be able to run whatever grain ammo I can without a supressor as well, so that whole culmination of parts works as intended. Didn't have to tune anything. Just built it, put in the Super 42 and A5H2 and it's ran flawlessly so far with 0 malfunctions or hiccups of any kind! Love your MK18 build and I think you're doing it very well, and these build should be very nice to look back on for people that what to build their first AR but don't know good from bad in terms of parts and their quality! Really wish I can post a pic of my 11.5 in the comments lol! I rattlecanmed it Tropentarn, and for optics it's running a Sig 4XT pro and Aimpoint 3XC 3X magnifier both on Unity mount/risers. The 16" just has Griffin Irons (also very nice sights) and is a mix of cerakoted Green lower and OG anodized green upper from Geissele. Pretty much just saving up for a PA PLxC 1-8 LPVO and that one will be totally complete!

[@jwbennett4009]

Check out bunny operator, he has some interesting builds

[@Maine307]

nice. i went odg, with my mk2 lower.. used b5 stock, kung fu grip, geissle trigger 2gs. and... i got a galloway precision ofset buffer retainer pin.. i have the griffin buffer n spring . .. ur build is lookinbg good!! cant wait to see it shoot! bro..u got to try the griffin snatch gen2 charging handle! ..its totally better than radian..i love it

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Right on! I shot it for the first time today and it felt really good. That will be in next week's episode.

[@GriffinArmamentOfficial]

Very nice 🔥

[@racingdc9]

I have the Geissele spring and H3 in my MK18 and with a SF RC2 it still ejects at around 1-2 o'clock. Will be interesting to see what yours does with that can.

[@bigshoe84]

I got mine slowed down with a Bootleg bcg and a BRT gas tube. Runs great now with the lightest A5 buffer and a regular A5 spring. Super light recoil.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I shot it today and it felt really good!

[@racingdc9]

@@sawtoothtactical404 How was the ejection pattern?

[@nathanmitchell2477]

Enjoy your content brother! I have mk18 running ocl polo k with super 42 h3 setup. Love it runs like a champ although as people say “over gassed” and “gassy” with the polo k on it but with the suppressor off 3:30-4 o’clock ejection. Great build go shoot it and see what you think!

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I shot it today and expected it to be a lot more overpassed than it was. It actually felt really good!

[@jasongaudreau2075]

Exactly half!!! I paid $208@rainier vs $420($380blem) over at adm. But, the biggest thing for me is the fact that adm is billet. So, if I were to ever buy adm for a build…I’d buy an upper and lower receiver SET. Since the two complete uppers I already have built have forged upper receivers, I wanted to keep my lower forged as well. And the Griffin mk2 ambi receiver is forged….unlike adm’s billet. Also, the whole rolled pin vs set screw thing. As much as I like set screws, adm uses this minuscule .05 hex head that could strip super easy, may not even be thick enough to handle any torque. The screw under the hand grip missing from griffin doesn’t bother me. It wasn’t in the Stoner design much like a forward assist, and with a set of Shively shims and FCD takedown pins (excellent machining tolerances!!!!) there literally zero play and I need a round to push the pins out. Love my griffin. Went with a solgw loyal 9 a5 buffer extension, FCD a5 castle nut, and a griffin qd endplate to go with the griffin receiver. I already got the FCD 3qd endplate on my other lower and find I like to qd my sling to my b5 sopmod anyway, so why waste a bunch of money on an endplate with qd that I’ll never use. The griffin cost under $20! Also went with a Tubbs 42 coil rifle length spring and a kynshot rb5005 a5 length hydraulic buffer. Both uppers got agb’s since I run a full sized polonium, but went with Ecco machine adapter (no wrench flats….it only make the whole setup 1/8” longer than direct thread!!) cuz I got a plan b 6315rf A2 style on one and a 3P15 3 prong on the other.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Nice setup! I think the Griffin MK2 is a hell of a deal for a really high quality ambi lower.

[@jasongaudreau2075]

@@sawtoothtactical404 I fully agree. The fire control box is a whole other thing

[@jonsanders7678]

How are you liking the Rosco barrel and are you going to use it here? Price is right, but QC I’ve read was pretty bad, but that was a few years ago… LMK your opinion.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I've never heard bad things about Rosco's QC. I've used Rosco barrels in my 8.2" .300 Blackout and my 14.5" mid-length gas 5.56 and I've been really happy with both of them. I've got a Daniel Defense ,10.3" cold hammer forged barrel in the MK18, though.

[@bulletjones119]

You should have used a vltor A5 buffer system...the hype is real!

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I know. I've only heard good things about the A5 system, but I took it to the range today and it feels really good, so I'm perfectly happy with the Super 42.

[@nickadkins7765]

​@@sawtoothtactical404 FYI G makes a Super 42 for rifle length as well! I use that with an A5H2 buffer on my OCL Polo suppressed 11.5. SMOOTH AS FUCKKK BOIII!!!! And I usually get 2-3 o'clock ejection

[@jessedavis4699]

You should do a video on the process of sbr my a pistol. I’m thinking about doing my Mk 18 pistol

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I think I will do that video. I'm probably going to start that process today, actually, because after shooting the MK18 at the range yesterday, I really want to put a real stock on it now.

[@Hooligan6]

truly, has anyone ever been asked to produce or display their tax stamp for a stock/brace? and if so, did said individual inquiring about it, have the authority to force you to produce proof of it?

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I bet it has happened VERY rarely, if at all...

[@jonsanders7678]

Been speaking with Griffin about their new lower. Since I use their hand guards and barrels on my builds, they just schooled me on their fully ambi lower. I too intend to do a sbr build with it. Still working on last parts of my Gucci AR build.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Nice! I think you'll love the MK2 lower.

[@SonotCali]

Looks good!! May have to let me keep it at my house 😂 👍🏽👍🏽

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Once it's SBRed, I'll technically have to keep it in my possession, but I'm glad you like it!

[@bfonfield1534]

Double dimps. I started the life of my 10.3 with a geissele buffer setup snd switched to a5 and green spring. Some uppers you can take the dust cover off by pushing it backwards after you remove the clip on the dust cover rod.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Yeah. I couldn't do that with this one. It was easier than the Vltor MUR upper was, though.

[@vladdaimplr]

Very tastefully coming together, Boss!

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Thank you!

[@ericc2530]

You can pull the dust cover pin out from the other side.... ive never had to uninstall the handguard to do it

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Now that I look closer at it, I probably could've gotten it out from the other side, but it's done now, either way.

[@troy9er]

Lookin good, can’t wait for the finish video. Good luck!

[@sawtoothtactical404]

That will be the next episode. I took it to the range for the first time today and it ran great!

[@jacobyjacobs2885]

Love my mrk2 lower

[@sawtoothtactical404]

It's really nice! I'm very happy with it, so far.

[@waffle_chuter]

Double dimple gang ✌🏻

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Gang gang!

[@threat2demoracy5454]

Have you checked out those JP silent captured springs? Very very cool.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I've read and watched a lot of stuff about them, but I haven't tried one personally, yet. I'll have to get my hands on one, at some point.

[@chrisfisher3900]

Why I use the magpul ones. Just compress itand drop it in

[@sawtoothtactical404]

That does make it easy, for sure.

[@GuardDawg87]

So how do you like the microbest bcg vs BCM? QC? Gas key steaking? I know they're an oem manufacturer but I noticed tool craft who is also an oem manufacturer cutting corners on theirs. I got a couple of them with problems

[@sawtoothtactical404]

It seems to be great! I took it out to the range for the first time today and it ran perfectly. Gas key staking looks really good.

[@nickadkins7765]

The new Microbest Premium Chrome BCG is the way to go in terms of quality to cost ratio. The new Premium ones use Springco springs and o rings for the extractor and the proper OCKS gas key screws. The way to know its that one is that they gas key itsels is phosphate coated and so that piece on the side of the bolt itself

[@rickymiller177]

Nice, not sure I would have spent so much on a dust cover, but that’s what the cool guys are running . Looks amazing and can’t wait to see finished product. One day you should check out larue mbt trigger, I think you’ll be impressed, cool video also

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I do need to try out the Larue MBT trigger. Everyone s ays how good they are. I got this Geissele SD-E for about the same price as the Larue during their 4th of July BLEM sale, so it was hard not to go with what I already know and love on this one.

[@nickadkins7765]

​​@@sawtoothtactical404 Yea we all know the Larue isn't hanging with an SDE. It might hang with an SSA though...I have an SSAE in my ADM/Geissele SD 16", a SSAE X Lightning Bow in my Griffin MK2/Colt 6933 EPR 11.5", and the SDC in my DD PDW 7" 300blk! I'll only buy G triggers

[@Golden_Patriot]

the build is really coming together and looking great

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Thanks! I'm loving how this one is turning out.

[@ralphthrasher298]

Are we able to purchase FRTs again?

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Yeah. Rarebreed's website isn't back up and running yet, but I believe it will be soon.

[@garyjohns4711]

1.5 lb TImney Calvin Elite is my favorite trigger.....

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I've heard that's a good trigger. I've got a Timney Alpha Glock trigger and it's great!

[@garyjohns4711]

@@sawtoothtactical404 pull weight of the alpha Glock?

[@Oscar-cj6co]

Awesome series bro!

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Glad you like it!

[@jaybee2812]

Not ridiculous at all my brother I would of done the same so it wouldn’t bug me down the road, it’s looking great 👍🏽

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Thanks!

[@4g63mark]

Careful bud. That brace has to be fully collapsed to meet the brace measurement guidelines

[@sawtoothtactical404]

I've never heard of any measurement guidelines...?

[@4g63mark]

@@sawtoothtactical404 Yeah apparently it can't be longer than 13.5"

[@nickadkins7765]

​@@4g63mark That's what they initially proposed. Pretty sure all that mumbo jumbo was already thrown out in court my friend

[@garyjohns4711]

simple equals more......

[@sawtoothtactical404]

In many instances, that can definitely be true.

[@Gnolomweb]

Griffin Mk2 doesn't let you put on an extended mag release. I prefer the bad lever for this reason.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Do what works for you. I've never felt the need for an extended mag release.

[@Gnolomweb]

​@@sawtoothtactical404 It's not a "need". It's a QOL improvement. As a glove size 9 guy, it is more ergo for reloads -- which is very noticeable if you're in a tight spot between rocks in the mountains. I assume you feel there isn't a "need" for the bolt catch on the MK2... it's just "nicer" -- right?

[@nickadkins7765]

​@@Gnolomweb What exactly do you mean by extended mag release? Like on the left side or ejection side?

[@Gnolomweb]

@@nickadkins7765 Google, "Odin works extended magazine release"

[@jwbennett4009]

You need to put centurion arms rail covers on tha dreamrifle

[@GmanGSW]

The Mark 18 is really looking good, brother. I caught myself looking at Daniel Defense Mark 18 Uppers, on a Flash Sale, the other day. I only didn't purchase because it was the heavier version. Then decided, for the price, let me grab it. SOLD OUT! I'll wait... Keep us up to date with yours, like the Griffin Armament Lower. Good series and why doe DD send Polymer Dust Covers? Good Question! ✌

[@sawtoothtactical404]

You will love it if you get one! I just shot it for the first time today and I think it's my new favorite gun!

[@marcopolo363]

Looks good sir!

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Thank you!

[@rodneybonds8466]

Built one as well with Wilson receiver, Kung Fu grip, Stern Defense quick buffer removal set up in a pistol.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Nice!

[@ericc2530]

I actually really like the look of the dd dust cover, and its exclusive you cant buy it by itself.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

That is true.

[@triphammer1203]

“Clone adjacent”

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Super exciting. Looking good!

[@sawtoothtactical404]

Thanks!

[@garyjohns4711]

PLASTIC dust covers usually seal tighter than metal covers and are a tiny bit lighter.

[@sawtoothtactical404]

That is true.