Words and pics: Alex Dai

My PTW-based 416 DMR was inspired by the one the character Clay Spenser uses in the SEAL Team TV series.

Amongst the other SEAL Team TV operators’ 416 builds, Clay’s is the most eye-catching: exhibiting a 14.5” barrel and a quad rail, alongside a Vortex scope.

Since I happened to have most of the parts for this build to hand, I thought why not change my 416D PTW into this DMR setup? Even though I’m an SBR guy, a 416 DMR is still tempting – especially the way Clay’s is set up.

Another reason to go DMR is that I want to make better use of my Vortex scope.

Ostensibly, this was purchased primarily for my URG-I build. However, as I’ve so far failed to source a Geissele scope mount in Canada for the URG-I build, I bought the Vortex QR mount instead.

Fortunately, this is the mount Clay uses in the show. But not all the parts used in my build are clone correct.

I made some compromises:

  • Operators in the TV show use TangoDown pistol grips for their 416s, but I chose the Hogue Grip for the handling and look
  • The suppressor should be the Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 but I couldn’t find an Airsoft replica, unfortunately
  • No paint job yet; I still love the black receiver
  • I prefer the Surefire M600DF to the M600U for higher lumens output
  • Not sure how the flashlight switch was mounted in the TV show, so I just mounted a surefire dual switch on the left side rail

And here’s the parts list for my SEAL Team 416 DMR build:

  • Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E Riflescope
  • Vortex QR Extended Cantilever 30mm Mount
  • Surefire M600DF Scout Light with dual switch – Tan
  • Magpul AFG-2 Angled Fore Grip – Tan
  • Magpul CTR Stock – Tan & Enhanced Rubber Butt-Pad, 0.70”
  • VTAC Hybrid Sling – Multicam
  • Modified Hogue Grip for PTW
  • ZSHOT x Magpul Gen3 PTW PMAG – Medium Coyote Tan
  • HAO 4” extension steel barrel
  • Replica Surefire RC1 Suppressor & 4 Prong Flash Hider
  • Replica PEQ15
  • VTAC Hybrid Sling – Multicam
  • SYSTEMA Value Kit 3 Supermax
  • HAO 416(D)V2-MUR Conversion kit for PTW
  • HAO 4” extension steel barrel

The complete build looks awesome, but my first impressions of handling are a mixed bag. This serves as a warning to cloning a TV show DMR, which is probably set up for aesthetics rather than ergonomics.

The 416 was front heavy already – even in SBR mode – and the 14.5” steel barrel and the suppressor just made it worse.

Also, I’m definitely not a fan of that angled fore grip. A vertical grip would be a much better choice for me.

Next, I’ll probably buy an M150 cylinder and 14.5” inner barrel to get the max performance from this PTW DMR – as long as it’s not overkill.

But before that, I’m going back to my 10.5” 416 set up, and will complete my GBLS DAS URG-I build. DMR is awesome, but SBR is life.

You can read more about the SEAL Team Armoury in ATRG’s article of the same name, here.