Words and Pics: Nismo

I’ve been thinking about another build since my last article for the blog.

This time, however, I wanted it ‘done right’ with direct reference to ‘in the wild’ pic. A clone, basically. It had to be PTW and it had to be DEVGRU. I did look at the Airsoft Artisan version of the DD HK416 rail, but decided against it as it’s not a satisfactory copy.

Then, suddenly and finally, a Midwest Industries 9” HK416 rail fell into my hands.

I already liked it, before I saw the well-known pics from the man himself – @slayderaider…

Now I knew what to build, I started to chase down the parts required. I read Slade’s IG posts and comments carefully.

Slade mentioned in an early comment that he wasn’t sure if he used a T1 or a T2, so I went with for an RS T2. In a later pic it became clear he’d used a T1, so I’ll see if I can get one of those at some point to tighten up the correctness of my build.

The MI rail is quite slim and nice to handle. It’s easy to see why it was chosen and used by the tip of the spear. It is nearly as slim as a DD rail, has options for mounting like a Remington RAHG (although via MLOK), and is lighter than the Geissele HK SMR. To me, a 10.5” version like the HK SMR or at least a 10” version would be the only improvement I’d make.

Still in use here – the iconic AAC can. An all-time favourite of mine, and already in use with DEVGRU prior to Mark Owen’s iconic AOR1 No Easy Day 416.

Once built I immediately noticed the excellent handling of Slayderaider’s choices (even though I don’t like the TangoDown grip). As a whole, this 416 feels ergonomic and is well balanced, despite the hulking great scope and additional red dot.

I’m really happy with this build as of now. Let’s see if I can get the missing clone correct parts.

Parts List

  • HAO HK416D V2 Kit
  • Fully Tackleberried Systema MAX2 internals
  • RS Magpul CTR FDE
  • RS Magpul MVG FDE MLOK
  • RS L3/Insight AN/PEQ15
  • RS Nightforce NXS 2.5-10×24 NAVSPEC
  • RS Nightforce UltraLite rings
  • RS Aimpoint Micro T2
  • RS Magpul PMAG M3 w/Systema mag insert
  • PTS AAC M4-2000 mock suppressor
  • G&P TangoDown grip