YOU WERE CLOSE

It’s like a nutnfancy video with Millennials. We’ve come full circle.

Big respect for never talking over or interrupting each-other. Too many podcasts fail to deliver such a clean listening experience.

Didn't know you had a podcast, will be hopping on that, great video

14:20 The .mil wanted a 20" bbl for the SPR. When they requested a 20" 5.56 match barrel, the bean counters denied the request because there was already a 20" 5.56 barrel in inventory, the one on the M16. It was fruitless to explain the differences between a match barrel and an assault rifle barrel to said bean counters so the people who knew what they were doing changed the length of the barrel that they wanted so that it would be obvious to the bean counters why the requested barrel was different from that on an M16. LTDR = the SPR is 18" because bureaucracy

Hops one looks more like something Nunfancy would build, therefor. It's superior. I should have busted out the duracoat for this one

It’s nice to see a younger generation grappling with the warrior’s dilemma. That is to say, “how can I be strong in all places in all times in every direction?” Only to come up with the same conclusion: you can’t. You can only prepare for the most likely in all those and keep your head on a swivel to anticipate when “most likely” changes. It’s certainly better than watching what the younger generation does on TikTok. And don’t worry too much about “restless rifle.” When you settle on the “perfect rifle” that’s when you’re most in danger of becoming a set in your ways, stick in the mud Fudd.

Well done. As someone who's fought in two wars and is now a civilian, I see the "fighting rifle" as a very different build than what the trendy guys say. I appreciate your experiments and reflections. One thing that came to mind was a close-to-max-range course I took which required SR-25s but limited optics to 1-8x. I was impressed that they were useful to about 600 yards, but those were white-painted torsos with an instructor helping us find them. Finding a target that is moving and not bright white would be a lot tougher with a 1-8x!

The Mk12 SPR only has an 18” barrel because if NSW Crane had used a 20” barrel they would have been forced to use existing M16 barrels. Going with 18” allowed them to get new heavier match grade barrels, but they wanted 20”.

I'd like this format a lot more on this channel

I had a good time listening in on this one. I think one of the best takeaways from the conversation was the capability of the shooter matching the capable range of the optic. One of the reasons I run a 1-8x28 on my AR10 is because I am honestly not capable of reaching out further than what 8x provides me with. If that makes sense. Anyway, great information and concepts. I run a red dot on my 5.56's for similar reasons regarding effectiveness of the round. But that might change here soon.

The barrel isnt the heart, the BCG is. The barrel is the soul, in the optics are the windows to the soul!

Good, high BC, ammo will make a bigger difference at distance than increasing the barrel length. Given a 16” barrel, going from M855 to 77gr TMK will save you 10” of wind drift at 600 yards with 10mph wind. Nevermind the increased precision of match ammo over M855.

The only thing I can add to this is at woodlands brutality this year, there were a Ton of spr'ed 556 ar's that were insanely fast and handy at close range. And we're fast at making hits out to 400y on stage 3. They are such a useful tool for so many different environments. Especially suppressed. I also completely agree with thr MVPO being used on a general purpose rifle like here. The 2-10/12 are very useful inside 50y, and you can reach out to 500y with ease on larger targets. If anything, get a 1-4/6x and a 3-15x and throw them on gq mounts and swap out as needed. That's my plan on my go to rifle. Excellent video as always hop!

We owe nutn an apology. This was like watching Nutn and Bugget Nuster out in the desert.

Cut my teeth on nutnfancy and I think we are all the same age. You are both great and this video was dope. More than happy to pay money for you all to talk; first folks I've ever paid for content ✌️

I understand the military philosophy for a SPR, because of logistics of keeping it a 556, but in this day and age, you can shoot a 6.5 Grendel or 6mm ARC out of an AR-15 platform and really bridge the gap (and in some cases exceed) 308. The only reason why (I would think) anyone would want a SPR is one a military clone, two, to save money on ammo, or three, to be able to share ammo with others in your squad

*NutnFancy has entered the chat* Did someone say SAPPER?!

Nice one. I'll add my $0.02 on this, I guess. I understand what you guys are getting at completely, but I think some key points were made in different parts of the video that I found to be true that kind of makes the idea too niche for practical use in most cases. Me and other friends with different rifles and optics have gone side by side when pushing them and comparing optic capabilities, and we''ll start out to 200m or so and keep dropping back until we cannot get consistent hits (not being able to ring steel 3 times in a row on command, or at least hit 3 out of 5 means it's over). It seems regardless of ammo, magnification or barrel length, 500-600m with an AR-15 is really the edge for the most part of the rifles we've used. More magnification can help better to see where missed shots landed in attempt to correct, but as ya'll said, practically speaking if you miss the first (bummer) and can't immediately follow up a hit because of wind or some limitation of the cartridge at that distance, magnification is only going to just let you know how bad you fucked up. My inner clone autism paired with always being overly practical has led me to believe the "ultimate" fighting rifle that can be an "SPR" as well as a regular "fighting rifle" which can be fitted to work in most any situation day or night, suppressed or unsuppressed, beans or steamed rice, is something that basically looks like a 14.5" or 16" Block I or Block II M4 with an ACOG/RMR combo and accoutrements of your choosing for the occasion/mission. Need some weight savings? Pull off the LAM, bipod, Insight AM/FM tape deck. Need to have more of an SPR? Put bipod back on. Need to shoot with nods but will be moving around a lot? Remove bipod and put on laser. Need something absolutely lightweight for hiking? Unflip the levers on the larue mount on the ACOG and pull off everything except the rail from the front end and flip up your rear KAC/Magpul iron. Now you got a rifle that really does it all and is right down the middle, and still gets the accuracy that the SPR would get for the most part assuming your vision is up to the task of being limited to 4x at up to 500m or so.

Watching whilst seated on an outhouse in between load testing with my 20" AR15. Good timing.

For these sorts of videos to work I’m really going to need more acronyms. A little more talk regarding size and weight constraints would be nice too, plus a little firepower vs mobility. Thanks!

You see, the problem here was that you guys weren't holding down the sniper button.

It’s definitely a balance issue. I spent a lot of time in the mindset of trying to expand the capabilities of the SPR. What I came up with is that I should have been focusing on expanding general purpose while identifying and addressing the special purposes. The two main specials for me were defense and resource gathering (hunting is a good example) and they overlap into my general. The truth about “long range” is that there is a point at which you should simply not engage. Instead maybe switch over to observe and communicate.

Hops build was really interesting to me… it’s very “common” accessories due to being very affordable… and it works. Kudos on the Larue 2 stage… killer trigger for $100.00… 👍🏻

I simply refuse to stop using my 3.5x M145 mg elcan to volley fire green Ivan targets at 1200. Accuracy by volume.

Surprised the Leupold Mk5 3-18 didn't come into the conversation. Greater magnification range than 4-16x, fairly compact body, great glass and still lightweight (25 oz).

You fellas brought up lots of great points and put out some extremely useful info in this video (as both of you do in your other videos as well). But mostly, this video proves to me, that 2 people can actually talk and do a video and not constantly be talking over each other, or trying to "one up" each other with bad jokes. I've been binge watching videos from both of ya for a few evenings now, and I appreciate the knowledge and insight you both put out. Thanks fellas.

Really enjoyed watching you guys work through the thought experiment.

I've got what I like to call my "SS-SPR" as a 20" Kel Tec RDB (that's the same OAL as as 14.5 inch AR) with a full length aluminum mlok handguard, 1-8x lpvo (yes the cheap PA one) and a swampfox green dot riding piggyback on top. It's quirky and may not be up to what some would consider "trust my life" squared away, BUT it's the most unique and I think functional bullpup in 5.56 you can get right now for under 2000$.

DMR>SPR>RECCE>CARBINE>CQB This for me is based on effective range for these semi-automatic or automatic military configurations.

Pretty slick video. Really relevant to something I'm working on. I also admire that yall are somehow blunt without being negative. Maybe straightforward is the word.

These new Ghost Recon: Breakpoint graphics are amazing.

This. Was. Excellent. Really quality content Hop- but that’s becoming an expectation of ours at this point, I think. You have some of the best content on the tubes. This was undeservingly (us) good. Thank you and Brass facts. And you’re both very well spoken. As a 36 y/o millennial, I think this is about my speed.

Some solid info here! Thanks for the share!!

Excellent vid! Very valid points! Emphasis on knowing your AO. Its great to practice at the long ranges to test shooter and equipment, but also be realistic about where you would actually need your weapon.

Barrel/upper is the heart of the rifle; optic is the brain. Optic is how you decide when and where bullets will go.

The Leopold vx6hd 2-12 might be a great option for one of these builds. Especially with the custom etched bdc turret caps.

Thanks Guys for filming and taking US along with you on your Mountain wilderness recce , looks like a lot of fun in open country. If I had to guess I'd say that's next to White sands NM. range . When I was your age I was riding off road dirt bikes out in the wilderness AZ like this , even road the hole Baja Ca. Mexico . I missed out on this sport .

I really enjoyed this. Thank you. Especially the honesty on self reflection.

I truly vibe with "the optic is the heart of the rifle". Barrels don't change too much from rifle to rifle. Really the barrel is the anus of the rifle. It just craps out whatever you feed it with varied results. The optic is what determines the rifles purpose, it's what gives it the ability to meet its potential. Makes a lot of sense from that point of view.

Isn't the "middle ground between 5.56 and .308" pretty well defined with 6.5 Grendel and 6mm ARC? Still in an AR-15 platform but easily able to reach out to 1km with an 18" (ish) barrel. Grendel's been around over 20 years now, and the ARC is getting accepted on US military contract. Seems like it's nearly settled, for now, isn't it?

Really enjoyed the discussion a,d the weapon run downs. Also the discussion about match ammo. Very true!

freaking excellent review giving me usable material for future planning.

Love it guys! Ive been using a glx 2.5-10x44. In a adm recom qd After seeing BF videos on it. With recognition of limitations im very happy with it so far. Its on a 16 in atm. But i will be going to an 18 inch either white oak , or a BA depending on what i want with weight savings. Im also running a magpul bipod and like it. The larue mbt is great i love mine. Red dot is a hs 403r . On a arisaka offset. I had a t2 sitting on this rifle prior to optic change. That i put on my 12.5 centurion build Id say look into the str magpul stock the cheek weld on it is😍 ive been using it for years its my go to. Surefire warcomp, sa bleed off gas block and the vltor a5 system makes a super super soft shooter. Ive been repurposing this rifle for the same indented purpose and capabilities as you guys so i love seeing these videos from you guys! Only thing different i plan on is dedicated 77gr loads either hand or factory. Gives it a little more ass at range. But keep these videos coming love it 🍻

If the barrel is the heart, the optic is the brain. At least that’s what I’d say.

You guys brought up a very valid point regarding the difference between purpose/ objective built over mission driven built. Some of the differences would definitely depend on the environment around where you live.

Fascinating topic, Keep up the content!

Love the discussion - this is too fine of a niche for me. Totally agree that barrel length in 5.56 is first a discussion about lethality.

THE CROSSOVER WE NEEDED, BUT NOT THE ONE WE DESERVED🤙🏼🙌🏼

Well thought out content. Thanks!

Damn good video. Thank you both!

I have a similar setup in .224 Valkyrie. Definitely a niche setup, but it does a number on yotes. I also have a 16 inch rig in the new 6mm ARC with an Arken Optics 4X16 with an ACRO sidemount. I think the 6mm ARC will be a versatile round.

I recently did the same thing. I went a little outside the box with the optic. A Swarovski Z3 3-10x42. Capped turrets with a great BRH reticle. The reticle almost perfectly matches 77 gr SMKs out of a 16" barrel at 2500-2600 fps. The glass only weighs 12.7 oz. Took the setup out to the farm last weekend and was hitting very easily and very quickly out to 600 yds in Kansas wind. The scope reticle is so good. It has wind hold lines at the 100 yd drops and mil marks in between. It's a great hybrid for fast holds but also calling mil adjustments for myself and spotting for my buddy.

Great video, thanks a lot. Been shooting 600m with my 14.5 and 1-6 PST II and its doable, but challenging too. Loved the concept of the mini SPR, so I going to try my VX3 6.5-20 on the same gun.

Very nicely done. Thanks for sharing.

I think FFP really comes into its own in regards to field of view. Shot a PRS style match today, out to 600, and entire day was spent at 15x or so. It helped a ton with finding targets and eye relief is better. Didn’t have to zoom in all the way to use the reticle. Limited experience, but it also helps to zoom out for moving targets while still being able to use horizontal holds for ambush method. Not sure at what magnification level FFP becomes a necessity though. Or maybe it’s more type of rifle.

Nutting fancy collab WHEN

What???? I come across brassfacts like a month ago and he’s collating with hop???? Dream come true

informative discussion between you two - ! keep it up!

Have several scopes over the year I've settled on 4-14x scopes for 300 - 800 yards. I'm not shooting beyond those ranges. For 300 and in I'm still all about 3x Prisms. I've got a number of the old PA prisms, a Burris RT-3, and a couple of the newer 3x PA Micro Prisms. And with these new micro prisms being around 8oz even better.

I've been running a 12.5" ballistic advantage barrel, with 77gr sierra bullets loaded kind of hot, with a 1-6x lpvo. No issues making hits at 600 on silhouette targets with a 5-7" group. Once I go to 700, my optic becomes kind of useless, and the velocity goes transonic. Great video guys!

50K views already sounds like your going to need way more of these run and guns!

Enjoyed the banter. Good shit.

Great content. I love my MK12'ish. I like seeing more "musket" AR's. Seeing countless SBR/MK18 AR's with red dots is beyond boring now. Super jealous of all that open land you guys have to shoot on.

Top notch video as always. Definitely subscribing to Brass Facts. My question is... Where were y'all shooting? That scenery was GORGEOUS.

This is the exact approach I took with my rifle. It can do most things good enough. Many times good enough is the best thing.

I just enjoyed listening to the conversation. It’s hard to find places to shoot distance here for me, so everything ends up just being hypothetical.

To be fair, the traditional 18" 1:7 twist isn't really meant to drastically increase your overall accuracy, it's for stabilizing and increasing range of the specific ammo made for spr's, mk262 77gr. Great video, just wanted to point out the intended purpose of that barrel

my dad was kinda looking at me like why its to big when i built a 18". then we went to the range and double drilling holes over 200 yards with easy i think made his brain melt. he shoot ak lol

It seems like LPVOs are taking over...the advantage they give you along with the cqb ability is pretty awesome...going for an eotech vudu on my new giessele super duty. most likely with an offset SRO. great video!

Good vid. Thx for the details. Btw, better glass gives more than xtra magnification. And generally makes it easier to separate target from background

I run a 1-8 ffp on 18" fluted barrel with bipod and light. Gun is fairly heavy but I'm a big boy. I've ran this rifle through carbine classes and I can shoot it out to 800y consistently with 77gr. I like having the ability to reach out while still being able to use the same gun at closer ranges. I have an ar-10 and a 10.5 sbr but I love the 18". Good all around gun.

SPRs are cool. I have 2 SPR uppers. One in 223 Wylde and one in 6.5 Grendel. But practical in wrol? If you are concerned with defensive capability then no. If you are planning to counter an occupying force (however you imagine that scenario) then the long range capability is essential. But if you're going to build a rifle for long-range capability, for God's sake use good ammo. 69gr or heavier. Even if you can hit at 600 with ball ammo the effect will be marginal at best.

I agree. The optics really determine what the rifle is capable of. I built two SPR-type rifles, one in 5.56 and one in 6 ARC and both were very effective medium-range shooters. in my opinion, limiting magnification to 10x handicaps the capability of an AR when using 75-77-grain bullets (in 5.56) and 90-110-grain bullets in 6 ARC. I would forgo some low-level magnification to get more magnification on the top end. My choice for an SPR rifle is a Leupold Mark 5, 3.6-18x44. The 6 ARC is an outstanding way to extend the range, power, and usefulness of the AR platform, without adding weight. 6 ARC is just a standard AR-15 with a 6 mm ARC barrel, 6.5 Grendel bolt, and Grendel mags. The Grendel bolt uses a standard AR-15 bolt carrier. I liked seeing your guys shoot in the desert environment. Very jealous!

Kicked off the Bromance strong lol. Great video guys.

The sexiest eyebrows in the industry.

Big surprise. Hop used an ALG handguard.

I love the meta in this. Great video.

I have the Engage 2.5-10x scope on my “ GPR “ as well- so far I like it and seems to be excellent for the price and the terrain in my location.

When comparing variable optics, 2-#x always gets compared to LVPOs with 1-#x variable magnification. But the question is how does the 2x on a variable optic that bottom lines at 2 compare with dedicated set magnifiers at 2x. same for 3 or 4x. We're willing to accept an acog or likeness in these magnifications. But when it comes to a variable optic, the consumer expects true 1x. LPVOs have a place, but why is 2 or 3x magnification at the bottom end have a stigma while we are willing to accept Primary Arms micro prism 3x. (obvious differences aside)

Good stuff guys. You're teaching this ole' boomer a thing or 2. Man, the modern setups are cool. There was a time when the mini-14 was the shizzle lol!!

Awesome discussion about the subject. Tons of great info. And like hop I was already looking up 4x16 before the video ended and now I'm like hmm maybe not.

Lot of great info. I’ve been making some changes to my own SPR. Putting it on a diet.

The optic is definitely not the “heart of the rifle” yes it plays a major role in how the firearm is used however with training you can reach similar levels of utility regardless of the optic (with in reason to as fas as you can see adequately)

I am so tired of living in a world where everyone is shooting mk18 with nods and shot timers. This wide open stuff with scopes is way more interesting to me.

Great video and you both covered a good amount of detail, I would suggest tracking graduation precision added into discussions like this. If an optic has exposed target turrets it should track well. If the tracking is all over the place it wouldn't be a good idea to crank on the turrets.

GREAT THOUGHTS AT THE END THERE ABOUT PRACTICAL, REAL LIFE POTENTIAL BATTLE SCENARIOS. AGREED WITH SHORTER + CAN

I’m diggin the environment of which you guys are shooting. Looks like a beautiful day in Talibanistan 😁

Great Video. Personally I run a 18” Larue PredatAR with a Leupold mark4 4.5-14 for my modern SPR. It works great but the lack of locking turrets has bit me in the ass more times than I can count

A handguard that extends all the way to the end of the barrel allows you to place the fulcrum point of the bipod as far forward as possible from the point of shoulder contact as possible.. some of the ELR precision rifle shooters are running extensions that allow their bipods to be mounted as much as a 10" forward of the muzzle..

A lot of opinions here. I carried a 129A1 for a couple of my last tours. Hop nailed it talking about weight. The accuracy was much improved, and it enabled me to make hits out to much farther distance than my colleagues using carbine length weapons. Let's not forget, my rifle was made by the lowest bidder. Anyways, solid perspective. Great video. 🤙

Interesting fantasy exercise on what you can do with an AR when you have the time and money to make it do what it was not designed to do. Great fun in the nerdy extremities. Makes me miss my youth. Keep it up guys.

Your making me rethink that the good old tryed and true 3x9 isn't enough magnification. Then I was honest with myself I never reach out farther than 300 yards. I just got jealous of all that open space you guys had. Good video.

We can go on and on about which barrel length does what. But once you start hitting plates and seeing the difference in the swinging, you'll get why people choose to lug around longer barrels.

Good info on use and equipment selection. For an SPR type optic, I'm leaning heavily towards a Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm F1, with either a Mil-XT or Tremor3 reticle.

Outstanding verbal skills, no ummm or ahhhh every 2 seconds like B and H. Great discussion. Subbed

I really like this topic and conversation. Your environment is very similar to mine. Great video.

I have a Mk12 clone and that thing is heavy. Beautiful but heavy. Unloaded, without glass or a light, it stands at 14lbs. The only accessories I have on it is the Harris Bipod and a small vertical grip. Saving up for some good glass. I'm also working on a .308 SPR, just waiting for parts to arrive. Good video, gents.

Comprehensive, informative and entertaining,

Good talk and you all learned some things.