The RECCE Rifle, sometimes known as the SEAL Recon Rifle, is an exceptional piece of military hardware. Initially crafted by U.S. Navy SEAL Team armorers, it was later manufactured by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, commonly referred to as NSWC-Crane or "Crane." Charlie's Custom Clones is proud to highlight Monty's RECCE rifle, and other Centurion products.
The RECCE Rifle is more than a standard M4 carbine. It was designed to be a portable, lightweight system with enhanced lethality, tailored specifically for SEAL snipers. This M4/M16 platform-based firearm was intended to fill the Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) role in U.S. Special Operations.
Weight & Length
The base model of the RECCE rifle weighs 6.9lbs, making it an incredibly lightweight yet robust tool for precision fire. When the stock is collapsed, it measures a compact 32.5 inches in length.
Upper Receiver Group
The upper component of the RECCE rifle comprises a Centurion Arms 16" RECCE barrel. This 5.56mm stainless steel, match grade, air gauged barrel with a 1/7 twist doubles as a Heavy Barrel (HBAR). The upper receiver adheres to military specifications (Mil-Spec), being a standard, forged variant with M4 Extended feed ramps. It includes a Centurion Arms low-profile pinned gas block and a mid-length gas tube.
The Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) is full auto, machined from MIL-SPEC Carpenter 158 Steel. It features Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), Shot Peened, Tool Steel Extractor with enhanced extractor spring, Chrome Lined Carrier, Hardened, Chrome Lined Gas Key with staked Grade 8 Fasteners per MIL-SPEC. The upper also features an A2 Flash Hider.
The upper is rounded off with an ML1513 MLOK CMR Handguard, which provides versatility for mounting various accessories.
Lower Receiver
The lower part of the RECCE Rifle boasts a Centurion Arms CM4 Forged Lower Receiver. It comes with a standard Receiver Plate and a Centurion Arms AST 2-Stage Trigger for optimal control and shooting precision.
The rifle also features an Aluminum Winter Trigger Guard, an H2 Buffer, an A2 Grip for a comfortable, sturdy grip, and a B5 Bravo Stock, which offers excellent stability.
In conclusion, the Centurion Arms RECCE Rifle is a high-performing, meticulously engineered firearm that exemplifies the efficiency and precision expected in specialized military operations. Its design, informed by the real-world experience of Navy SEALs, ensures it delivers when most needed.
Manufacturer's Part Number RECCE-RFL
Here are the essential points to note:
It is important to note that while the RECCE Rifle is an effective platform in the hands of trained special operations forces, it's not the only platform in use. The choices made in its creation reflect the specific needs and circumstances of the SEAL teams and their missions
The “RECCE rifle” by name and concept, in military terms, came about from some of the Tier One units looking for a precision weapon in the AR platform for guys doing recon…While doing reconnaissance, they wanted an accurate weapon in 5.56 with ammo commonality.
A lot of times these would not be designated sniper missions where you were assigned to go out and engage and shoot people. Instead, a lot of missions were simply to reconnoiter, to look and gather intelligence… If you were to end up getting into any type of engagement, we found having snipers with an AR could be a lot more effective.
As it turned out in Iraq, most of your engagements were at 300-400 yards or so…the 5.56, especially the 77-grain ammo that was developed for it, is fine. It would meet most of your needs and you have higher magazine capacity than you’d have with a 7.62 rifle.
So these guns were really good, functional rifles that came out of some of the Tier One units that were being built locally by armorers or smiths for that purpose.
These guns are what actually evolved later into the whole MK12 concept. The MK12 ended up going more SOCOM-wide, and even the Marine Corps picked up some of the MK12s as well. So, the MK12 was actually an extension, an actual programmatic continuation, if you will, of RECCE Rifles.
It’s hard to say that there is a “traditional RECCE” rifle in any sense because it really was kind of organic. Guys built them up while there, and they could make the changes they wanted. There really was no spec for them initially, so there were a lot of variations.
Most commonly though, a RECCE rifle would have a 16” stainless barrel with a good match trigger. The MK12 was a little different because it was a program of record, it had very definitive specs and it’s all written down. With the REECE rifle, there is a lot more freedom, and because of that, we are seeing people integrate and do all sorts of variations on the design.
The basic premise is that the rifle revolves around a high-quality stainless steel match barrel with a chamber that is designated or optimized to shoot match ammunition. It will shoot and feed anything, but it’s really optimized for the match ammo that you are going to put in it in order to get maximum accuracy with a good match trigger. The fact that guys are morphing this rifle in all different directions is perfectly logical. It makes perfect sense. We’re willing to step down our RECCE rifle and do different barrel lengths on it. When it comes to making the rifle with a shorter barrel, it really just depends on how long your engagement is.
The research has shown that for law enforcement…, do they even need something that goes 300-400 yards? Law enforcement might need a very precise weapon, but the vast majority of sniper engagements for law enforcement are under 100 yards. I think around 75 yards was average, and they’re not going to shoot much past that, but they still may have a hostage shot or something like that, that requires precision. Because of this, perhaps they want a bit shorter rifle that is a bit more maneuverable, easy to use, and still gives you the velocity to attain the ranges you need to.
Our RECCE rifle is a 16”, just like the original military one. We do have C4 quad rails that we can put on it. We do have M-LOK…13” is the baseline and that is one of our most popular rails right now. The Centurion Arms RECCE rifle we offer has a match, stainless air-gauged barrel that we put a chamber in that is optimized for the Sierra Match King 69 and 77-grain bullets. We put a match trigger in it, and we do tweak the upper a little bit with the machine specs to get a better fit of the barrel into the upper receiver.
We are trying to build a precision-capable, but also combat-functional AR based on the RECCE concept, also offering it in a 14.5” barrel. We’re going with a mid-length gas system. We’re going with that because it gives you plenty of dwell time. Generally it also tends to be a little bit smoother shooting. Really, what we’re doing is just taking a battle-ready AR and tightening up some of the specs, then using a quality barrel and a quality trigger to also be able to obtain the capability of being able to shoot precisely with it with the proper optics.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. This item must ship to FFL holder. No civilian exceptions.
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state.
2) Find your FFL… Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to Charlie’s (Make them earn their fee!!!)
3) Be patient! You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers. Please click the “Buying a Firearm” tab at the top of this page for more information.
California residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a scope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.
THIS IS A SERIALIZED FIREARM. It must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder. No civilian exceptions.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. Only a federally licensed firearms dealer may receive a firearm or federally regulated serialized item (like a receiver or suppressor). We cannot ship these items directly to you. Please follow these steps to process your transaction:
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state. Your FFL dealer should be able to give you all of the necessary information regarding your state specific laws. But, if we ship to your FFL, and there is a legal issue, we cannot accept a return. So please make sure that you know and follow your local and state laws.
2) A quick google search will show you what Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealers are in your area. When you are ready to purchase, contact the FFL dealer you would like to use and get their shipping address. During the check-out, put YOUR address in the “billing” section and the FFL DEALER’S address in the “shipping” section. If you don’t know your FFLs address, that’s okay. You can send the information later.
3) After check out, make sure to contact your FFL dealer to ensure they will receive your shipment for you (most do this for a small fee, but you should always double check).
4) Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to FFL@CharliesCustomClones.com. Charlie’s does not reach to your FFL (MAKE THEM EARN THEIR FEE!!!)
5) Be patient! In order to ensure we remain compliant with all federal laws, our compliance department is kept separate from our sales and operations team. Please allow a few days for our compliance officer to verify all of your dealer’s documents and ensure all federal laws are being observed. You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers, but if you are unfamiliar the process or have any other questions, please visit our How to Buy a Firearm page for more details.
California and New York residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a riflescope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.
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