Gordon CAR-15 Carbine 14.5" A2 Style Upper Receiver Group with dedicated Allen Engineering M4 Gordon Suppressor

This is the Clone Correct Limited Edition combo set for a Gothic Serpent - Black Hawk Down Gordy Carbine

Gordon Clone Upper and M4 Suppressor - Precision Reproduction of a Delta Force Legend

The Gordon Clone Upper and M4 suppressor is a faithful recreation of an important piece of military history. This upper receiver group combo (URG), expertly assembled by Potomac Armory, and exclusively offered by Charlie's Custom Clones, pays tribute to the carbine that Master Sergeant Gary Gordon used during the intense urban battle of Operation Gothic Serpent, in Mogadishu 1993.

This Limited Edition Combo is a great opportunity for firearm enthusiasts, military rifle enthusiasts, and tactical shooters to own an near exact replica of a weapon which played a vital role in one of the more famous Special Operations missions prior to the GWOT era.

Key Features

• Hand selected combination of Allen Engineering Colt hardware to correctly mount the M4 suppressor with the AEM clam-shell collar
• Colt 14.5" Colt Government profile chrome-lined CMV barrel with phosphate protective finish
• Allen Engineering Suppressor M4 with GunKote proprietary finish in green-brown
• A2 upper receiver with Rock River A2 rear site base
• Microbest BCG military-grade with Carpenter 158 bolt
• Handguard with 7 holes for authentic 90s aesthetic
• Front sight base "F" for optimal sighting

Gordon Carbine: Historical Importance and Design Context

The Gordon Clone Upper was based on a modified Colt Model 723/733 that Delta Force operators used during the Battle of Mogadishu. This battle is famously depicted both in the film and book "Black Hawk Down." The rifle of Master Sergeant Gary "Gordy", Gordon, is an example of the innovative modifications that Delta Force armorers made to improve performance in close quarter combat scenarios.  While it is hard to imagine the improvisations that individual units made at that time, this period of history under the Clinton administration was one of deep budget cuts, and the military of 1993 was not as universally well equipped as it was, say, in 2003 at the height of the Global War on Terror.

This Upper combo captures all the essentials of the carbine Gordon used in the disastrous raid to capture high ranking lieutenants for Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. Operation Gothic Serpent was the codename for this mission. It became a landmark in urban warfare tactics.

The Gordon Clone Upper replicates this design with precision, featuring a 14.5-inch barrel direct-threaded into an Allen Engineering M4 suppressor. This setup not only maintains the weapon’s historical integrity but also provides modern functionality and reliability.

If we take a step back in history, this is the actual barrel used in Operation Gothic Serpent: a 14.5" Government profile barrel, equipped with an OPS Inc. suppressor custom-made for the US Military in a very small number. Allen Engineering manufactured most OPS Inc. suppressors, and Mr. Allen has taken the original design and reproduced it as accurately as it was made in the early 1990s. This is the AEM M4 Suppressor.

Black Hawk Down Movie Weapons

While "Black Hawk Down" captures much of the intensity and chaos of the real Operation Gothic Serpent, it takes some liberties with the depiction of weapons for dramatic effect and due to the availability of props. The core weapons like the M16A2, M249 SAW, and sidearms are generally represented accurately, but the movie modernizes some aspects and simplifies others for cinematic purposes.

Deep Dive Technical

Barrel & Suppressor Integration

The Gordon Clone Correct Upper's heart is a Colt factory 14.5" barrel made from 4150 CMV steel alloy. The barrel is chrome lined and phosphate coated for increased durability and corrosion resistance. This setup is unique because it threads directly into an Allen Engineering M4 Suppressor, a modern replica of the original OPS Inc. designs favored by Delta Force in the early 1990s.

The barrel is fitted with an "F" height front sight base (FSB).  While there is currently much discussion and confusion around which rifles used standard height FSBs and which used an "F" height FSB, the F marked or F marked front sight based was chosen by Potomac Armory based upon historical research.  At Charlie's we recognize the lack of clarity on this subject, but at the end of the day, we also see people getting overly worked up over 4/100's of a difference in height, which is easily adjusted in the sight pin.*

The suppressor is finished with the period correct GunKote high-temperature-cured finish, hand-picked by Ron Allen to be as close to Phil Seberger's selection during this time period. This particular coating used that ensures historical accuracy as well as practical heat resistance. This integrated barrel-suppressor offers several tactical benefits:

1. The muzzle flash is significantly reduced, improving stealth.
2. Reduced noise signature is crucial for urban operations
3. Improved overall balance, allowing faster target transitions during close engagement typical of urban fighting scenarios

The Three-Part Collar: Its Critical Role

The three-part collar, which interfaces the barrel with the suppressor, is one of the most complex and technically challenging aspects of the system. Potomac Armory’s meticulous fitting process demonstrates their attention to detail:

• Testing of multiple collars to find the best fit for each barrel’s outer diameter, and selecting the correct Allen components specific to the individual barrel.
• A bore bar is passed through the barrel in order to ensure perfect concentricity.  This process of meticulous alignment ensures optimal performance and safety for the shooter.

Upper receiver and internal Components

The upper receiver is an A2 production model that maintains period-correct aesthetics.  The choice of the A2 seems appropriate, as the M16A2 was also in use during the Mogadishu battle.  Some historians have indicated that a C7 upper is more appropriate.  The exact details are a debated, and we at Charlie's feel the A2 is probably more historically acurate, while acknowledging the wide appeal that the C7 has a very strong following and desirability of late.  Charlie's also offers a similar upper receiver combo with the C7 upper. 

The Rock River A2 rear sights base is a precision-driven sight base that has been used in many service rifle competitions. The Microbest Bolt Carrier Group (BCG), with its phosphated exterior, Carpenter 158 steel bolt and reliability in the most challenging conditions.

Balancing historical accuracy and modern preferences

We recognize that while our Gordon Clone Upper is designed to be as accurate as possible, not everyone wants a 100% correct clone. Considerations for different levels in historical accuracy:

• Strict Clone-Correct: For those who are looking for the most authentic recreation of the suppressor, every component has been meticulously replicated. This includes everything from the barrel profile down to the exact shade of the finish.
• Functional equivalent: Some users may prefer modern alternatives that provide similar functionality but with updated materials and manufacturing techniques. Use a low-profile modern gas block in place of the original front sight base "F".
• Inspired Build: For shooters who are more interested in aesthetics and concepts than exact replica, the Gordon Clone Upper is a good starting point to create a build that's inspired by Delta Force history.

Charlie's also sells a Gordon barrel kit with a 12.5" barrel that fits the Allen Engineering AEM5 suppressor. For those who wish to extend the use of their AEM5, that barrel is a good option. This matched set is a bit more military-correct, and the limited edition nature of the suppressor and the custom-made clamp and sleeve make this setup more expensive. The choice is simple: If you have a Mk12 and OPS Inc. #12 style suppressor already, you should consider getting the 12.5" Gordon barrel kit. If you are building your own Gordon Carbine clone and want the real deal, this is for you.

No matter how you choose to approach it, the Gordon Clone Upper is a great way to experience a bit of special operations' history. This URG combo is perfect for collectors, history enthusiasts, and shooters looking for something unique.

You're not only buying a gun component when you choose this upper. You're also paying homage to Delta Force operators such as Master Sergeant Gary Gordon whose bravery, sacrifice and dedication continue to inspire.

Specifications Table

*  Correct FSB for 1993 Carbine with 14.5" Barrel and A2 Carry Handle Upper

For a 1993-era carbine with a 14.5" barrel and an A2 carry handle upper receiver, the correct FSB would be the "F" height FSB. Here's why:

1. Barrel Length: The 14.5" barrel is standard for M4 carbines and some CAR-15 variants. These shorter barrels typically use the "F" height FSB.
2. Era Correctness: In 1993, the M4 carbine was just beginning to enter service, and Delta Force operators were using similar carbines (like the Colt Model 723) during operations such as Gothic Serpent. These carbines used the "F" height FSB.
3. Sight Radius Compensation: With the shorter 14.5" barrel and the A2 carry handle upper (which houses the rear sight), the "F" height FSB provides the necessary compensation for the reduced sight radius compared to a full-length 20" barreled rifle.
4. Compatibility: The "F" height FSB ensures proper alignment with the A2 carry handle's rear sight aperture, maintaining accuracy and correct point of impact.

It's worth noting that while some modern carbines with flattop upper receivers and removable carry handles might use a standard height FSB, for a period-correct 1993 carbine with a fixed A2 carry handle, the "F" height FSB would be the correct choice.

This setup - 14.5" barrel, A2 upper with carry handle, and "F" height FSB - is consistent with the carbines used by units like Delta Force in the early 1990s, including those used during Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, Somalia.

For further reading, see Recoil Web's Guns of Black Hawk Down

photos courtesy of Potomac Armory, The Geardo Crow and Columbia Pictures

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