If you read or study ARs enough, the term “RECCE” rifle will eventually pop up. To those unfamiliar, the term “Recce” is shorthand for reconnaissance. From a military standpoint, reconnaissance centers around observing the enemy using a minimalist, highly maneuverable tactical element. These recon units usually generally consist of a small number of highly trained soldiers, deployed for special missions that conventional fighting forces just aren’t built to handle. In modern terms, think DEVGRU (Navy SEALs), Marine Force Recon, Delta Force and others.
Of course, with small numbers comes equipment limitations, so with this mission comes the desire for versatile, multi-purpose gear. In a world of “standard issue”, that’s not always easy to come by, and throughout history we’ve seen elite warfighters get creative when it comes to their field kit and weaponry.
During the early 90s, US Navy SEALs serving in Somalia encountered scenarios where they felt that the standard issue M4 carbine was not up to the task when it came to its effectiveness against targets at extended ranges. Obviously the SEALs had access to more specialized long range rifles such as the M14, however those large-caliber weapons presented their own physical and logistical challenges that made them impractical at times.
To overcome this gap, the SEALs began mounting precision scopes to their M4s and outfitting them with precision barrels, improved triggers and other in-house modifications to better bridge the tactical gap between dedicated sniper rifles or SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) and CQB assault rifles. Think “sniper-lite”.
Equipping one or two squad members with these upgraded “RECCE” M4s enhanced the unit’s long range capabilities with a platform that was compact enough to still be effective in CQB scenarios. Also, very importantly, these specially-equipped shooters would still be able to share magazines and ammunition with their squad mates.
So What Really Makes a Recce Rifle a Recce Rifle?
While similar in many ways, an AR-15 is obviously not a M4. However that doesn’t mean the same principles don’t apply. Today’s Recce Rifle has evolved a bit from those early days, but the concept remains the same – a Recce Rifle is essentially a “sniperized” multi-purpose carbine, and as such, Recce Rifles must adhere to two very general but traditionally opposing characteristics:
- Capable of enhanced accuracy at longer ranges compared to “standard issue” combat arms.
- Compact enough to use effectively in CQB situations.
- Be chambered in the same caliber as other squad members.
- Do these things without reconfiguration or component swap.
While there are no “laws” when it comes to what components a Recce Rifle must include, there are several features or specific components we feel a Recce Rifle needs to have in order to succeed at both roles.
- Match-grade barrel (usually 16″ for 5.56 NATO purposes)
- Precision two-stage trigger
- Adjustable stock
- Free-floating handguard
- Variable power optic
That’s not a big list, and if you’re thinking that many AR-15s in the world today include many of those features, you’ll get no argument. But in a world where it was either standard-issue M4/M-16 rifles or big bore sniper rifles, the RECCE carbine was a ground-breaking concept, and it still makes a lot of sense for the civilian AR-15 market. Having a firearm capable of both home defense and precision accuracy is certainly something many owners might appreciate for multiple applications.
RECCE Rifle Drawbacks
The RECCE rifle concept may seem like a perfect blend of maneuverability and precision, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a few minor drawbacks that would-be buyers should keep in mind.
One of the first comments that many make when they first pick up a RECCE rifle is that they’re heavy for their size. AR’s are all about trade-offs, and a RECCE rifle is no different. The RECCE concept is all about giving up some of a carbine’s maneuverability to gain a degree of precision.
Accuracy and precision comes from rigidity, and barrels used on RECCE rifles are often of a thicker profile than the lightweight or government profile barrels found on most general purpose carbines.
The main thing to keep in mind is that the RECCE truly is a jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none firearm meant to tackle a variety of tactical scenarios that an operator may face in the field. It’s a great choice if you plan to only own one AR-15, but will never beat a specialized platform purpose built for a specific tactical situation.
If all you really need is a 50 yard plinker, a RECCE might be overkill. If you live on a acreage and want a multipurpose rifle that can serve as a defensive firearm while occasionally reaching out to longer distances to keep the local varmint population in check, a RECCE rifle might be just the ticket.
RECCE Rifles for the Civilian Owner
We mentioned a major advantage to the Recce concept was the ability to share compatible ammo. Clearly that’s important for those in the field, but for civilian purposes it’s not something we would consider critical. Of course having an AR-15 that shoots readily purchasable ammunition offers many advantages, but there certainly caliber options available that may offer superior performance over the 5.56 NATO cartridge, at barrel lengths shorter than 16 inches.
Like we said earlier, there are no laws here. The 16″ barrel may be both historically true as well as the most convenient for civilian ownership, but a high-quality 14.5″ barrel may work great for the distances most civilians will ever NEED to shoot in a real-world situation, and make the rifle even more effective in a CQB role.
As civilians, we also have the luxury of exploring alternative calibers, which may provide superior performance. There will always be trade-offs, but the great thing about JTAC is that if you want your RECCE rifle a little different than how we’ve built it out, you can use the Defender Series Rifle Builder to configure yours exactly how you’d like.
JTAC’s True AR-15 RECCE Rifles
While many AR-15s on the market might share some commonalities to today’s Recce Rifles, JTAC currently offers specific models that leave no grey area as far as their adherence to the RECCE concept and parts profile. In this article we’re going to do a deep dive into a model from our Defender Series called the Longshot Recce Rifle.
For a little background, the Defender Series is our most popular line, blending performance, reliability and affordability. These models are purpose-built for the defensive-minded shooter looking for an above average firearm without breaking the bank.
Like the other models in this series, the Longshot starts with a base set of parts that feature some well-known and highly-regarded industry heavy hitters like Bravo Company Manufacturing, Aero Precision, Midwest Industries and Magpul, as well as some high quality OEM components. But before we get into the cool upgrades that really set the Longshot apart as a Recce Rifle, let’s just check a few quick boxes that all Defender Series models share as far as Recce-specific components are concerned.
Free-floating Handguard? Check. The default handguard for our Defender Series models is a Bravo Company Manufacturing free-floating MLOK rail. If one prefers a more classic, tactical look, they can switch to a similar-length Midwest Industries T-Series free-floating quad rail for the same price. We also offer a Geissele MK14 MLOK model for a slight upcharge.
We’ve also got the adjustable carbine stock covered with a Magpul CTR stock. Again, this is the standard component for Defender Series rifles, so no need for us to change anything here.
The CTR is a great minimalist stock that helps the Longshot adhere to the principle of lightweight maneuverability. It features QD sockets for easy sling mounting and a tension lever that locks the stock into position, eliminating the looseness or wobble some stocks suffer from.
Just like the handguard, there are options here. One can opt for a B5 Systems Bravo or BCM GUNFIGHTER Mod 0 Stock at no extra charge. The choice is yours and it all comes down to personal preference.
Variable Power Optics
While an optic is not included with the Longshot, it is a vital component for a Recce Rifle. Obviously that choice is highly dependent on personal preference, needs and budget. The SEALs originally mounted 2.5 – 10 magnification scopes on their Recce Rifles, though these days some of the most popular choices for civilian shooters are the versatile Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6 and 1-8 power scopes, which nicely balance of quality and affordability.
Bring on the Upgrades
Now let’s talk about how we deviate from the standard Defender Series configuration in order to elevate the Longshot to true Recce status.
Match-Grade 16″ Barrel
We love Ballistic Advantage for their affordable, high quality barrels. While their 4150 CrMV Performance Series barrel normally found on our Defender Series models is very capable, we’ve upgraded the Longshot with a 16″ 416 Stainless Steel Premium Series barrel. A 16″ barrel strikes a reasonable balance between keeping the overall length to a minimum without excessively sacrificing ballistic performance.
While the term “match grade” is thrown around haphazardly these days, this is a true sub-MOA barrel capable of outshooting almost any standard Mil-Spec barrel. Chambered in .223 Wylde (compatible with 5.56 NATO) for added performance, it features a 1:8 twist rate capable of stabilizing heavier, ballistically superior bullets. The beautiful bead blasted grey finish offers a unique look and lets people know the Longshot is not some cheap, off-the-shelf plinker.
This Premium Series barrel also features a nickel boron-coated extension with M4 feed ramps for more reliable feeding. All-in-all this is a great barrel that’s more than up to the task.
Precision Two Stage Trigger
As anyone who’s had the opportunity to shoot multiple ARs will tell you, not all triggers are created equal. Not even close. A basic, single-stage mil-spec trigger will certainly get you by, but their heavy, sometimes gritty pull and break are less than ideal when precise accuracy is called for. As such, we’ve selected the highly regarded MBT-2S trigger from LaRue Tactical for the Longshot.
LaRue Tactical is known for manufacturing some of the best gear in the industry, and their triggers are no exception. Get ready for glass-smooth, hyper-consistent trigger that’s also battlefield tough. The MBT-2S breaks crisply at 4.5 lbs (2.5 lb first stage, 2 lb second stage) and has a smooth and positive reset. Ideal for when precise trigger control is required, yet still very capable if rapid fire is called for. The straight bow offers greater surface area against the finger-pad, resulting in faster and more intuitive shots.
Overall, the MBT-2S is a high-quality trigger that’s also affordable, making it an ideal choice for the Longshot.
There’s More
By upgrading the barrel and trigger, we’ve technically checked all the boxes needed in order to confidently say the Longshot fits the Recce Rifle profile. Yet we knew there was more we could add to this package to make it an even better shooter while still keeping the price reasonable.
Buffer System
Minimizing recoil impulse will obviously aid in getting sights back on target, and the greater the shooting distance the more it helps. Instead of a traditional carbine buffer system found on most AR-15s, we’ve included Bravo Company’s A5 Intermediate Buffer Assembly.
While it looks very much like a standard carbine system, and still allows the use of adjustable carbine stocks, it actually uses a slightly longer tube (3/4″ longer), allowing for the use of a rifle-length spring. Bigger shooters will also appreciate the added length of pull. The intermediate system uses an A5 buffer – slightly longer and heavier than a mil-spec carbine buffer.
All added up, this hybrid system aids in lowering bolt carrier velocity, reduces cyclic rate, and softens felt recoil, increasing overall reliability and performance. In layman’s terms, it helps tame the violent actions and reactions that take place each time a round is fired. Your gun will shoot smoother and not beat itself to death over time.
Backup Sights
Like all rifles and pistols we offer, backup sights are included as a worst-case contingency in the event of a damaged or nonfunctional primary optic. However, as most shooters know, scopes and iron sights just don’t work well together. The scope will impede the deployment of the rear sight, and on the other end you likely can’t see the front sight while looking through a magnified optic.
In other words, if you need to go to backup sights, in the event of a damaged or nonfunctional primary optic, or a sudden close-in target, that scope is suddenly a liability. And in the heat of an encounter, taking the time to remove it may not be ideal.
We overcome this conundrum by adding a set of Magpul MBUS Pro offset folding combat sights. These types of sights are mounted to the top picatinny rail and sit at a 45 degree angle. They can be deployed full time without interfering with normal shooting, and allow a shooter to instantly transition from long range to short range engagements by simply canting the rifle, keeping true to the dual-role of the RECCE concept.
The Magpul MBUS Pro Offset Sights are built from durable Melonited steel construction, and feature tool-less windage adjustment for easy zeroing, dual rear apertures, and a low profile footprint.
