A Quick Introduction to the RECCE Rifle Concept
To those not familiar with the RECCE concept and its purpose, we encourage you to first read our earlier article: What is a RECCE Rifle? where we go into greater detail. To summarize, the RECCE concept was developed by the Navy SEALs serving in Somalia in the early 1990s to bridge the tactical gap between the standard M-4/M-16 fighting carbines and the heavier, single-role capabilities of the bonafide sniper rifles of the time, such as the M24.
Essentially an accurized M-4 carbine, the RECCE’s small footprint ensured that an operator could remain effective in short range CQB settings, while specialized upgrades and accessories increased its long range capabilities far beyond that of a standard issue battle rifle.
The RECCE rifle’s versatility allowed a soldier to kick doors one minute, then take up an overwatch position the next. Filling both roles with the same weapon, without reconfiguration and while sharing the same ammunition and magazines as other squad members offered obvious tactical advantages to smaller SPECWAR teams wanting to move light and fast.
RECCE Rifle Configuration for Civilian World
When it comes to a civilian adaptation of the RECCE concept, there are no laws. However if we want to stay true to the “ideal” vision of the concept, a RECCE rifle configuration needs to include certain components or characteristics to best accomplish its intended dual-role purpose:
- Match-grade barrel (16″ for 5.56 NATO purposes)
- Precision two-stage trigger
- Adjustable stock
- Free-floating handguard
- Variable power optic
As such, RECCE rifle might appear to be just another AR-15 on the surface. This isn’t by accident – over time the Recce concept has had a large influence over the civilian AR-15 market. But versatility is the key here, and just because many off-the-shelf ARs may look like RECCE rifles, there’s more to a RECCE rifle than meets the eye.
The Harbinger – A Top-Tier AR-15 RECCE Rifle
While many AR-15s on the market might share some commonalities to today’s Recce Rifles, JTAC currently offers several preconfigured (customizable) 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 Battle Series we’ve designated the Harbinger Recce Rifle.
SOPMOD/SOCOM-inspired Battle Series rifles and pistols aren’t just built to look the part, they makes no compromises when it comes to durability, reliability and shootability. Solid and sturdy, Battle Series AR-15s are purpose built withstand the rigors of intense training and regular field use, because confidence in your gear is the last thing that should ever fail.
Battle series models are equipped with many of the same high-quality, bombproof components used by US Special Forces and various other agencies in the field right now. Like the other models in this series, the Harbinger starts with a base set of parts that feature some elite industry titans like Geissele, VLTOR, Daniel Defense, Surefire and more.
But before we get into the cool upgrades that really set the Harbinger apart as a Recce Rifle, let’s just check a few quick boxes that all Duty Series models share as far as Recce-specific components are concerned.
Geissele MK4 Free-Floating Handguard
Free-floating Handguard? Check. Geissele needs no introduction, and there’s no need to mess with a good thing. The default handguard for our Duty Series models already top-of-the-line. This handguard is low-profile and lightweight, yet super rigid and sturdy, with the hybrid Picatinny/MLOK mounting system offering ultimate accessory compatibility. Everything you could want for the RECCE role.
BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 SOPMOD Adjustable Carbine Stock
Another manufacturer that needs no introduction. We’ve also got the adjustable carbine stock covered with a Bravo Company Manufacturing BCM Gunfighter SOPMOD Stock. Again, this is standard issue for Battle Series rifles, so no need for us to change anything here. This stock offers nice balance between size and surface for better cheek weld and features multiple sling mounting options and QD sockets.
Finally, a modular VBOST (Vehicle Borne Operations Sling Tab) tab that interfaces with the shooter’s riggers’ band or bungee to secure the shooter’s sling against the stock when the carbine is not in use. Increasingly, this is the most common application when operating inside a vehicle.
Variable Power Optics
While an optic is not included with the Harbinger, 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 there are many options on the civilian market. Be realistic and let your needs determine your choice.
Bring on the Upgrades
Now let’s talk about how we deviate from the standard Battle Series configuration in order to elevate the Harbinger to true Recce status.
Match-Grade 16″ Barrel
The Criterion Barrels Hybrid profile .223 Wylde Match Grade Barrel is a perfect fit for a RECCE rifle. Made from 416R stainless steel—known for being the best steel for accuracy, this AR-15 barrel is designed for precision. It features a 1:8 twist rate for stabilizing a wide range of 5.56 NATO bullet weights.
Criterion’s Hybrid Profile contour finds the middle ground between heavy and Government profiles, offering a perfect balance between weight and rigidity for excellent heat absorption and consistent harmonics. Honed and hand-lapped rifling for bore uniformity and a pristine internal finish, ensuring elite accuracy and longevity.
Providing superior accuracy with the added longevity of chrome-lining, these premium barrels are used by the US Army Marksmanship Unit Action Shooting Team and the US Marine Corps Combat Shooting Team. This should tell you two things, 1) they’re accurate as hell, and 2) they won’t wear out too quickly.
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 Geissele’s Super Tricon Trigger for the Harbinger.
When it comes to triggers, Geissele is widely recognized as second to none. The Super Tricon was designed in cooperation with Jeff Gonzales former Navy SEAL of Trident Concepts specifically for combat, hunting, and Law Enforcement use. Get ready for glass-smooth, hyper-consistent trigger that will satisfy even the most scrupulous competition shooter, but is also battlefield tough.
The Super Tricon is a two stage trigger that breaks crisply at 4.5 lbs (approx. 3 lb first stage, 1.5 lb second stage) and has an incredibly smooth and positive reset. It’s hybrid bow design makes it ideal for when precise trigger control is required, yet still very capable if rapid fire is called for.
There’s More
By upgrading the barrel and trigger, we’ve technically checked all the boxes needed in order to confidently say the Harbinger 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. As we touched on, a Recce Rifle is meant to be used with a variable or static magnification scope in order to fulfil its long range capability requirement. 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, or even possible.
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, but 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.
