The Recce Rifles

Back in 2023, I wrote an article titled “The Gordon Carbines” where I addressed a common misconception: many believed that Delta operators, such as MSG Garry Gordon, used an AEM5 (12th Model) suppressor on a chopped-down 12.5″ carbine. This wasn’t true. In reality, they used a variant of the M4 suppressor, specifically built for Delta and Ranger forces’ 14.5″ carbines.

In the original article (linked here), I explained how this myth developed. The short version is that people were interpreting old photos and assumed the suppressor they saw was an AEM5 simply because it was the most recognizable Allen Engineering/OPS INC model. Since all AE/OPS suppressors share a similar aesthetic, this assumption spread and eventually became public consensus.

Now, I want to clear up another widespread misconception about a different, equally iconic platform: the Recce Rifles.

Before diving in, it’s important to set expectations. Some of what I know comes from internal Allen Engineering resources and trusted external sources. Because of contracts and professional relationships, I can’t publicly share certain pieces of hard evidence.

What I can do is rely on publicly available information and logical reasoning. And with that, I can say with complete certainty: the Recce Rifles did not use the 12th Model/AEM5 suppressor. Instead, they were equipped with a different OPS INC suppressor designed specifically for their rifles.

The Origin of the Recce Rifle Misconception

Just like the Gordon Carbine story, this misunderstanding started when people saw photos of DEVGRU operators using rifles with OPS INC suppressors. The suppressors looked similar to the 12th Model/AEM5, and since the Navy had purchased many AEM5s, it seemed logical to assume that DEVGRU was using them as well.

That single assumption caused a chain reaction of additional misunderstandings—who actually used these rifles, which suppressors were fitted to them, and how the barrels were supposedly modified.

Who Actually Used the Recce Rifles?

Many people refer to these rifles as “NSW Recce Rifles,” assuming that standard Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) operators carried them. That’s only partially true.

The rifles were primarily used by DEVGRU (Development Group), the Navy’s JSOC component responsible for developing specialized equipment and tactics. While DEVGRU falls under the Naval Special Warfare umbrella, it operates differently than standard SEAL teams.

We know these rifles belonged to DEVGRU because photos clearly show operators displaying their squadron flags and patches. This detail leaves little doubt about who was running these rifles.

Procurement Channels

Another assumption is that DEVGRU had leftover 12th Models/AEM5s lying around simply because the Navy had purchased many. The thinking was that if SEALs had them, DEVGRU must have had them too. This isn’t accurate. SEALs procure their weapons and equipment through SOCOM. DEVGRU has Tier 1 unit autonomy to do their own direct procurement. This means they have their own funding and procurement processes separate from the standard Navy. That freedom allows DEVGRU to get custom gear quickly, tailored to its specific needs.

Phil Seberger of Allen Engineering was known for building custom suppressors for Tier 1 units. For example, the M4 Delta was made because Delta operators wanted suppressors for their 14.5” Colt 723s. Besides suppressors for Tier 1 units, Phil would also make specialized models for different platforms such as suppressors for M240s, EDM Windrunners, and experimental 6.8 rifles. 

In addition the timeline doesn’t make sense. The recce rifles originated in the late 90s, while the Mk12 program didn’t start until 2002. So it would not be possible for the Navy to have 12th Models/AEM5s since they didn’t exist then. 

Recce Barrels

There were two main variants of these rifles: the M4 Recce and the HK416 Recce. (For full build details, click here)

I want to focus on the barrels specifically, because the misunderstanding about suppressors also created confusion about barrel lengths and modifications.

In the early 2000s, Lilja supplied a large number of M4 barrels to the Naval Surface Warfare Crane Division. Lilja measures their barrels from the barrel extension to the muzzle. Although they were labeled as 17″, when measured from the bolt face they came out closer to 16.5″.

Over time, a belief formed that NSWDG or gunsmiths at Crane cut these barrels down to 15.1″ to make them compatible with the 12th Model/AEM5 suppressor. This theory made sense if you assumed an AEM5 was used, because 15.1″ is the shortest barrel that could fit a KAC FF RAS Long rail and still mount a 12th Model/AEM5.

The community even tried to gaslight Lilja that a 15.1″ barrel existed, despite Lilja initially denying its existence. While DEVGRU often customizes barrels, no evidence—either from Lilja or former operators—supports the idea that these barrels were ever cut down. This entire theory stems from the false belief that the 12th Model/AEM5 was used.

A similar misunderstanding happened with the 416 barrels. Many of these factory barrels were 14.5″ long. To explain how a 12th Model/AEM5 might have been fitted, people speculated that DEVGRU cut them down to 13.2″.

Given this history, it makes far more sense that Phil built a suppressor specifically for DEVGRU’s factory-length M4 and HK416 barrels than to believe DEVGRU was constantly cutting barrels to fit a 12th Model/AEM5. In fact it isn’t possible to fit the 17″ Lilja barrels with MK12 hardware since the barrel is too thin to fit a SPR collar. 

The M4 Recce Suppressor

The suppressor used on Recce Rifles was a variant of the M4 suppressor, which we now refer to as the M4 Recce. This name helps distinguish it from the M4 Delta (used on Gordon Carbines) and the AEM4.

At 9 inches long, the M4 Recce shares a similar overall appearance to the 12th Model/AEM5, which explains the visual confusion. It mounts 3.920” over the barrel, making it mount 1.4” longer than the AEM5 and .5” shorter than the M4 Delta.

The suppressor was specifically designed to work with the 16.5″ Lilja barrels, bringing it close to the KAC FF RAS Long rail. It will also work on 14.5” HK416 barrels. It uses the thinner taper found on the M4 Delta, though its collar combines features from both the 7×7 and SPR collars.

While this information contradicts popular belief, I can say with absolute certainty that the Recce Rifles used the M4 Recce suppressor—not the AEM5.

What’s Next?

We’re moving forward with production of the M4 Recce suppressor. We now have two prolific M4 suppressors (in addition to the AEM4). To avoid future confusion, we’re updating our model names: the Gordon M4 will now be the M4 Delta (M4-D), and the DEVGRU M4 will be the M4 Recce (M4-R). Unfortunately we are not like Phil and cannot name every suppressor “M4” due to ATF regulations. We were already shut down once.  

We’ll also produce collars for both 16.5″ Lilja barrels and 14.5″ HK416 barrels. DEVGRU’s original rifles were entirely custom, meaning there was no consistent standard. The original collars didn’t seat against a step like MK12 SPR collars. Instead, Lilja barrels had a straight profile, and the collars were secured by a single set screw, individually timed for each suppressor.

For modern production, that level of customization isn’t practical. To create a more reliable, repeatable system, we’re introducing a Recce Barrel Profile. This updated profile will feature a proper step for the M4 Recce collar to seat against, removing the need for timing during installation.

The new collars will still function exactly like the originals and will work with Lilja and 416 barrels. However, for customers or manufacturers profiling new barrels, we recommend this improved profile. While the Recce profile is not perfectly “clone correct,” it’s a more user-friendly and robust system.

However if you are looking for the clone correct setup we are working on something special. In collaboration with Infinite Armory, we’re releasing a limited run of Recce suppressor kits.

This kit includes:

1. M4 Recce Suppressor

They will be coated in black oxide like the original suppressors. We will not be offering black oxide on any non-limited release suppressors. Please note that black oxide does not always coat consistently on larger items like suppressors, so there is an increased chance of blemishes. For more information on the history of coatings click here.

2. 17″ M4 Lilja Barrel

Lilja has offered to engrave these barrels with the original early 2000s markings. They will also be in the original 17″ length. Please note that Lilja measures from the extension to the muzzle. Measuring from the bolt face the barrel is closer to 16.5″.

3. M4 Recce Collar

This collar will timed to the suppressor and the barrel will be dimpled for the set screw like the original rifles. The collar will be raw like the originals.

This kit will allow you to update your current M4 Recce rifle to the correct barrel and suppressor. The Recce kits are a limited release. We will be doing a batch of 50 to start and then a second batch at a later time. The first release will be in October/November 2025, the second batch will be announced later. 

I’d like to give special thanks to Josh Bryant at Infinite Armory for helping us identify and address the longstanding misconceptions surrounding the Recce Rifles. We want to also thank Lilja for working with us to provide you the barrels. 

Homie plug here: Infinite Armory is the best place to buy and sell used tactical gear. Click here to sign up and use the code “allen” to get started.