I hadn't heard that about the nitride process, but I'm kind of ashamed, as I claim to be a steel snob as knives go. Makes sense, subjecting a heat treated part to the nitride process, as I imagine the hot salt bath is above the temper heat used to harden the bolt and carrier, although I've probably got 8k through that particular bolt as it's a new rifle whore part. I really can't bring myself to drop the $350 Bill wants for his sooper-dooper nano weapon BCG, although all it takes is a wild impulsive hair, and poof: Sooper Dooper!

I briefly considered the 11.5" and decided that I wanted to stick somewhat close to the Mk-18 template and do a better job than with the 300 BLK I put together years ago. It's nice, but the billet lower doesn't really fit, but look what people did with the original RECCE specs.

On the SOPMOD, they offer it in Coyote as well as FDE. I wanted to darken it up a little and that was perfect. I wish BCM would follow suit with their grips so I could complete the look, but it is, what it is. I bought it at DSG, but as far as I know, these have been available for a while now.