Inside the SOLGW 11.5” MK1 CAR: Build Quality and Performance

In this video, I dive into the Sons of Liberty Gun Works MK1 11.5” upper, featuring a chrome-lined barrel, P3 rifling, and SOLGW’s MK1 receiver. This upper was loaned to me by Roy at Weapon Outfitters, and in this video I walk through a full inspection, gauging, borescope, and multiple 30-shot groups using several types of ammunition. What’s Covered in This Video • Full inspection and gauging (headspace, gas port, receiver fit, etc.) • Borescope footage of the chamber, throat, rifling, and gas port • 30-shot group testing with multiple ammo types • Velocity, SD, and group analysis • A-ZED scoring and leaderboard comparisons • A bonus test evaluating repeated chambering and bullet setback Upper Configuration • Barrel: 11.5" Chrome-Lined (41V50), 1:7 twist • Gas System: Carbine length • Rifling: SOLGW P3 • Upper Receiver: MK1 with anti-rotation features • Handguard: 10.75" MK1 DriveLock • Bolt Carrier Group: NP3-coated (bolt, carrier, cam pin) • Charging Handle: SOLGW Liberty • Finish: Anodized Gray Ammo Tested • Federal Gold Medal 77gr SMK • PMC X-Tac 62gr M855 • Hornady 73gr ELD-Match • Bonus Test: Re-chambered 73gr ELDs Each group consists of 30 rounds, fired consecutively, with full velocity and stability tracking. Test Setup • Distance: 100 yards • Chronograph: Garmin Xero C1 Pro • Stability Tracking: Mantis X10 + SG Pulse • Optic: 7-35×56 (DNT Optics) • Trigger: AR Gold • Support: Front bag + rear bag • Cooling: Chamber chiller + forced air Notes & Clarifications • The bolt catch was removed due to interference with the MK1’s fencing and my lower receiver. This is why the bolt did not lock back during some strings. • Some measurements (like group center for a few shots) required estimation due to overlapping impacts. Highlights • Soft recoil for an 11.5" carbine-gas system • Excellent consistency with both match and duty ammo • Strong showing in A-ZED scoring relative to longer barrels • One of the better-shooting chrome-lined SBR barrels I’ve tested Huge thanks to Roy at Weapon Outfitters for loaning this upper for testing. If you found this useful, please consider liking the video, subscribing, or sharing it. It genuinely helps the channel grow. Thanks for watching 0:00 Intro 0:24 Specs 2:03 Inspection 5:22 Borescope 6:51 Shooting Setup 8:06 Compatibility 8:33 Federal Gold Medal 77gr 12:58 PMC 62gr M855 15:02 Hornady 73gr ELD 16:56 BONUS Group 20:11 Closing