This is the original RECCE M4 barrel, purpose built specifically for Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG or DEVGRU). Our barrels started being used by DEVGRU in the mid 90s and are still being used today due to their performance. The Gen 2 RECCE upper consisted of a NF 2.5-10x MilDot Scope, a KAC FF RAS Long Handguard, and a Lilja 16.5″ 3-groove barrel, with the OPS INC/Allen Engineering M4-Recce suppressor. For more information on how to build a NSWDG RECCE rifle click here. 

There was confusion with the original barrel length since people believed that NSW was cutting down our 16.5” RECCE barrels to 15.1” to be used with the 12th Model/AEM5. This is due to AE suppressors mounting over the barrel concealing the barrel length, and the M4-Recce having a similar look to the AEM5, but having different over the barrel mounting lengths. However, this was incorrect since the RECCE rifles predate the Mk12 and the AEM5. Instead, NSWDG used AE M4-Recce suppressors to be mounted to the factory 16.5” (Lilja Considered it a 17″ finish length) Lilja RECCE barrel. For more information the RECCE barrels click here. 

RECCE Contour: 

The 16.5″ (Again, we consider this a 17″) barrel is correct for the RECCE rifle and meant to be used with the AE M4-Recce suppressor. This barrel comes dimpled for the M4 Recce collar and will have the older 90s markings that were on the original barrels. If you want to build a correct NSWDG RECCE rifle, this is the barrel to get. 

These will have the old style engraving “Lilja M4 .223 8T”