I have yet to see a Mk 18 Mod 0 airsoft version that comes as close to the real thing (not that I have seen a real one). But according to those in-the-know, and also based on my personal research, the Avalon Mk 18 Mod is the closest to the real deal NSWC Mk 18 Mod 0 assault carbine. What I have reviewed here is a loaner from MyAirsoftShop (MAS), Philippines, courtesy of Manuel “King” Rubia of MAS Triple Kill.

The Avalon Mk 18 Mod 0 comes packaged in a hard gun case accompanied by a nifty manual.

What’s included in the package are:

• Colt AR15 lower receiver with MK18 MOD0 Crane, Indiana markings

• A 4-postion LMT “Crane” stock

• LMT rear sight (Devgru)

• A slim pistol grip. Yes, it's smaller than the usual pistol grips we are more accustomed to.

• A Knights Armament Rail Interface System (RIS) with rail covers and vertical grip

• CQD sling mount

• A high-capacity magazine with Colt trademarks

• A Wilcox mount and a QD suppressor (typical of DX variants)

My take on it?

I used to own a Classic Army M15A4 CQB, which pretty much was my first replica of a Mk18 carbine. In previous issues of Popular Airsoft Magazine, we did a “shootfest” between ACM CQBRs, and all I can say is that the Avalon Mk 18 Mod 0 is easily the King-of-the-Hill in this category. The manufacturer did go the extra mile as far as trademarks and accuracy is concerned.

Honestly, I was not surprised anymore when the “hype” about this AEG centered on it having THE trademarks/markings of known weapons manufacturers, as this rolled out from VFC. VFC has been known to produce the “most accurate-looking” replicas in the airsoft world. However, when I had the privilege of being lent one, two things caught my attention—the weight and attention to detail. The Avalon Mk18 Mod 0 is considerably lighter than my CA CQBR, as well as being well balanced. You can shift the gun from either hand with so much ease. Transitioning from prone, to kneeling, to standing firing positions is a breeze. Another interesting thing I noted was the manufacturer’s attention to detail. Heck, even the KA RIS bears trademarks in its underside.

Also, unlike the “standard” Crane stocks flooding the market, the Avalon’s is slimmer, giving it a more slender and sleeker look. Despite its width, the Avalon’s Crane stock can accommodate a Hot Power Li-poly battery pack, which I got from Airsoft Global. A little nudge-and-trudge is needed to make the battery pack snuggle in the Crane’s battery compartments though. A 3-piece Li-poly battery pack (the “Chiklet”-type) would definitely slide in perfectly, as well as sub-C NiMH and NiCd batteries.

Gone are the days when having to adjust the hop on an M4 requires you to pull and hold on to the charging handle. Adjusting the HOP is easier—just pull the charging handle all the way back until the faux bolt locks in place. When you are done, just push the bolt release/catch for the bolt cover to slide close. Like in the real deal Mk18, the fire selector switch on the Avalon, moves on both sides when switching from safe to fire modes.

As much as I wanted the Avalon Mk 18 Mod 0 carbine to be THE perfect carbine for me, there are things the did not escape my meticulous eyes. For one, the QD suppressor’s markings are not engraved, giving it the likely chance to fade later on. The Wilcox mount is a tad higher for comfort, so to speak.

Mounting an Aimpoint replica red dot on it, the iron sight falls below the centerline of the optics—I was expecting the red dot to fall somewhere near the center of the iron sight. While I’m at it, an Aimpoint replica would’ve been a nice inclusion in the package, might as well go allout on the entire thing. Another thing is that the winding mechanism of the high-capacity magazine is recessed, having to wind it would be a little cumbersome, especially when wearing gloves. Lastly, I would love to have my very own Avalon Mk18 Mod 0 carbine, but my budget would not permit it… *sigh*

Despite the above shortcomings, I would really want to own one, and this one I would keep as part of my collection. A have some geardo friends that have a nasty habit of influencing my purchases lately. I will be building a SWCSS loadout and the Avalon Mk 18 Mod 0 will definitely be part of my kit