First things first... I have a lot of experience and ownership with HK roller-delayed weapons, beltfeds and their various clones. I have ZERO experience or knowledge concerning the G36 clones, until very recently. That's something that all the kind folks on this board, that I recently reached out to for information and advice, can attest to. Thanks again to those of you who were kind enough to answer all my stupid "newbie questions", when I recently took interest in the S5 Tactical receivers and builds being talked about in the last few months. There are some really great people on this forum!
So... I happened to notice that S5 Tactical was also selling complete 36K type pistols, but took note that they were being built with some or all HKP/GSG9/TBailey parts kits. Yeah, I know, I know... all the lore and disdain that has permiated many a thread on this site, concerning a multitude of TBailey related issues. However, I decided to ignore that "little voice" and pressed on anyway with my wanting and "G36 ignorance" in full tow. I have no idea why I thought now was the time to give a G36 clone a go. I mean, I was aware of all the Tommy Built, MM, DT, etc clone guns and SL conversions over the years... but I guess I thought $1,900.00 for a complete pistol? Why not.
I proceeded to contact a few board members that had used the S5 Tactical receiver for various types of builds. They were also very helpful and seemed pleased with the receivers based on the info and build pictures they shared with me.
I contacted Bo Sawyer of S5 Tactical for some additional information and to discuss a possible order. He was timely in his replies and answered my questions with what I felt was upfront and "to the point" information. He even gave me a little history when I asked how he came to be making the S5 G36 clone receivers. Here is his reply...
"You asked about the history of this receiver, another molder used the same tooling to make these for Tommy. When he decided to move away from the G-36’s, the tools were moved to me, and I started to mold these for DefGunz as well as the UMPs. We made a few hundred for them. In February I started S5 Tactical and took them in as my own brand knowing I could offer a quality receiver. By having the entire operation in house, I knew I could control quality better and be much more efficient throughout the process. I’m an injection molder by trade, S5 is a second company I started so I could support the industry and the 2nd Amendment, and being in Arizona, I knew I could do that well. We are offering the complete kits mainly to get these in the marketplace where people like yourselves can get them, see them, let people know we’re here. You’re not going to find another G-36 under $2000. We’re not trying to make a ton of money, it’s really just a passion project more than anything else, but we are having a good time doing it. Our website should be live soon and then I can utilize social media more effectively with less reliance on Gunbroker."
With that, I placed my order and waited for the pistol to arrive at my FFL. I began acquiring HK mags, P-Mags, a spare handguard with rails/grip and a 249F 4 prong flash hider... because I'm one of those weird people that "love that ping"! My plan was to not even bother shooting it until after e-file SBR Form 1 approval. The transaction itself was flawless and shipping was fast. It arrived well packaged with a serialized tag and a bag containing the spent casings from their test firing. I had the engraving done and once the approved Form 1 dropped into my email, I installed a stock and set out to our range.
Well, I gotta say, to my surprise... zero issues right out of the gate! I shot 2 30 round mags, 1 HK and 1 Magpul. Loaded each with alternating rounds of GGG SS109 (62gr) and PMC X-Tac 55gr. No malfunctions and the BHO functioned at the end of both mags! I was both shocked and pleased. Next outing will focus on a single ammo selection and dialing up a final sight in.
So there's my story. Its noteworthy, because things like this don't usually work out well for me. I acquired a reasonably priced G36K clone that, so far, seems to function properly and looks great. The receiver feels right and matches the rest of the parts well. Any color differences that might be perceived from my pictures is just the way the light hit the various components. The German stock and spare handguard fit perfect, as did the pushpin holes and stock roll pin holes. Its all nice and tight with pushpins that installed by hand pressure. Have to say... this much plastic on a rifle seems weird to me, but at the same time it's pretty cool.
So who knows... maybe I'm just an idiot that got lucky or maybe S5 Tactical is on to something. Guess, I'm not really qualified to say either way, but I will say, I'm pretty happy with the function and quality of this build so far.
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So... I happened to notice that S5 Tactical was also selling complete 36K type pistols, but took note that they were being built with some or all HKP/GSG9/TBailey parts kits. Yeah, I know, I know... all the lore and disdain that has permiated many a thread on this site, concerning a multitude of TBailey related issues. However, I decided to ignore that "little voice" and pressed on anyway with my wanting and "G36 ignorance" in full tow. I have no idea why I thought now was the time to give a G36 clone a go. I mean, I was aware of all the Tommy Built, MM, DT, etc clone guns and SL conversions over the years... but I guess I thought $1,900.00 for a complete pistol? Why not.
I proceeded to contact a few board members that had used the S5 Tactical receiver for various types of builds. They were also very helpful and seemed pleased with the receivers based on the info and build pictures they shared with me.
I contacted Bo Sawyer of S5 Tactical for some additional information and to discuss a possible order. He was timely in his replies and answered my questions with what I felt was upfront and "to the point" information. He even gave me a little history when I asked how he came to be making the S5 G36 clone receivers. Here is his reply...
"You asked about the history of this receiver, another molder used the same tooling to make these for Tommy. When he decided to move away from the G-36’s, the tools were moved to me, and I started to mold these for DefGunz as well as the UMPs. We made a few hundred for them. In February I started S5 Tactical and took them in as my own brand knowing I could offer a quality receiver. By having the entire operation in house, I knew I could control quality better and be much more efficient throughout the process. I’m an injection molder by trade, S5 is a second company I started so I could support the industry and the 2nd Amendment, and being in Arizona, I knew I could do that well. We are offering the complete kits mainly to get these in the marketplace where people like yourselves can get them, see them, let people know we’re here. You’re not going to find another G-36 under $2000. We’re not trying to make a ton of money, it’s really just a passion project more than anything else, but we are having a good time doing it. Our website should be live soon and then I can utilize social media more effectively with less reliance on Gunbroker."
With that, I placed my order and waited for the pistol to arrive at my FFL. I began acquiring HK mags, P-Mags, a spare handguard with rails/grip and a 249F 4 prong flash hider... because I'm one of those weird people that "love that ping"! My plan was to not even bother shooting it until after e-file SBR Form 1 approval. The transaction itself was flawless and shipping was fast. It arrived well packaged with a serialized tag and a bag containing the spent casings from their test firing. I had the engraving done and once the approved Form 1 dropped into my email, I installed a stock and set out to our range.
Well, I gotta say, to my surprise... zero issues right out of the gate! I shot 2 30 round mags, 1 HK and 1 Magpul. Loaded each with alternating rounds of GGG SS109 (62gr) and PMC X-Tac 55gr. No malfunctions and the BHO functioned at the end of both mags! I was both shocked and pleased. Next outing will focus on a single ammo selection and dialing up a final sight in.
So there's my story. Its noteworthy, because things like this don't usually work out well for me. I acquired a reasonably priced G36K clone that, so far, seems to function properly and looks great. The receiver feels right and matches the rest of the parts well. Any color differences that might be perceived from my pictures is just the way the light hit the various components. The German stock and spare handguard fit perfect, as did the pushpin holes and stock roll pin holes. Its all nice and tight with pushpins that installed by hand pressure. Have to say... this much plastic on a rifle seems weird to me, but at the same time it's pretty cool.
So who knows... maybe I'm just an idiot that got lucky or maybe S5 Tactical is on to something. Guess, I'm not really qualified to say either way, but I will say, I'm pretty happy with the function and quality of this build so far.
