Tano CAG 416 Clone
It’s not often clone projects really floor me. I have always wanted to build a clone like the one featured here, but didn’t know where to start. A long-time friend of UN12, Richard from Phoenix, a dedicated HK enthusiast, decided to take on the challenge without risking any of his genuine HK416Ds. Instead, he relied heavily on aftermarket support and smart sourcing to build his own version.
The project began unexpectedly. “It all started with a 1 Minute Out Wilcox flip mount,” Richard recalls. He received the mount as a gift from a friend and was immediately drawn to its potential. Always fascinated by the look and setup of the Army’s Combat Action Group (CAG) HK416s, he saw the mount as the perfect starting point. Rather than modifying his valuable originals, Richard set out to source all-new parts that would allow him to stay as close to “clone correct” as possible while saving some money along the way.
Richard’s journey began at Brownell’s, where he purchased a BRN416 upper receiver during a sale. This became the foundation for the build. Along with the upper, he also picked up a Geissele HK 416 Super Modular Rail handguard and a Geissele SSA trigger—all acquired during their yearly blemish sale. Although the handguard isn’t an exact clone of the original, it represents a modern variant that still fits the overall aesthetic while providing significant savings.
For the lower receiver, Richard turned to Specialized Tactical Systems (STS), choosing their STS416 A1 lower. STS has earned a strong reputation for offering clone-correct options for HK-pattern lowers, and this unit is no exception. A clever feature of the STS lower is that the manufacturer’s markings are placed under the trigger pocket, leaving plenty of room for any replica markings you might want to add.
Once received, the lower was sent off to Wes at Black Ops Defense for DuraCoat, a step that was crucial for achieving the desired two-tone presentation. “I specifically wanted a two-tone look to the gun, where the upper wasn’t a perfect match,” Richard explains. “When I looked at all the reference photos, I noticed the tan anodizing varied greatly between uppers and lowers.”
The small parts turned out to be some of the most challenging to source. Richard relied on Blue Ridge Supplies to acquire many of these hard-to-find items. Whenever possible, he chose factory HK parts to preserve the authentic appearance. He used a genuine HK bolt catch, takedown pins, buffer detent, and buffer to maintain the original feel. Additionally, he opted for a factory HK grip and tan charging handle. However, when it came to the buffer tube, a real HK “tanodized” version proved too elusive, so he settled for a Geissele tan buffer tube.
There were a few more compromises along the way. “The trigger guard and safety were two parts I just couldn’t justify the price for,” Richard confides. Although he did find authentic parts on GunBroker.com, the prices were exorbitant.
Instead, he sourced a tan flat trigger guard from Forward Controls Design and used an ambidextrous safety in place of the preferred single-sided 416 safety. For many clone builders, acquiring certain parts—especially those that never made it to civilian hands or were produced in limited runs—is always a challenge.
To complete the build, Richard added a range of accessories that further enhance both performance and aesthetics. The Wilcox 1 Minute Out flip-to-side scope mount not only served as the starting point for the project, but now holds an EOTech XPS3-0 scope. Complementing the scope is a tan EOTech G33 magnifier, which provides additional versatility in target acquisition.
A SureFire ScoutLight Pro Infrared light has been incorporated for low-light operations, ensuring that the shooter can maintain situational awareness even in challenging environments.
The build also includes Knight’s Armament Folding Micro Sights on both the front and rear, which provide reliable sighting options. Additionally, a SureFire FH556-212A flash hider and a SureFire SOCOM556-MINI2 suppressor have been added, lending the gun a more tactical appearance and improved performance in the field.
Looking at Richard’s project, it strikes the perfect balance between authenticity and cost savings. Despite using many aftermarket parts and compromises where necessary, the overall build remains remarkably close to the real thing. However, all these enhancements and quality parts have driven the price north of $7,000. In the world of clone builds, that’s not an insignificant investment, but for those who appreciate precision and the look of an authentic HK 416, it’s a price worth paying.
As the new HK MR556 A4 is released, I’m sure Richard will continue to explore innovative options for future clone projects. This Tano CAG 416 Clone stands as a testament to resourcefulness and attention to detail.
It doesn’t just replicate the appearance and feel of the original HK 416s used by the Army’s Combat Action Group. It also demonstrates how aftermarket support can make these builds both affordable and unique. I, for one, can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
Build Sheet – Tano CAG HK 416 Clone
Specifications
Lower Receiver: Specialized Tactical Systems STS416 A1
Upper Receiver: Brownell’s BRN416
Handguard: Geissele HK 416 Super Modular Rail
Trigger: Geissele SSA
Scope Mount: Wilcox 1 Minute Out flip-to-side
Scope: EOTech XPS3-0
Magnifier: EOTech Tan G33
Light: SureFire ScoutLight Pro Infrared
Iron Sights: Knight’s Armament Folding Micro Sights, front & rear
Flash Hider: SureFire FH556-212ASuppressor: SureFire SO
