Themes and trends in firearm customization come and go. Right now, some of the most visible are cel-shading and what I like to call the Iron Monkey effect. For those unfamiliar, Iron Monkey is known for high-quality gold plating across a wide range of firearm platforms. Another theme that has remained popular for years and never really fades is the use of topographic map patterns. One of the designers who helped establish that look—and continues to execute it at a very high level—is Ely Yerian Designs.
Having worked with Yerian on previous projects, choosing him to handle the Cerakote work on this rifle was an easy decision. The build already incorporated numerous green anodized components, and I didn’t want the topo pattern to overpower the rest of the rifle. With that in mind,
Yerian selected a complementary green base color paired with a pale yellow for the map lines. From a distance, the finish is subtle, but up close the detail and execution really stand out.
The foundation of the build centers on a Violent Art Firearms billet “DaVinci” receiver set. With these sets no longer available, selecting the right supporting components was especially important. Designing a build around parts that aren’t used on every project can be a challenge, and that’s certainly true with the Lancer LCS buttstock.
I’ve always appreciated the use of exotic materials on firearms, and the carbon fiber outer tube was a natural fit here. The stock is non-adjustable and uses an A2 fixed-length buffer tube. It’s lightweight, solid, and not overly long, making it comfortable for most shooters.
Moving forward on the lower receiver, a Timney Triggers 668S-ST flat-face trigger was selected. This non-adjustable trigger has a 4.0-pound pull weight with a very consistent feel. Several green anodized components from Battle Arms Development were also incorporated, including the BAD-EPS enhanced takedown pins, BAD-EMT billet magazine release button, and the BAD-ASS Lite ambidextrous safety selector.
To continue the green and carbon fiber theme, a Fortis MFG Torque pistol grip with OD green carbon fiber was used. This billet grip features a reduced angle that provides a comfortable grip and improved trigger reach.
Up top, the DaVinci billet upper receiver is paired with an Odin Works .223 Wylde 16-inch barrel. Made from 416R stainless steel for improved accuracy and durability, the barrel uses a mid-length gas system. Odin Works barrels include a .750-inch tunable gas block, allowing the system to be fine-tuned for different ammunition or suppressed use—and this rifle is indeed suppressed.
A Dead Air Silencers KeyMicro muzzle brake was installed first, followed by a Dead Air Sierra5 suppressor using the KeyMo QD system. The Sierra5 features a stainless-steel outer shell with Stellite baffles, making it well suited for hard use. The suppressor adds approximately 6.25 inches to the rifle’s overall length and just under a pound of additional weight.
Surrounding the barrel is a Fortis MFG REV II handguard. Fortis handguards are well engineered, offering a solid lockup to the upper receiver while remaining comfortable and visually appealing. Since there were no plans to add numerous accessories up front, a slightly shorter 13.8-inch handguard was chosen.
It features M-LOK slots throughout, allowing for future additions such as lights or lasers if needed. To help with control and maneuverability, a BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 vertical grip was added. It’s an affordable, lightweight, and comfortable option that’s widely used by professionals.
Bolt carrier groups are often a major point of discussion in any build. Iron City Rifleworks uses high-quality coatings that provide exceptional lubricity, making their carriers feel almost perpetually oiled. The polished appearance isn’t just for looks—it’s a functional benefit. This rifle uses their S2 Raven DLC-coated carrier.
To keep debris out of the upper receiver, a Fortis MFG billet ejection port door with green carbon fiber was installed to match the rest of the small components. Charging duties are handled by a Battle Arms Development RACK ambidextrous charging handle, also finished in green.
For optics, the rifle is topped with a US Optics TS-8X 1–8×24 first focal plane scope. This optic sits in the company’s mid-range lineup and offers good glass quality along with solid, tactile turret adjustments, all at a price point well under $1,000. The scope is secured using a ZRO Delta 30mm cantilever scope mount.
Overall, this rifle comes together as a smooth-shooting, low-recoil plinker that still maintains a cohesive and functional design. In an environment filled with lush greenery, it doesn’t hurt that it blends in visually as well.