A friend recently called and said he had a rifle he wanted to sell on consignment (I'm a dealer). He had got the rifle in on a trade and didn't need it.

He told me it was a Spikes Tactical Special Forces special edition. I said cool, bring it over. Upon arrival, I have my doubts about what it really is.

The lower is no-doubt a spikes complete unit , with spider marked grip and a laser engraved flag on the right side of the lower.

The upper receiver appears to be a spikes , with "Special Forces 5.56" but doesn't have a spider last engraved on top. The BCG isnt marked at all. Doesn't the spikes have a spider engraved? and to top it off, The barrel is not chromed-lined with a 1/9 twist. To my knowledge, all Spikes barrels are mil-spec with a '7 twist.

My question is, Did Spikes ever make a Special Forces edition rifle? I seem to think someone bought the lower with a stripped upper and built their own gun, which doesn't bother me, but my client thinks he has a special edition and wants a premium price.

That is not a rifle ST has ever made, sorry. If you can send a photo I may be able to identify the origin of the upper. Happen to mark down the serial number (just the prefix needed)?

As I figured, No apologies needed. Now I get to break the bad news to my friend.

Serial is CCR174*