By the time I picked up my Armalite M-15 3-gun rifle from my local range, it was already covered in fingerprints. The guys at my range knew it was coming, and its arrival was highly anticipated – not just by me, but by them as well! So, they got a head start on inspecting all of the really cool features, but they were kind enough to save me the first shots. And wow, what shots they were . . .
While we were waiting on the paperwork, I spent some time checking out the Luth-AR MBA-1 stock, the super thin rail chock full o’ KeyMod attachments, ambidextrous safety and Raptor charging handle. The adjustable gas block and tunable muzzle brake sat atop the 13.5” barrel – by the way, that brake is pinned and welded making for 16” total barrel length and NOOOOOO extra paperwork! I was struck by the weight, or lack thereof; this rifle is incredibly light, weighing in at only 6.9 pounds.
I may have done a happy dance and hugged it right there in the showroom.
After what seemed like an eternity waiting till my turn to get a lane, I loaded up a couple mags with my Winchester Win3Gun ammo, squirted a little oil on the bolt carrier, and pointed the barrel downrange. I pulled the crisp 3-pound Timney trigger, and BOOM a sparkly fireball of gases and AWESOME shot out the comp…and “Sparkles” instantly became her name.
I actually laughed out loud and a huge grin burst across my face as I rapidly burned through the rest of the mag. What struck me the most about shooting it was that the gun simply did…not…move as I was shooting it. Like at all.
Strangers from the booths next to me wanted to know what I was shooting, and seemed pretty jealous of my new baby. Over the next half hour, several of the range staff showed up with magazines that they had magically found full of ammunition and wanted to give it a try. Everyone who shot the gun agreed: this is an incredible little rifle straight out of the box. While I can’t imagine it shooting any flatter, I look forward to adjusting the gas system and tuning that comp to see just how beautiful Sparkles can really be.
For anyone looking to buy a 3-gun rifle for this season, look no further than SHOT Show booth 11771. Armalite has built a true masterpiece here (and an 18” version, too), and it’s every shooter’s dream – no gunsmithing or aftermarket modifications required. Simply take it from the box, point it downrange, and you are game-ready.
There’s just one problem: now I have to decide what scope to put on it!