[buy_now link=”http://bit.ly/2FwM4sw”]
Springfield Armory is embarking on a bit of a corporate re-branding. According to the gunmaker’s marketing mavens, their “Defend Your Legacy” slogan targets Americans between 25- and 45-years-old. Buyers who know their safety is their own responsibility. Who understand that the good guys have firearms because they’re the best tool for the job of self-defense. That all Americans have a historical right to keep and bear arms. Enter The SAINT.
No, not the Roger Moore series by the same name, famous for the actor’s arch dialogue, arched eyebrow, and Volvo P1800 coupe (which had fins, not arches). The SAINT is Springfield’s first AR-15. Following an expensive teaser ad campaign, the company finally unveiled their secret weapon at a media event in October. After putting some 700 rounds through two production examples, my first impressions were positive. But would alone time with the Springfield SAINT change my opinion?
On the range and on the move, SAINT AR-15 balances nicely. The medium profile — straight, no grenade launcher cut — barrel isn’t a lightweight, but the BCM handguard is. Combine that with the full-auto-weight bolt carrier group, heavy buffer, and solid stock and the rifle swings and handles more nimbly than its 6 lbs., 11 oz total weight might suggest.
The rifle feels less toy-like than many ARs, due in large part to some effort in reducing the typical rattle and slop and springy nature of the platform. As mentioned, the BCM stock is particularly solid — it doesn’t wiggle, it doesn’t flex and it doesn’t rattle like the standard M4 unit. The “Accu-Tite” receiver tensioning system eliminates play between upper and lower receivers, enhancing this solid feel further. BCM’s Mod 3 pistol grip offers a comfortable shape and a more vertical angle than the A2 unit, which most shooters will prefer.
From the desert outside of Las Vegas to the snowy mountains of North Idaho, my SAINT(s) has run without a single hitch. A thousand rounds or so through it now with no cleaning or added lubrication, and it’s still feeding, firing and ejecting smoothly and with authority. No signs of weird wear or of slowing down.
Overall, The SAINT’s accuracy, handling, solid feel, smooth action, and reliability instill confidence. It shoots and feels like a well-sorted, quality AR-15.
I’ve warmed-up to the trigger in this thing, too. My original opinion was solidly in the “meh” category, not quite sure if the extra effort of nickel boron plating and polishing the parts was worth it. Lipstick on a pig, if you will.
But especially now that it’s broken in, and having shot it back-to-back with a couple of “Mil-Spec” jobs, getting rid of most of the grit, improving the smoothness of the reset, crisping up the break, and dropping the pull weight down a few pounds paid off. I can shoot this gun faster and more confidently than I can a parts kit trigger counterpart (parts kit graph here, and note the 10-lb vertical scale). The ~6.25-lb weight and the creep still demand solid concentration on the fundamentals when shooting for accuracy, though.
When it comes down to it, only two parts on the SAINT leave me underwhelmed. The BCM PKMR M-LOK-compatible handguard is a lightweight plastic affair that doesn’t feel as hard as other polymer options and flexes a bit to willingly. But I repeatedly loaded up the bipod with even more forward pressure than usual and put significant weight on the sling, and was happy to see the KeyMod points shrug it off. Looks like the strip of steel molded into the KeyMod sections works as designed.
As you may remember from the initial “hands-on” article, at Springfield’s media event for the SAINT, Patrick from TFB and I both ran a lot of ammo through our rifles in only a few minutes — like 15 magazines worth — melting the front of our handguards.
https://youtu.be/ILHfY0QfrBM
Apparently dumping hundreds of rounds of ammo extremely rapidly will get an A2 gas block hot enough to melt this polymer. Heck, the guns were so hot that the gas tube was glowing cherry red and the finish was burned off the Mil-Spec A2 birdcage. The good news: a sane SAINT buyer will almost certainly never face this issue. It’s something I never would have done if Springfield hadn’t put a massive pile of loaded magazines in front of me and 14 other shooters and pointed us at 300+ targets in a race to shoot them first.
If for some reason the handguard isn’t your cup of tea, however, Springfield has gone with a delta ring spring that can be compressed by hand — no special tool needed. It makes swapping out the handguard an extremely simple, fast (30 seconds), tool-less affair. I still don’t think it’s worth even that minimal effort, though, as the BCM unit is fine. It’s just that “fine” sticks out on what is otherwise an “exceeds expectations” rifle.
As alluded to earlier, there’s one more part that might be a good fit on a different rifle but doesn’t befit the solid, quality nature of the SAINT: the rear sight. Taking an educated guess here, it appears to be an overseas-made Leapers/UTG unit. It’s passable, but the release button is gritty and sticky and the sight wobbles fore and aft when deployed.
With an A2 front sight base and a flat top upper, it clearly makes sense to include a rear sight so the rifle is usable right out of the box. Add a red-dot sight. I can’t fault Springfield for going with something on the affordable end of the spectrum, as mounting an optic is by far the preference of most shooters today and many don’t even bother zeroing their iron sights in the first place.
With a mid-length gas system, M16 carrier, and heavy buffer, I figured the smooth-shooting SAINT might behave better than your typical direct impingement carbine when suppressed. Cue the Dead Air Sandman-Ti with 5.56 front cap for a few mags of testing.
Removing the A2 birdcage revealed a small mountain of carbon gunk caked to the muzzle. Having decided I’d remove at least most of it before threading on the suppressor, just on principal, it scraped off easily enough.
Well, theory shot. The SAINT ran great, but was just as gassy and made what seemed like just as much ejection port noise as any other DI AR carbine.
It pepped up in the accuracy department with the can on the end, though. I shot a bunch of groups — numb fingers be damned — without the suppressor on, then plopped down for a single group with it in place to see what happened.
Okay, I should have shot a few more suppressed groups but now that we’ve committed to a move to Texas the cold is suddenly bothering me more. With the likely flyer included, the group above was 1.17 MOA and, just to satisfy my curiosity, taking that bad boy out nets a very tight, almost exactly half-MOA group. Which is tighter than expected from the SAINT, and it’s fair to say that the Sandman helped the cause. Point of impact did shift down by about six inches, and to the right by a couple inches.
With the A2 birdcage installed, the SAINT shot a 1.77 MOA group from 40-grain Winchester Varmint X.
Although I know it to be very consistently-loaded ammo, the SAINT didn’t love the Gorilla Ammo 77 grain Sierra Match King load and shot a 2.62 MOA, 5-shot group. At this point, however, I’m thinking the obvious vertical stringing in most of my groups may be due to the sub-freezing weather. I attempted to warm up the barrel before starting each group and shot them all at a fairly even pace, but I may well be revisiting the SAINT’s accuracy potential at a later date on a warmer day.
The 60-grain V-Max rounds from CapArms were good for 1.56 MOA.
And the Springer’s favorite load of the day was the 69-grain Sierra Match King offering from CapArms, which turned in a 1.46 MOA group. This is all pretty consistent with results I’ve seen recently from other testers, so it would seem the SAINT is reliably a 1.5 to 2 MOA rifle. Which meets or exceeds the ~2 MOA goal most folks expect from a “patrol” sort of AR carbine. Just in case your “eye ruler” is questioning the measurements seen above, by the way, note that the bullseye on these targets is 0.75″ across rather than an inch.
Overall, the SAINT is a smooth-shooting AR-15 packed with value for its $899 MSRP. Its parts quality, fit, finish, and assembly compare favorably (or better) to more expensive industry standards. If it should be staked, it’s staked well, if it should be inspected or shot peened, it has been, if it should be a certain grade of steel or aluminum, it is.
The only real deviations from “Mil-Spec” are a Melonited CMV, 1:8” twist barrel and its mid-length gas system, the first of which is a big plus in my book for accuracy, longevity, and corrosion resistance. Moving the gas block from carbine-length to mid-length might make the rifle marginally smoother, but the biggest advantage is probably a longer handguard.
While there are some options from a couple other big name brands at up to $160 less and plenty at much higher prices, the SAINT is a better value. Better components – barrel, trigger, BCG – better furniture (the stock, grip, and trigger guard are great, and I’d still take the handguard over the GI-style polymer one found on most comparable rifles), and better assembly. Reliability is fantastic, and accuracy slightly beats par for the course. It’s a lot of gun for the money, and it’s ready to rock right out of the box.
SPECIFICATIONS: Springfield Armory SAINT 5.56
CALIBER: 5.56x45mm NATO (.223REM)
OVERALL LENGTH: 35.5″ fully extended / 32.25″ collapsed
WEIGHT: 6lbs 11oz
UPPER RECEIVER: Type III hard coat anodized aircraft grade 7075 T6 aluminum flat top, forward assist and M4 feed ramps
LOWER RECEIVER: Type III hard coat anodized aircraft grade 7075 T6 aluminum, Accu-Tite™ tension system
BARREL: 16″ chrome moly vanadium, 1:8 RH twist, Melonite®
GAS SYSTEM: Direct impingement mid-length gas system, .750 diameter gas block
TRIGGER: proprietary nickel boron coated GI
SIGHTS: Low profile flip-up dual aperture rear, 1/2 MOA windage adjustable
TRIGGER GUARD: Bravo Company
PISTOL GRIP: Bravo Company Mod 3
HANDGUARD: Exclusive Bravo Company, KeyMod, PKMR
BUTT STOCK: six-position Bravo Company’s BCM Gunfighter
BUFFER ASSEMBLY: Carbine “H” heavy tungsten buffer
RECEIVER EXTENSION: Mil-Spec carbine receiver extension, 7075 T6 Type III hard anodized aluminum
CHARGING HANDLE: GI style
BOLT CARRIER GROUP: M16 BCG w/ carpenter 158 steel bolt, shot peened and magnetic particle inspected
MAGAZINE: 1 30-Round Magpul PMAG Gen M3
MSRP: $899 (about $150 less on Brownells)
Ratings (out of five stars):
Accuracy * * *
1.5 to 2 MOA…average in this category.
Reliability * * * * *
I now have about a thousand rounds through the SAINT – some of those suppressed — with no cleaning and it’s still running smooth and strong. Not a single stoppage or hitch of any sort. I’ve seen a couple dozen other SAINTs also run flawlessly (outside of a couple dud primers) through hundreds and hundreds of rounds, and I’m confident in it.
Quality * * * *
Five stars outside of the handguard and the rear sight. Materials and finish choices plus the care in assembly nail the quality category otherwise. This is a rifle that will go the long haul and hold up to demanding use such as competitions and training courses.
Value * * * *
The SAINT rifle represents a very strong value for the money from a major manufacturer. It’s a rare AR in this price range that the vast majority of purchasers won’t feel the need to change a thing on. This is one of the few. Basically nothing in or on it needs to be upgraded. It’s high quality at a medium price.
Overall * * * *
I like the market niche the SAINT has slotted itself into, basically achieving that nothing-needs-to-be-upgraded level of quality and furniture at an extremely good price. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this rifle to a first-time buyer or to anyone else looking for a reliable, high-quality AR-15 rifle that doesn’t need to be messed with.
More from The Truth About Guns:
Ruger’s New AR-556 MPR Multi-Purpose Rifle: One Rifle To Do It All?
Gun Review: Smith & Wesson SD9 VE [Updated 2018]
Sounds like a decent value, and if I didn’t already own one “factory” AR and a few more homebuild versions, I’d be interested.
And that, I think, is the problem this rifle will face. People wanting an “entry” AR may well decide to go a little cheaper and buy a basic optic for the same net price. People wanting a “nice” first AR and can afford to do so, might skip right to DD, PWS, etc. And folks who already have one AR, either “entry level” or “nice” will likely skip over this one on the way to “nice” or roll-your-own.
I wish them the best, but to me they’re aiming at a thin slice of the market.
Jeremy, I also meant to say thank you for the nicely detailed review. Brain fade. (Curse that broken office coffee maker… Actually, curse the guy who broke it.)
Coffee or not, another AR that doesn’t suck. Well good on Springfield. However using a lifestyle “assault rifle” to sweep out the trash when something goes bump in the night, but one called the Saint is just asking for it. Plus I find the name a little insulting from a religious standpoint. Why not just name it the Priest or the Christ or just plain God.
Lastly, the marketing seems off the mark. Get a bunch of masculine women to act like soft targets is diengenous. Why not get Olympic athletes to say the gun is light and a bunch of PhD engineers to say the Saint is easy to operate?
Sorry for the sour grapes, but I feel like I’m being played by the Saint.
Yes, the marketing for this rifle was just silly. 6 hot sweaty women (and 3 dudes) all doing shooting and obstacle course crap talking about their legacy.
I was expecting a tactical fitbit.
Masculine women?!? You are a pretty poor excuse for a judge. These are beautiful women who LIKE AND SHOOT guns. They did this well before they were a Saint 5.56 model.
Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alex_zedra/
Tracy: https://www.instagram.com/tt_racyy/
Holly: https://www.instagram.com/thewildyolo/
Katelyn: https://www.instagram.com/secondamendmentmommy/
And there’s more.
This rifle does look like a lot of bang for your buck. I think their timing is a little less than optimal however. I think the AR market might be slowing down a bit due to the election results. It might have been better if they had come out with this a couple years ago (like Ruger did with their AR-556).
I do wish Springfield success with this rifle. It does seem like a quality piece at a good price.
Seems like a great gun for Andrea on the walking dead. Wants a gun to play like the big boys but is dumb as a brick when I comes to real shooting let alone safety.
I plan on giving a little extra room on the the range if I see them with a Saint. Better yet I’ll just come back tomorrow. No point in getting between an ego and her penis.
Saint is as good if not better then dd rra bcm witch is same stag fn this gun has it all and is not a low end gun but as good as any out there I have 10 high end guns and I put it up against all u got a winner in Springfield from civilwar to the good hell of a gun
The only reason I want this AR is to pair it with my Crusader.
I’m a well known Springfield fan but I can’t get excited about another AR-15. I understand their need to enter the MSR market but I won’t be buying. Now if they can start up the M-1 line again or even better bring out an ’03 I would jump at that.
Spring field made a ar to hang with best of the best do the math it has same high in parts as dd colt fn bcm rra etc and beats most
Sees another AR15 review – automatically scrolls down to see reliability and precision ratings – 3 star precision?! – time to read the review
I picked one up at my local gun store(Blythes/Griffith,IN) and I must say I was impressed-especially as they have dozens of rifles side by side to compare. AR’s are about 5th on my list but it seems very high quality for the $ if I decide to get one. So many guns-not enough dough…
According to the gunmaker’s website, their “Defend Your Legacy” slogan targets ridiculously fit smokeshow female Americans between 25- and 45-years-old. There’s also a coupla bearded dudes on there, for the ladies, I guess. But really, I’ll just buy what those women are selling, any day.
This review actually included something about that but we cut it for time. Well, not exactly about that because the idea is that the women are buying, not selling.
Basically, I really like how all of the product ads I’ve seen for this gun are geared primarily towards women, yet it’s a black, “black gun.” No pink or frilly or traditionally “girly” crap. Springfield is being very clear that it’s an excellent rifle for a woman to defend herself and her family, seek out professional training with, etc etc, and it can and should be the same rifle used by the dudes. I really do like this. I don’t know how women feel about it of course or how they’ll react, etc, but I think it’s a breath of fresh air… we all know firearms are “the great equalizer” and such, and I never liked what I perceived as the condescending nature of the industry saying “we’ve painted this gun pink because it’s for women.”
The fact that AR15’s are good “ladies guns” does make me wonder if I should step up from my AR and AK to a proper “man” gun in .308 for my primary defensive rifle.
I love my Mosin and my .270 bolt guns. Maybe I “need” a full power semi-auto as well.
🙂
I agree with everything that you just said, but add this: they seem to be marketing guns now just like they market beer, or shirts, or cars. They’re saying: “Buy this. Be like these people- competent, serious, smoking hot. Look awesome. Be awesome.”
From a social science perspective, its interesting that guns are receiving the same marketing strategies as other mainstream products. I don’t remember seeing a gun marketing campaign quite like this before.
“From a social science perspective, its interesting that guns are receiving the same marketing strategies as other mainstream products.”
I agree. As a communications professional I’ve witnessed the rise of “narrative” ad marketing campaigns with disdain. The participants in the Saint campaign are very fit, but I find the reality show shtick with regards to selling firearms a bit off-putting.
One tidbit y’all might find interesting is that Springfield chose this demographic and mindset and such, but then went and found real people who embody it. Basically, the pretty people in the ads you’re talking about aren’t scripted characters or models hired to portray that script — they’re real and they were already embodying this lifestyle mindset thing. The women were found via social media — Instagram in a big way, plus Facebook and such — and were already featuring firearms, were “2A moms” or “NRA moms”, featured physical fitness and firearms training, many were 3-Gun competitors, etc. Same with the dudes — physical fitness, firearms, etc.
Here are some of their Insta accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/tt_racyy/
https://www.instagram.com/rockysguns/
https://www.instagram.com/brockboatman/
https://www.instagram.com/thewildyolo/
https://www.instagram.com/best_of_ess/
https://www.instagram.com/secondamendmentmommy/
https://www.instagram.com/edward.j2/
Is there a reason the guy in the video ejects a perfectly good round?
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DramaticGunCock
An AR with an adjustable stock and soft butt plate would be an ideal gun for teaching women basic rifle skills.
That’s one complaint I have with all the “budget-priced” ARs. The cheap plastic stocks they put on them have hard butt plates with square edges. That’s not comfortable on a bony shoulder, no matter how soft the recoil. Thankfully, Magpul has some upgrade options that won’t break the bank and can be swapped out without tools.
This BCM unit has a rubber pad on the back with rounded edges. It isn’t particularly squishy rubber, but it sure as heck isn’t hard plastic, either. I realize I can’t exactly speak for smaller, bonier folks, but I put over 700 rounds through this rifle in 24 hours wearing just a light t-shirt on top and my shoulder was unbruised and undamaged and perfectly fine.
Heat the heat guard melt off this time too?
Nice! If all goes according to plan, I’ll have some money to drop on an AR within the next couple of months. Was thinking I’d buy one of those cheap Anderson kits and build it myself, but if finances let me step up to a better, complete rifle, this one is top of the list.
Seems like a nice AR for the money. That being said, I’ve built my own, over time and hitting plenty of sales, for less money (including shipping) and I’d put it up against the Saint any day.
For those who want what appears to be a solid AR, but don’t want to go through the wait time of building their own, this looks like a good buy.
Saint is not a low end ar I put it up against any out there I have dd colt rra fn and it’s as good if not better then them ha millspec all the tops big boys same gun but been around sense civilwar before it’s a hell if a ar u wount find on lots 1000 guns with all it has going
Don’t care.
A cheaper M1A would have been cool.
I am actually considering this. I’ve already got an old bushmaster…. pre freedom group and it runs like a champ. It’s been upgraded as thing have worn out over the years.
I am a huge springfield fan… have an xdm, a 1911 loaded and an xds. Kinda like the springers. I would buy this for that price.
How is the finish of the rifle is it slick or ashy?
I’d say proper matte black Type III anodized. It isn’t the ashy type where it seems dry and rough and more dark gray than black, and it isn’t glossy or the kind that looks slightly wet/slick/oily all the time. If I had to choose one of those two it’s definitely closer to the ashy side, but I’m sticking with saying that it’s a correct matte black.
The marketing shots have good lighting and actually do look correct vs real life (at least with a clean gun haha): https://truthaboutguns-zippykid.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SAINT-LR.jpg
And this pic I took shows it pretty well, although there’s a slight purplish hue that is completely from my camera or maybe the almost sunset when I took the pic (or maybe it’s just on my computer monitor). It’s truly black in reality, as far as my eyes can tell: https://truthaboutguns-zippykid.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161013_172249.jpg
The purple tint is a hot item on the Saint FB group. Mine is black in person, but in some photos, esp. ones where a flash is used, the purple hue from the oil comes out. It makes me wonder if Springfield uses a different kind of oil that’s reflecting light differently as neither my S&W Sport or my PSA AR has this color transformation in photos. It’s not an issue to me since it LOOKS BLACK IN PERSON, but some (at least one guy) returned his upper to Springfield because of it. I told him to clean the oil off and then check, not sure if he did that or not.
Oh interesting! I’ve had a couple of guns show up purple in photos that were always just black in real life (that’s “IRL” for the millennials), both blued and anodized, but most recently it was the BFD doing it hard on camera and even slightly IRL in the right light.
Although I haven’t tried it yet, I think you could easily glue a foam innersole to an M4 stock’s buttplate to get a little more cushion, although I’ve never noticed any soreness after shooting an AR. Admittedly my wife won’t shoot my M&P 15 but that is because of the noise and muzzle blast. On the other hand our 13 year old loves shooting the AR.
I don’t think I would buy a SAINT because the price point is too high for a budget AR like a Ruger AR556 or S&W M&P 15 Sport, and the content isn’t as good as a higher end AR. For $899 list and $750-800 street I expect a mid length gas system, a better stock and name brand rear sight. As it is, I’m better off either buying or building a cheaper basic rifle and adding the parts of my choice, or spending a bit more for a premium AR.
“For $899 list and $750-800 street I expect a mid length gas system, a better stock and name brand rear sight.”
But it already has a mid-length gas system and a very good stock. Sure, the rear sight is marginal.
The M&P Sport II got some upgrades like a forward assist, dust cover, chromed firing pin, melonited barrel (1:9 twist) and now compares more favorably to a rifle like the SAINT than the first version of it did. However, at $739 MSRP you’re looking at GI-style stock, grip, and handguard, a fixed trigger guard, a carbine length gas system, standard buffer, semi-auto profile bolt carrier, etc. Other BCG details are slim on the M&P so I do not know what materials it’s made from, what is chrome lined or isn’t, if it has the extra extractor o-ring like the SAINT does, if anything is shot peened or high pressure tested, etc. The AR556 has a black oxide treated barrel, both inside and out, which I think is its primary shortfall vs. the SAINT and this difference alone is well worth the $100 premium for the Springer to me (this is all subjective, of course). Add the mid-length gas system and non-GI handguard plus the significantly better stock and the Saint jumps even further ahead of the AR556 for me. I personally think there’s a ton of value for that $100 in this direct comparison.
Then there’s the trigger in the SAINT plus the Accu-Tite deal, the 7075 upper, lower, and receiver extension (I think many budget ARs use 6061). Yeah, I think they pack a lot of value into the gun vs. the competition. Go well up in the $$$ market, too, and compare to like a Colt LE6920 or BCM Mid16 or Sionics Patrol Rifle Zero or whatever and it still looks darn good just on straight features and parts quality.
Why do people keep trying to compare the Saint to the Ruger AR 556 or the S&W Sport? It has so many more features they aren’t really even in the same class (don’t get me wrong, I love my Sport, just not as much as my Saint!).
One of the least interesting products I’ve seen reviewed here in a while. Jeremy, you did a good job reviewing this, but it’s still like a Honda Civic in the AR world.
One then I will put you on is one of the consistent phrases you used in this article. When you said: “more vertical angle than the A2 unit, which most shooters will prefer” it makes me think that you have taken a comprehensive survey of all shooters, competitors, riflemen, and gunfighters who use AR or M4 type rifles. Since I know you have not done this, this looks like you’re making assumptions. This is a minor qualm, but it is something that stuck out to me when I was reading your article.
I think this rifle checks off nearly all of the important boxes and does it at a lower price than most any other. It’s definitely hard to review ARs all day every day (which I don’t, but certainly could), but I really do think this one sets itself apart from most and has found itself a specific niche that I can get behind (solid out of the box at a good price).
As for the comprehensive survey, you might be surprised just how many people I’ve talked to about such banal things as grip angles! 😛 Seriously though, the mil-spec grip was created at a time when M16 rifle stocks were fixed length and people were taught to shoot bladed to their target and probably chicken-winged. That raked grip angle doesn’t work as well for modern, squared-off shooting with elbow tucked in. I’d be willing to bet that the more vertical angle is scientifically more ergonomic — wrist angle, in particular — for the modern shooting position and especially if the length of pull is shorter than an M16 stock. That said, you’re right, I did not conduct an official survey. Keep in mind a review is largely subjective, and it’s simply my opinion that most shooters will prefer this grip angle. If I had to say “in my opinion” every time something of that nature was in a review like this, the review would be twice the length 😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWdd6_ZxX8c
The melting handgaurd thing got me thinking though, is that why perhaps on the m16 a1 triangular hand guards, they had the holes up top so the gas tube was as exposed as possible? Considering it was full auto I figure that’s why.
Sounds like a decent rifle and this is a quality review.
I’d probably still kick in the extra $100 for an RRA over thing thing though but maybe that’s just my bias.
As for the pattern once it was suppressed that could be a bunch of things. Some rifles like a clean bore, some like a dirty bore some prefer their bore to be Goldilocks. Some get more finicky about this with a can attached to the rifle and some change what ammo they prefer once you slap a muffler on them.
My buddies AR does it’s best work without a can running PMC (I forget what exactly) but screw on my 223P-1 and she instantly takes shit on the PMC and prefers IWI green tips. Screw on the break and slap on his SOCOM556 and suddenly the rifle get’s it’s best groups with this Aguila stuff my buddy runs.
Ah well, at least this wasn’t some bullshit fitness program like I figured it was going to be!
Springfield re-invented the wheel! Sign me up, I want to buy 5 so I will be well stocked when the overwhelming popularity of the Mrs Sloan movie ignites a firestorm furor for “common sense gun control” and these incredible new collectible offerings go WAY up in value!
Seems like a nice, solid AR
As others have said, nice upgrades right out of the box
Still just another AR in an ocean of ARs
Springfield is very late to the AR party
They make some nice products with their M1A rifle and XD pistols
I am certain this will sell especially with the marketing it’s getting
You can’t go wrong with a Springfield Armory product
I’m disappointed it’s DI and not GP. I would’ve thought Springfield, of all companies, would have offered up a GP version, especially for their first offering. Ruger’s SR series comes in both offerings and are every bit as nice.
Nice, fair review. Fairly new to shooting, looking to buy my first AR, this seems like a decent choice. I like it better than the Ruger or S&W Sport. Just from a feel standpoint and shooting a limited number of rounds. Really would like to try a Colt Competition series or,especially, a Windham Weaponry MPC, but finding one to shoot is proving difficult. Welcome to Texas! unless you are moving to the Panhandle, cold here is pretty much below 40 degrees.
I purchased this gun a few weeks ago after getting married and having a little extra cash.
The review is very validating. I got discharged from military service 7 years ago and was only mildly interested in buying a gun. I decided to get an AR15 (use the to you know how to use).
My brother showed me the saint and I was pretty interested. One thing the review didn’t mention (or that I forgot if it did) was that it comes in a pretty solid plastic case and a lock.
That was a pretty good selling point for me.
I was a first time gun buyer and the saint was a pretty complete plug and play entry. I’ve been able to put Few round through it and it works great.
I don’t know that much about guns, but as a first time gun buyer, I’m very happy with my choice.
As mentioned, the name is a little bit goofy. But, easy to get over.
Thanks for the great review, and thanks to the comments for adding interesting perspectives!
I purchased a saint run 21 rounds down range the Saint turned into a single shot. It ejects and loads the next round but will not fire it, you can eject that round catch the next one it fires. On an on like that. Does the same thing using different mags and different ammo.Took the Saint back to my dealer they said it needed to be cleaned,they kept the gun sent it off to gunsmith,I picked it up it runs one round at a time. I am very disappointed as I am Springfield fan. Any help would be appreciated
Sounds like a trigger problem (I’m going to guess that the disconnector isn’t catching). I take it when you pull the trigger on that next round nothing happens (the hammer doesn’t drop; it’s just a dead trigger)? Considering it’s ejecting and properly feeding the next round and you’ve tried various types of ammo I’m going to assume it is not short stroking. Likely the hammer is actually being pushed down enough to cock but it isn’t catching and instead it’s following the bolt back forwards. However, when you rack the action manually your finger is off the trigger (rather than it being pinned back like it is right after you fire) and therefore the sear is catching the hammer instead of the disconnector and it stays cocked. So…that’s my best guess based on the limited info as to the likely cause.
You should call Springfield’s customer service. They’re responsible for warranty claims on the gun, not your dealer (in 99% of cases).
A steaming load of horse poop,way better ars for same money
Im sorry. But an AR is an AR. As long as it doesn’t jam or malfunction, they are all the same. 4 star guns. Literally. How the hell do u even review an AR anymore and not regurgitate what you have said about all other ARs? Would be tough for me. Makes no sense to even review one at this point. Like i said, it shoots, its fairly accurate, it didnt malfuntion….4 stars. Review done
I have owned many many many AR-15 and other AR-Platforms over the years. And followed all the latest trends and have seen for myself what is worth it and what is hype. The Springfield Saint has what i find a horrible marketing campaign which to me has a good message but is going where all the new Gun magazines are going to. Jersey Shore Reject syndrome is what i call it.. But THE GUN IS ONE OF THE BEST GUNS LET ALONE AR’S I HAVE SHOT RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. Which surprised me big time… I wouldn’t be ashamed to buy or own this gun. And Honestly I would say its as good as most 1200-1900 guns out there.. But a lot of people on the internet aren’t going to tell you that because they have countless amounts put into there DD usually rifle.. I have many DD and I prefer it over the saint but…. This gun in my mind competes with that level of quality…and maybe esthetically too with 2-350 put into it… This gun is a Bravo Company basically from what I can tell with a few tweaks by Springfield.. And thats why this gun is excellent because it has one of the best Gun manufactures paired up with one of the BEST AR Manufactures. I Put a Aimpoint pro on mine with a bcm vertical handle and got damn near sub MOA. If you left out the random straggler i did.. It shoot about .25 outside my m4a1 that is 2x the money i was impressed.. HANDLOADS OF COURSE I changed the charging handle to a Raptor and left everything alone. This gun is my new I don’t care about nicking it and caring it everywhere rifle.. Which shouldn’t all rifles be?? Im sick of worrying about my 2000+ work of art being damaged being a gun??? Maybe ill just stick with this??
If you’re looking for a good way to accessorize, clean, or assemble your AR15 I have found a few blogs that are perfect for this and have helped me out a ton. Great article btw.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/howto/how-to-clean-ar15.html
http://www.opticsplanet.com/howto/how-to-how-to-build-an-ar15-lower-receiver-safety.html
http://www.opticsplanet.com/howto/how-to-accessorize-your-ar15.html
There is a photo of a bipod used in the event above. Can you tell me what bipod this is, as I have been unsuccessful looking for one for my Saint.
The handguard has keymod attachment slots on it. I purchased a keymod mount sling swivel stud and attached that, at which point most standard bipods will mount right on. Alternatively, you could get a small section of Piacatinny rail that bolts into keymod slots, and attach a Picatinny-compatible bipod to that. As you don’t already have either, I’d suggest finding the bipod you want to use, then buying the appropriate keymod mount piece so you can attach it.
These are NOT specific product suggestions…just finding things randomly on Amazon…but something like these is what you need to mount a bipod:
If a Pic rail mount bipod: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01D4F8FTU/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1489812179&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=keymod+picatinny+rail&dpPl=1&dpID=41PTFG8VrTL&ref=plSrch
If a stud mount bipod: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M6W4NJH/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1489812412&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=keymod+sling+stud&dpPl=1&dpID=311M8SYRLkL&ref=plSrch
I have A LOT of weapons, including a few AR-15’s, but I use my Bushmaster LR-308
as my “go to” rifle; the 7.62 x 51 is just such a more “ass-kicking” all around caliber,
and it only weighs a few more pounds.
As a buyer, builder and owner of basic and high end ARs (8 so far), I want to give my feedback. I’ve not handled this rifle, but there are Pros and Cons for me that would keep me from buying one.
Pros
– Reliability – Reviewer reports good reliability.
– Price is relative, but this in a good range.
– Proper Mil-Spec Bolt Carrier Group – The heart of an AR
– Barrel profile (no notch) 8:1 twist
– Mid-length gas system. That’s all I own now, its smoother and reduces wear.
– Finish looks good
– The stock is better that the usual basic carbine stock.
– Warranty
Cons
– Barrel – I will only buy chrome lined barrels and they can be just as accurate if well made. I use CHF barrels, but they are usually not found at this price level.
– Accuracy – Could be better. Destroys the argument for Melonite.
– Looks – Very good except the GIANT logos on the receiver. Why???????
– Hand guard – Gee, BCM screwed the pooch with that. For normal users who want to mount a light its pretty good though.
– Rear sight – Put a fixed sight on or a plastic Magpul.
Bottom line: I’d have to change out parts. The barrel and rear sight would have to go immediately. That pretty much wrecks the value proposition for me. But for a lot of guys who are buying their first AR this represents a good value. So, the Saint would have to be marketed to people who don’t own an AR yet.
The barrel? Come on. What possible benefit for you as a normal person using the rifle for normal use would you get from chrome lined instead? The difference in resistance to heat-induced wear doesn’t even start to matter until you’ve fired belts of ammo full-auto. On a semi, you could dump ammo till bankruptcy and likely never hit the point where a nitrided barrel fails from heat and a chrome barrel hasn’t yet. I just don’t see it. The excellent corrosion resistance offered by nitriding, though, is an obvious benefit no matter how the gun is used.
Mechanical engineer here (BSME, MSME):
Melonited/CQC/Nitrided barrels are good for maybe 6k rounds, tops. 5k is much more typical. After that they’re shot out.
A chromed and CHF barrel like DD or FN or BCM will run 25k-30k rounds. Basically a lifetime.
My wife thinks ARs are cute. She’s a bit tainted since she thinks an assault rifle has a massive wood stock with a helmet-smashing steel butt plate and and a proper bayonet mount on the fore-stock. She was a bit taken aback with the glamor-model shooters in the ads. Not enough beefcake to maintain gender neutrality in her opinion. I secretly disagree, about the beefcake but agree ARs ARE cute and I’d really like to add a Saint to the arsenal.
Thank you for an informative descriptive and visual review! I have nearly five decades experience with traditional long rifles and hand guns. Back when I was in the Navy in the early 70’s, I carried the M-1 and the M-14. I never even saw an M-16; consequently, the AR world since has seemed somewhat bewildering. In the recent past, I have been deliberating a purchase, but funds are very limited, and I am trepidatious about “building my own kit.” due to my general ignorance. For my purposes, I would feel more secure in an affordable, yet quality completed item. I have read good reviews about the Springfield Saint; your review was most helpful.
Recently purchased the SA Saint AR-15 and was finally able to take it out today. I’d like to give my first impressions.
I am fairly new to the gun world as I just moved from CA to AZ with only a few guns that were handed down to me from my grandfather, so when I moved to AZ I went a bit crazy buying a new gun each moth for the past three months. First two were handguns (S&W 9mm) but my latest purchase was the Saint. I hate calling it ‘The Saint” and have only been saying its my new AR so I don’t sound like a fool.
So I ordered my SA Saint from the local Bass Pro Shops- Wanted brand new with no other hands on it besides the test fire dude/dudette. Yesterday I field stripped and lightly cleaned it- Rifle came nicely lubricated but a little too much for my standards so I wiped and cleaned then re-oiled. When I bought the gun I also purchased two extra PMAG-30 and a PMAG-40. So glad I did because the PMAG-30 that came with the gun felt a little weak as if it was a mag not suitable for retail sale by itself- Just a hunch I thought. I also added a Vortex SPARC AR red dot sight (love it).
So mags loaded and gun cleaned I took it to the range this morning. Let me add that before I ordered the gun, while I waited, and during the time between receiving it and actually shooting; I watched dozens of YouTube videos of how the Saint jams up- Especially that guy that made a three part video about his issues with the Saint and SA. I was a little worried. But I took it tot he range and took it easy- Sighted in my red dot and and took single shots. Didn’t want to overheat a new gun- Not sure if it matters but seems like it was a good idea to take it east the first hundred or so rounds. The first 30 rounds went through with no problem- Used the new PMAG-30 I bought separately. Tried to load the PMAG-30 that came with the gun and it would not seat in place- Not sure if it was too hot, so I grabbed my PMAG-40 and it locked right in. Shot three rounds from it then tried the original PMAG- This time it set in fine. Let me add that loading the PMAG that came with the gun felt loose and not that solid but when I loaded the 2nd purchased POMAG it felt much better. I think I might just trash the PMAG that came with the gun. No big deal since I will likely buy 4-5 more mags.
Overall the gun ran fine with no jams or issues. None at all- The gun sighted in quickly and was super accurate. The heat plate inside the barrel grip smoked a little after the first 30 shots so I took it a little slower- I am sure it was just the newness burning off and the heat plate getting “seasoned”. The trigger weight was perfect too- I actually like it better than my S&W shield weight- I am sure that is comparing apples to oranges but it is how I feel pulling the tigger.
So my first impression is HELL YES! I am so happy with my new AR – My only AR actually. The gun is amazing and I love it – Not as much as my grandpa’s old 30-30, but very very close! I highly recommend this gun!
I bought my Saint just about a year ago at Academy due to their outstanding price matching policy. Just to give an idea of how good a deal I got, I was a few dollars under $700 before taxes when all was said and done.
Since then, I’ve put right around 1000 rounds down range through it with great results and satisfaction. I’ve only had one FTF due to a light primer strike through all those rounds and otherwise no issues despite several occasions when I’ve shot it quite dirty.
The worst thing about buying this rifle has been the craziness it’s caused me with upgrades and additions and the ensuing cost of these. I have changed the (from the muzzle to the stock) A2 flash hider to a VG6 Gamma 556EX brake (love it), added DD Omega Rail FF with covers, angled foregrip, Streamlight, EoTech sights, Lancer 30rd smoked & clear mags, Gen3 PMAGs, Troy ambi charging handle, and finally, Strike Industries Viper PDW stock. I also bought a waterproof Plano Tactical Case because my Saint was issued after they stopped shipping with hard cases and instead shipped with soft range cases (still was nice with sewn legacy insignia and sold for more $$ than the Plano Tactical I replaced it with).
What I have now is the stuff of endless attention by any guy or gal who’s seen this completed setup and the AR I’d envisioned enjoying and potentially relying on to preserve what matters most to me, God forbid. I haven’t performed nor do I have the means to perform any objective tests, but if Springfield intended to create a product that would bring shooters and new potential enthusiasts of all stripes into the fold, they nailed it with this rifle. My LGS almost never had one available here in Texas due to their consistent popularity and they report very few dissatisfied clients that have purchased Saints based on my conversations with them since I acquired mine at Academy (not my LGS).
Thanks for the good review, Jeremy. I picked this rifle up for under MSRP… It is an incredible rifle, period, and not, “just for the price.” As Justin stated, it has superior components and better build quality than many other rifles that cost substantially more; this is a fact. All the negative comments (aside from those who actually own the firearm – very few on both accounts), false statements, and baseless opinions from the very large crowd of “self-perceived experts” and “pretend operators” are B.S. They either can’t read or they haven’t fired the rifle. To anyone looking for their first AR or to anyone looking to add an additional AR to their stock, you won’t find a better black rifle for the money. Once again, ignore the very large crowd of self-perceived experts/wanna be operators on this site and most others (it’s become a disease and only hurts our sport). I’ve spent 3 days a week for the last 10+ years at my state range educating/teaching, testing products, and doing untold amounts of different types of shooting (includes the Saint), and this AR is a beast. I have well over 10k rounds of factory ammunition and hand loads through it without a single malfunction; I’ve received the same feedback from other members and trainees. For first time buyers – research and learn from reputable sources everything you can about your firearm, most importantly, how to safely operate it in any and all situations. Invest in different types of training and join a local range, if financially possible, as there is no substitute for quality time spent on the firing line. You will make lifelong friends and have the opportunity to give back to the shooting sports community that has given so much to us. As always, safety depends on you.
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