That rifle was the Athena from Drake Associates.
Suffice it to say, they have the credentials and experience to back up their designs.
It also houses the magazine well.
The SAINT Edge ATC (Accurized Tactical Chassis) takes the proven AR platform and maximizes its performance for guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy.
This is a simple, solid and proven rifle design.
Now, lets take a look at accuracy.
Standard AR-pattern rifles have a reputation for good accuracy.
The SAINT Edge ATC features a monolithic lower receiver that removes any flex or disturbance of the barrel. SAINT Edge ATC Elite in Coyote Brown shown.
Step up to a top-shelf model, and it can be capable of shooting 1 MOA with match-grade ammunition.
But how can that be taken to the next level?
First, lets look at the barrel system in the AR.
The chassis system removes contact between the lower and the barrel system, totally free-floating the barrel, barrel nut and gas system.
But exactly how free are these free-floated handguards?
That will in turn potentially affect accuracy.
But after my testing, all I can say is wow.
The standard SAINT Edge ATC features a black finish and a B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD collapsible buttstock.
More on that in a bit.
The resulting rifle is guaranteed to shoot sub-MOA three-shot groups with match-grade ammunition and a capable shooter.
The ATC is offered in two versions the SAINT Edge ATC and the SAINT Edge ATC Elite.
The Elite version of the SAINT Edge ATC features a LaRue MBT flattwo-stage trigger.
Both versions feature the chassis system and overall design I have described above.
The B5 Precision stock is collapsible and has an adjustable cheek comb and additional length of pull adjustments.
Both versions come with a 20-round Magpul PMAG Gen M3 magazine.
The SAINT Edge ATC Elite features a B5 Systems Precision Stock that is collapsible and allows for cheek riser and length of pull adjustment.
The barrel is chambered in .223 Wylde, which is a great choice for a rifle like this.
The LaRue flat trigger on the Elite was quite impressive.
Its a super crisp trigger that performs as good as it looks.
The author was extremely impressed with the performance and handling characteristics of the SAINT Edge ATC.
The first stage of the trigger is 2.5 lbs., and the second stage is 2 lbs.
For the bipod, I used a B&T Industries Atlas Bipod.
This ensures a comfortable and repeatable cheekweld and body position.
The author tested the Elite version with Federal Gold Medal 77-gr. ammo, and gotsub-half-MOA groups.
That first group was about .9 MOA and well within the sub-MOA guarantee.
I was impressed but felt I could get even better results out of it.
I got comfortable, dialed it in and fired two more groups.
The 18″ barrel of the SAINT Edge ATC is from Ballistic Advantage barrel and has a 1:7″ rate of twist.
Those measured at .4 MOA.
At this point I was convinced Springfield had something awesome on their hands.
The range I was at has platforms that overlook a wide swath of desert with hills and valleys.
To find the steel targets spread throughout, you really need to search with high magnification.
I started with some 6 round steels at 100 yards much too easy for a rifle like this.
I used the spotting scope and range finder to find an 8 diamond at 550 yards.
After calling my own windage, I walked the shots in on target with relative ease.
Now I was finding the groove.
I began searching for a more difficult target.
I spotted a full-size IPSC plate (17.5 x 29.5) way out in the distance.
I knew the target had to be at least 1,000 yards away.
I was also too excited to spend the time Googling it.
I then began walking the shots in by holding up and to the left.
I saw a puff of dirt just off the right of the target.
One, one thousand.
Two, one thousand.
Three, one thousand.
Four, one thousand.
That was 1,300 yards with a 77-gr .223 out of an 18 barrel.
Not only is it a uniquely beautiful design, but it performs extremely well.
I am certainly glad I did!
Go to forum thread
SAINTEdge ATC Series
FederalGold Medal Sierra MatchKing 223 Rem 77 gr.
