To be frank, it can be tough to reviewAR-style gunsas so many of them can be so similar.
This one, though, is different its a Springfield.
In my opinion, as far as gun companies go, Springfield Armory is unique.
The Springfield Armory SAINT B5 5.56 rifle offers a lot of bang for the buck with the B5 Systems upgrades.
It is almost like it has multiple personalities.
And theyre all amazing.
Then came theXD line.
While the upgraded B5 Systems parts are likely to draw attention, the reliability and accuracy of this rifle make it worth paying attention to.
They seemed content to own that space and nothing else, until the debut of the SAINT.
So where do their ARs fit into a line with both classic and modern offerings?
That opening cost, though, will be just part of your overall expense.
The B5 Systems stock can be adjusted for length and includes a pair of QD sockets for attaching a sling to either side of the gun.
You know, turning your cheap gun into a expensive Frankenstein monster of parts and accessories.
The opening MSRP on the SAINT rifles line is $995.
Pistol versions are starting at $895.
Another upgrade to this rifle is the Type 23 P-Grip. It features a new grip texture and angle to improve control of the rifle.
While affordable, these starting prices are higher than some bargain basement offerings available on the market.
However, the ARs from Springfield Armory wont need any modification to work like they should.
They flat-out run, exactly like they should.
A common sight on AR-type rifles is the A2 tower that includes the front sight, gas block and captures the front of thetwo-piece handguard.
The B5, Because…
In the Springfield Armory rifle line, there is theSAINT B5 5.56.
There is a clue in that name that helps differentiate it from the rest of the SAINTs.
The selector switch on this rifle does the job. Lowers are engraved with both pictograms and words to clearly indicate if the gun is on safe.
The first is the B5 in there.
This one has polymer furniture from B5 Systems, with a handguard with M-Lok slots.
Underneath, theres a SAINT.
Springfield Armory equips the rifle with a rear sight that has both a wide and narrow aperture for fast and precision shooting.
The stock is a B5 Bravo Stock.
It has a rubber buttpad and QD mounts built in.
It adjusts like most stocks.
While it is an upgrade from the stock on many bog-standard ARs, it is still light and efficient.
The seam on this is well-executed, and it has a functional handstop integral to the design.
It has a slightly textured surface, too.
TheM-Lok slots allow for the addition of any number of attachments.
The pistol grip is also from B5.
They call it a key in 23 P-Grip.
The grip-angle is advertised as having a steep angle.
With my handy protractor here on my laptops screen, Im seeing about 14 degrees.
The grip has very angular sides, too.
Odds are you wont notice the grips nuances first, though.
Under the furniture is a familiar design with some key improvements.
This is still a direct impingement rifle.
With its 16 barrel, it has amid-length gas system.
The gas block is pinned in.
The CMV barrel itself has a 1:8 twist rate.
This is the most versatile of the three common5.56 NATO twist rates.
It will stabilize lighter bullets well but optimizes the accuracy of mid-weight bullets (62-77 grains).
The inside is treated Melonite instead of being lined with chrome.
The barrel has a government profile for even heat distribution and weight reduction.
The barrel has a A2 front sight.
The handguards are held on with a delta ring.
As heatshields go, the B5 handguard does its job.
And the M-Lok makes adding lights and other accessories easy.
Solid Foundations
The upper and lower are both forged 7075 T6 aluminum, and they are anodized.
The upper has a standard forward assist and M4 feed ramps.
The lower has what Springfield is calling itsAccu-Tite Tension System.
The video in the link above shows how to adjust it.
The bolt carrier group is based on the M16.
It has a Carpenter 158 steel bolt and is treated with Melonite.
The BCG is pressure tested and inspected under a microscope to ensure quality.
The other aspects of the build are an homage to the classic AR carbine style.
The receiver extension and end plate are mil-spec.
The buffer tube is mil-spec and has a heavy tungsten buffer.
The charging handle is standard, and the safety is only on the left side of the receiver.
This is one of the best stock triggers Ive run across in an entry-level AR.
It has no creep, breaks clean, and the nickel boron will help keep it running that way.
Empty and naked, this Saint is weighing in at 6 lbs., 4 oz.
Thats pretty standard, too.
It is a rock-solid rifle built to run well out of its included padded case.
If it didnt, I wouldnt be writing this.
The Saint delivers on its promise.
The rifle arrived sighted in as any gun with iron sights should.
There was no need to adjust the height of the front post, or the windage.
While evaluating the SAINT, I picked up aViridian HS1.
The handstop laser adds some ergonomic real estate to the handguard.
Usually when I review an AR-15, Ill run a wide variety of ammo weights through.
As ammo is hard to come by, I was a bit stingy.
I shot Tula 55 grain, and some Independence 55 grain.
Both fed and extracted without issue.
Predictably, I had the best accuracy results with Winchester 62 grain bullets.
Wrapping Up
When I began this, I was musing about the role of Springfield Armory.
I cant say this about every gun company.
This version of the SAINT is a basic and familiar design, yes but it is flawlessly executed.
Go to forum thread
