The AR15 platform, well known and seemingly universal, has been given new possibilities thanks to the Saint Edge ATC (Accurized Tactical Chassis) project. The manufacturer of this model, the Springfield company (known mainly for the great 1911 and M14/M1A models) decided to improve the platform in the section where something more could be improved, i.e. the precision of a shot at a longer distance. The AR15 rifles are known for their satisfactory precision, even compared to its traditional competitor, i.e. the AK platform, thanks to the new ATC handguard, they were to gain even greater possibilities of precise shooting.
The concept of the new Saint model is based on the assumption that even the use of a connection between the barrel and the free float hanguard (the so-called self-supporting barrel) affects the precision of a shot, because there is still a direct contact of these two components with each other, most often at the barrel nut) to which the handguard is usually screwed. According to the designers of Springfield Armory, the accuracy of a shot with such a solution is sufficient when firing at short distances, but it is not sufficient when trying to precisely fire at the target at longer distances, most often with the use of a support or a bipod. It is then that the pressure exerted on the handguard can disturb the desired precision of fire. The solution proposed by Springfield is a lower receiver integrated with the handguard, to which the upper receiver with the barrel is installed from the top, somewhat like in sniper rifles. Then, the upper part with an integrated picatinny rail is inserted into the grooves in the inner part of the handguard. The barrel with the upper receiver is naturally connected with a nut, but it has no contact with any part of the handguard which, in SA's opinion, should translate into greater firing precision.
The New Saint is available in two versions - a standard black version for $ 1,549, and an Elite version in FDE color for $ 1,899.
The first model is black anodized with Melonite coated elements. The Springfield Flat Modular Match trigger and the B5 Systems Enhanced SopMod stock are fitted as standard. The basic barrel is an 18" Ballistic Advantage, Melonite, 1:7 model.
In the SAINT Edge ATC Elite version, apart from the H-250 Coyote Brown Cerakote coating, there are, apart for all the above mentioned parts, a better, LaRue MBT Flat 2 Stage trigger and a precisely adjustable B5 Systems Coyote Brown Type 23 P-Grip stock.
The barrel in the Elite model is also the 18" Ballistic Advantage, Melonite, 1:7 model.
It is worth mentioning that both models were equipped with the .223 Wylde chamber. This means that the rifles can be safely fired with .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. The rifles are equipped with QD sockets for mounting tactical slings as standard and the ATC stocks are equipped with an MLok type interface.
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Despite the controversial style, the new Saint Edge ATC models will probably have an impact on the precision AR market.
Źródło: thefirearmblog.com, springfield-armory.com
