Springfield Armory is working to change the way we all think about AR-15s, and that's evident in today's launch of the SAINT Edge ATC AR-15, which is newly available in the .223 Wylde caliber. If you're wondering why this is such terrific news for women who shoot precision rifle challenges, we'll explain ... and that explanation starts with the .223 Wylde chambering and then moves on to how Springfield wrings every minute-of-angle from it.
First, you may have noticed that .223 Wylde doesn't sound all that different from .223 Win., but the SAINT is in the details. Ever since the .223 Wylde was introduced, fans of the AR-15 platform have insisted that this caliber would be ideal for them. One primary reason why is that the .223 Wylde chamber provides the ability to fire both .223 and 5.56 NATO, but with a chamber throat that is tight enough to wring the most performance out of match-grade ammunition. Our friends at Shooting Illustrated wrote, "Wylde’s chamber gives enough room in the throat so 5.56 NATO cartridges won’t build dangerous pressure, but keeps the improved concentricity—and resulting accuracy—of the .223 Rem. The .223 Wylde chamber allows the owner to shoot both types of (identically dimensioned) ammunition without a worry in the world."
The SAINT Edge ATC rifle capitalizes on .223 Wylde's strengths. The "ATC" stands for “Accurized Tactical Chassis,” and it's designed to deliver maximum precision from the AR platform. It features a patented chassis system made up of a one-piece monolithic lower machined from 6061 T6 aluminum. The free-floated design ensures that the barrel, barrel nut and gas system are totally free from any contact with the lower chassis. Springfield also employs what they call the Accu-Tite Plus tensioning system, which features an adjustable set of conical set screws in the lower that eliminate any play between the upper receiver and lower chassis.
There are two basic models of the SAINT Edge ATC. The base model is offered in a standard black, but the one that will really get precision shooters excited is likely to be the Elite Coyote Brown variant (pictured). In addition to the Cerakote Coyote Brown finish, the Elite variant features a LaRue two-stage trigger and collapsible B5 Systems Precision Stock. (The standard model comes with a B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD collapsible stock and a flat modular match trigger.) A B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip and 20-round Magpul PMAG complete the package on both versions.
Whichever version you choose, Springfield guarantees sub-MOA accuracy for three shots with match-grade ammunition and a skilled shooter. The SAINT Edge ATC retails for $1,549, while the SAINT Edge ATC Elite comes in at an MSRP of $1,899. Springfield-Armory.com
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