Love the rifle and the service from Bud\'s was top notch as always. So why only 4 stars?
Because, and this may not be fair since I knew exactly what was included, Springfield Armory comes across as a little stingy. With a nearly $1400.00 basic rifle they really should include 3 magazines, not 1, and a basic cleaning kit and sling. (Colt does, and they\'re bankrupt or nearly so). It would cost them little, and would have made me, at least, feel so much better about the purchase. Instead, it left just a slightly unpleasant aftertaste. They did include an inexpensive but nice case.
I like shooting this rifle. About 200 rds. so far. I had 2 malfunctions very early on - 1 FTF and 1 FTE, both with some leftover suspect Tula steelcase ammo. No other problems since nor with any other ammo.
The trigger is excellent, very light and clean, much better than I\'d hoped, and miles better than any stock AR trigger I\'ve ever tried. To me accuracy, as best I can measure, is also very good.
Sighting in was easy and for me took about 5 clicks left and 3 up. After that I could hold 5\"-6\" groups at 100 yards from a rest, about as good as I ever do with my eyes and open sights. I don\'t think it would change my results, but the front sight edges are slightly rounded could be a little sharper for a cleaner picture. Also, the front sight could be shifted right a few thousandths to allow re-centering of the rear sight. But the rear sight offset needed to sight this rifle is small and not enough to bother about. Sight adjustments (clicks) are reassuring, strong, positive and solid.
The action to me seems smooth and tight to this amateur. Ejection is slightly forward and about 8\' with GI-spec ball ammo, the spent brass clears the action and isn\'t dinged, a nice plus. Metal finish is a dull black and looks to be very evenly done - it looks good, and if it\'s Parkerizing it\'ll help with rust resistance in my part of the world (deep south).
The barrel / rifling look excellent. The chamber is ok but a little rough, I think a couple more passes in the chamber with the polisher would have helped. Roughness is visible, and enough to mark the brass but not enough to damage it - it\'s still fine for reloading.
The stock is nice - really nice. It\'s heavily stained straight grained wood, I assume walnut as SA claims, it\'s very well made, finished, and fitted. I hesitated over ordering wood and I\'m really happy I did - very very pretty.
Overall it\'s a keeper for sure. I look forward to shooting this rifle and I\'m glad I have it.
Once again, Bud\'s is just a first class operation to deal with.
Rating: 4 of 5 Stars! |
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