Light, Fast & Ready — SAINT Edge 5.56mm

July 10th, 2020

11:19 runtime

Testing different AR-pattern rifles provides me with opportunities to practice my rifle skills. Those skills always need improving — shooting is a very perishable skill. While the types of guns I run rarely make much of a difference, the SAINT Edge I recently got to try out was different than my other rifles. When I started shooting it, I didn’t want to stop. The bottom line with the SAINT Edge is that the folks at Springfield built a quality rifle that is light, fast and ready.

The SAINT Edge features a wide range of enhanced features, and all at an MSRP of just $1,299.

Light

At just a touch over 6 lbs., the SAINT Edge 5.56mm is a lightweight and capable rifle. At first glance you likely will notice the stylish cuts on the lower receiver. The magwell, front of the receiver and area around the ambi-selector all feature cutaways that reduce the overall weight in the machined billet 7075 T6 aluminum lower. They also look really good.

The biggest gains in weight trimming are likely made up on the sharp end of the rifle. The barrel is a lightweight, slim profile with a Melonite treatment inside and out. This pencil-style barrel not only cuts weight, but it sheds it where it matters the most. As a result, the rifle feels balanced and maneuverable.

The billet lower features effective lightening cuts and very attractive contours.

Fast

The barrel profile and balance make the rifle feel fast. The trigger and the muzzle brake actually make it very fast.

Cover for The Armory Life Digital Magazine Volume 3: SAINT

This article is featured in Volume 3: SAINT Digital Magazine

Table of Contents

The trigger sports a flat profile with a Melonite coating for smooth operation. The trigger shines with a clean break and no creep. After breaking the shot, the reset takes virtually nothing to be ready for follow-ups.

The light weight makes the rifle quick to move and engage targets.

I also learned that the multi-chamber muzzle brake of the Edge also makes sure the rifle rarely leaves the point of aim.

Ready

The features that make the SAINT Edge light and fast are especially enticing because they come standard from Springfield Armory. Even better, they bring along their friends. A free-floated M-Lok handguard allows attachment of important accessories like front QD sling attachment points, lights, hand stops and whatever else you want to adorn your rifle with.

The lower receiver and the collapsible BCMGunfighter Mod 0 SOPMOD stock have QDs built in and the BCMGunfighter Mod 3 grip sports an angle that makes the rifle extremely natural to hold and point. The enhanced M16 bolt carrier and 9310 steel bolt that is high pressure tested/magnetic particle inspected (HPT/MPI) ensure reliability and long term durability. The Edge is ready to go out of the box.

The muzzle brake proved to be very effective at taming muzzle jump and recoil.

When you look at the fact that the Springfield SAINT Edge comes from the factory with an outstanding set of features that make it light, fast and ready, you would expect a premium price tag. Instead, the MSRP lives at $1,299. That’s less than it would cost you to enhance a heavier and less-capable rifle.

The proprietary multi-port muzzle brake tops off the short and light 16″ barrel.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in!

This article is featured in Volume 3: SAINT Digital Magazine

Table of Contents

Continue Reading

Prev Next

Did you enjoy this video?

136

Springfield Armory® recommends you seek qualified and competent training from a certified instructor prior to handling any firearm and be sure to read your owner’s manual. These articles and videos are considered to be suggestions and not recommendations from Springfield Armory. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Springfield Armory.

Product prices mentioned in articles and videos are current as of the date of publication.

Paul Carlson

Paul Carlson is the owner of Safety Solutions Academy, LLC, a professional defensive shooting instructor, content creator in the firearms industry, and most importantly a husband and a father. Through Safety Solutions Academy, Paul teaches a variety of critical defensive skill courses in more than a dozen states annually. When Paul’s not traveling to teach and work in the firearms industry, you can find him with his family, either on the range or in the mountains.

Website