SAINT Edge Pistol: The Holy Grail of AR Platforms?

By Ivan Gelo

A few decades ago, law enforcement “specialized units” began the transition from the 9mm subgun to the more-effective .223/5.56 weapon systems. My first select-fire 5.56 system was a 16″-barreled rifle, which transitioned over the years to a few different, shorter 10″ to 11.5″ barreled AR systems.

From their inception into the LE ranks, these shorter-barreled systems grew so popular that many uniformed officers and detectives often spent their own hard-earned dollars to purchase personally owned short-barreled rifles (SBRs). This included the additional COST and WAIT TIME for the associated federal tax stamps. 

It didn’t take long for the popularity of the SBR to carry over to the general population, and they too began to use, carry, and enjoy these shorter-barreled ARs. 

Pistol Platform Perks

The Springfield Armory SAINT Edge Pistol brings full circle the benefits, utility, use and overall fun factor of the medium-barreled AR platform. As with most of the SAINT line, you’ll find:

• A slim and robust free float forend
• An upper to lower Accu-Tite tensioning system
• An upgraded pistol grip — which has the angle I prefer
• An M16 bolt carrier group and HPT/MPI bolt

The “Edge subtext” also finds this Springfield SAINT Pistol with:

• A machined billet lower receiver
• An excellent proprietary single-stage match trigger group
• An extended SA mid-size charging handle
• An ambidextrous safety
• An adjustable pinned gas block

The pistol setup continues to impress with a Maxim Defense CQB brace with quick detach (QD) points on each side and a 10.3″ lightweight, Melonite-treated barrel.

Handling the SAINT Edge Pistol

This SAINT Edge Pistol is well balanced and light, weighing in at 5 lbs. 11.5 oz. The forend is the perfect length; running the length of the barrel. The safety stop is small but deliberate, giving an index point to the supporting hand and helping keep your digits clear of the muzzle. The billet lower receiver has enough contours to give it character. And in a practical sense, the SAINT Edge Pistol has an enlarged magazine well to facilitate smoother reloads.

The ambidextrous safety is not only a plus for us left-handed shooters, but aids in the simplification of non-standard shooting positions. At a recent LE rifle training session, I made special note of the added bonus that ambidextrous safeties bring. A portion of the class involved bi-lateral shooting with AR systems. The majority of the systems there were not equipped with ambi safeties.

I found it interesting and concerning that many of the right-handed shooters were struggling to manipulate a single-sided safety while rifles were left shouldered. When you have the benefit of an ambi safety, as with this SAINT Edge Pistol, the thumbs can be used to manipulate the safeties when working the trigger with either hand — which is helpful.

Hitting the Range

When first testing the SAINT Edge Pistol, I was on the range with fellow contributor to The Armory Life, Steve Tarani. We discussed the light weight, the great handling and the balance of this AR platform and also how nice the trigger is for an “off the shelf” gun.

Wanting to get an exact weight of the trigger, the following day I obtained a trigger pull gauge with actual hanging weights. This type of gauge gives the most precise results. The trigger broke at just under 4 lbs. What was more impressive, though, was not necessarily the weight, but the crispness of the trigger and the efficiency of the trigger’s reset.

As with all new firearms, before firing, I ran patches down the bore with several bore brush strokes. Lubricating with the enclosed Lucas Oil, I zeroed and ran the gun with a mixture of 55-gr. ammunition. Zeroing this SAINT Edge Pistol at 50 yards, I was able to produce several consistent 1″ groups with a non-magnified red dot optic. From first shot to last, there were no malfunctions.

Surprisingly, this AR shot very soft considering its size. I did a few double takes to make certain that someone had not, unbeknownst to me, installed some type of custom muzzle break device. None was found. 

Clearing the House

Having access to a shoot house, I was able to work the SAINT Edge Pistol through small openings and doorways — yet again reminding me why the 10″ to 12″ AR systems are so popular. You just can’t beat the compact configuration when working in and around structures. This gun is simply TIGHT. Due to its size, handling characteristics, slim forend and profile, it works well in confined spaces, God forbid the need arise.

A Must-Buy

In normal life, there are needs, wants and really wants. Like a well-built car from Bavaria (callout to my European heritage), this SAINT Edge Pistol is a REALLY WANT. Springfield Armory sent this to me as a test gun, but I will definitely be purchasing one and finding a spot for it at home — or more likely in my daily driver, a fine American-built pickup truck.

In fact, I may just need to get two, as this SAINT Edge Pistol could possibly be the perfect protector — the one you’ve been waiting for. Your search for the Holy Grail in a defensive AR weapon system is over.

Due to an ATF ruling regarding the configuration of pistols with stabilizing braces, these firearms can be subject to NFA (National Firearms Act) regulations as short-barreled firearms. It is the buyer’s responsibility to comply with all rules, restrictions and/or laws determined by your city or state. Please ensure you are up-to-date on all current laws.

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