Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC, the Accurized Tactical Chassis rifle
The new Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC Accurized Tactical Chassis rifle is dedicated to all tactical and sporting precision shooting applications, available in two versions, distinguished by finish, color and features.
The Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC semi-automatic rifle is the latest addition in the already vast and well established line of AR-15 based rifles, carbines, and pistols manufactured and offered on the global civilian markets by Springfield Armory since late 2016.
A precision rifle – dedicated to long-range hunting, sport shooting, and law enforcement tactical applications, particularly on urban terrain – the brand new Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC rifle (where ATC stands for "Advanced Tactical Chassis") stands apart from the other entries in the SAINT line by its unique, distinctive futuristic look which, far from being only purely aesthetic in nature, derives from a precise set of engineering choices meant to make the platform as accurate as an AR-15 rifle can be.
Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC semi-automatic rifle, basic version – left side
Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC semi-automatic rifle, Elite version – right side
The Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC rifle is chambered in .223 Wylde, meaning that it can feed and use either .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition, independently and regardless from the differences in pressure that the various loads may generate.
The SAINT Edge ATC rifle feeds through standard STANAG 4179 compliant magazines of any make and capacity, and features a Melonite-treated, 18" Ballistic Advantage barrel with a 1:7" twist rate and a Springfield Armory muzzle brake affixed on a threaded muzzle. The factory Carpenter 148 steel bolt is installed on a Melonite-treated M16 bolt carrier group, which is both tested for high pressure resistance and magnetic particle inspected for manufacturing defects (HPT/MPI)
The upper receiver of the Saint Edge ATC is the same forged 7075-T6 model featured on all the variants of the platform; the rifle owes its unique look to the unique, patented, monolithic 6061-T6 lower receiver that integrates the handguard and leaves the barrel completely free to float within it, while at the same time eliminating any contact within the barrel nut and the lower receiver.
According to Springfield Armory, this allowes the SAINT Edge ATC rifles to offer sub-MOA performance at 100 yards, when used by an experienced shooter with Match-grade ammunition, while retaining fairly standard technical features such as a direct gas impingment system – in this case, a mid-length gas system with a pinned low-profile gas block.
The Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC is currently available in a basic version and in an Elite version.
Among the feaures shared by both versions are a non-ambidextrous manual safety catch; a GI-style charging handle; adequately dimensioned magazine release and hold-open release catches; a full-length top MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail for optics; a set of M-LOK slots on the monolithic handguard for additional accessory rails; a Picatinny rail segment at 6-o'clock on the handguard for bipods; and a generous stop in front of the magazine well, providing for a convenient support when firing from improvised positions.
Additionally, both variants come from factory with a B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip and Springfield Armory's Accu-Tite™ Plus tension system, utilizing two conical set screws to eliminate any play between the upper and lower receiver for optimized accuracy.
The black baseline Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC model comes from factory with a B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD Stock, collapsible on six positions, and a proprietary Springfield Armory modular flat match trigger.
The Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC Elite rifle features a full coyote brown Cerakote finish and comes issued from factory with a LaRue Tactical MBT-2S two-stage straight bow trigger and a B5 Systems Collapsible Precision Stock, adjustable by length of pull and featuring a likewise adjustable cheek riser.
The Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC semi-automatic rifle is sold in the United States at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,459.99; MSRP for the SAINT Edge ATC Elite is set at $ 1,899.99. No information concerning export availability or international pricing has been made available so far.