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View Full Version : Armalite M15A4, ISP Carbine Review



Eric
28 February 2008, 12:34
Item Reviewed: Armalite M15A4 (LEC15A4CB)

Like just about every other manufacturer, Armalite is producing a semi-automatic civilian-friendly version of the M4 carbine. Some versions are of course closer to the real thing than others. The majority of my experience with Armalite has been limited to their popular AR10 rifle in .308. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29161.jpg
A few years ago Armalite was awarded the Illinois State Police contract for patrol carbines. The version provided under the ISP contract is designated as the LEC15A4CB and it has been made available to the general public as well. The MSRP is $1,040. However, street prices are always much lower and Armalite allows LEO’s to purchase directly from them at a very attractive price. I contacted Armalite and after chatting with Greg Neumann, Chief of Government Sales, I placed an order for the ISP Carbine. Within a few days it arrived at my local FFL.

The carbine arrived in a black PillarLock hard case. Included was: 30 round NHMTG USGI type magazine, orange chamber flag, black USGI type sling, manual, and cable lock.

The upper, lower, barrel and other metal parts matched well. The manufacturer information and serial number were clearly marked. “Safe” and “Fire” indicators appear on both sides of the lower receiver. The upper’s rail has every-other rail position laser marked, up to #12. The push-pins securing the upper to the lower were snug and initially a tool was required to get the pins moving. After a few hundred rounds it loosened up a bit and takedown could be accomplished by hand. The mil-spec receiver extension has six positions for the sliding M4 style buttstock, with the typical amount of rattle associated with this design.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29281.jpg
The M4 style barrel has the usual M203 step down, which is essentially pointless for the most of us. However, the M4 profiled barrel is overall lighter than an HBAR. Barrel steel is 4140 and an A2 flash suppressor is used. The chamber and barrel are chrome lined, with a 1:9 twist rate. Armalite states chambers are cut to 5.56 NATO specs. The barrel lacks any markings, except for a code stamped under the handguards. I consider this to be a poor choice, as it makes it very difficult to identify the barrel and it’s twist rate. My barrel was stamped “N39 9/7.” I was told that N=Nato Chamber, 3=Barrel Manufacturer, 9= 1:9 twist, 9/7= Manufactured Sept 07.

Armalite uses M4 feed ramps in the barrel extension. The upper receiver has the proper matching relief cuts. While this feature isn’t critical for most semi-auto applications, there really isn’t a downside to having them.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29551.jpg
The M15A4 uses a carbine gas system, with a standard weight carbine buffer. Handguards are standard carbine width and use a single aluminum heat shield. I would prefer to see M4 double lined handguards, but that’s a personal preference. The A2 grip is secured by way of a hex screw, instead of the more common slotted screw. The front sight tower is of standard height (non-F height).

The castle nut on my carbine was not staked in place and according to Armalite, that’s normal. LE orders can specify staking. I would prefer to see them all properly staked in place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29121.jpg
The M15A4 has a chrome lined bolt carrier, which has a shrouded firing pin. The gas key has very minimal staking. Armalite indicated the staking was normal, but that they torque all bolts to 55 inch pounds and Loctite them. I would prefer to see them properly staked in place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29201.jpg
The bolt on mine was marked ALM16, which I’m told indicates the lot number. Each individual bolt is not MPI tested, but batch tested. The extractor has the proper black carbine insert in place, as well as an o-ring to enhance the extractor tension.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29231.jpg
When I placed my order for the M15A4, I requested the standard single stage trigger instead of their Two-Stage Tactical Trigger. While there are some two-stage triggers that are acceptable in a duty carbine, I have seen too many that are problematic. When my carbine arrived from Armalite, I found the Two Stage Tactical Trigger had been installed anyway.

Prior to heading off to the range with the M15A4 I field stripped it, cleaned and lubed it up with Weapons Shield CLP. I then installed an Aimpoint ML2 in an ADM Cantilever mount. The carbine comes from Armalite with a removable carry handle/A2 rear sight that affixes to the flattop upper. Since I was using the Aimpoint optic the carry handle came off. I then added a Midwest Industries Same Plane Low Profile Back Up Iron Sight.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29271.jpg
My initial reaction was to tweak a few things on the carbine and install a few accessories. However, I decided to leave it as stock as possible, in order to see how the Armalite ran as it was delivered. The only other addition was a Gear Sector GS-2P sling.

Over a few sessions, I put just over a thousand rounds through the carbine, to include several rapid magazine dumps. I wanted to see how the carbine ran when hot and dirty. I experienced no malfunctions. Ejection was consistent, with the brass landing about 8 feet out near the three o’clock position. The Armalite supplied magazine, several USGI mags and Pmags all locked into place and dropped free.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29321.jpg
Armalite claims 1.5 to 2 MOA accuracy. I’m not a benchrest shooter and I was shooting a bit over that, using ball ammo.

After 1,000 rounds, I kind of warmed up to the two-stage trigger. Armalite’s Tactical Two-Stage trigger lacks any set-screws for adjustments, which is good thing. It seems to just be a matter of time till they go out of adjustment. The trigger pull weight is adjustable by way of repositioning the spring on the disconnector, but I didn’t mess with it. According to my uncalibrated trigger finger, the pull seemed to be around 7 lbs.

Upon cleaning the M15A4 I noticed the finish on the inside of the upper was coming off. It didn’t affect function whatsoever, but it looked odd. Armalite indicated it was the dry lube finish coming off. This wasn’t a matter of a few exposed spots; rather about half the finish was gone.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Armalite%20M15A4/IMG_29671.jpg
Overall, a mixed review for the Armalite M15A4 ISP Carbine. I’m more concerned about reliability than cosmetics and the reliability was 100%, albeit for only 1,000 rounds of testing. Armalite could do a few things to make their product more in line with a lot of us are looking for, but it was a solid performer.