Armalite M15A4 Reviewed

[Eric]

Armalite M15A4 Review

Related links:
http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=LEC15A4CB
http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=LEC15A4CBK

Note that the LEC15A4CBK does not include the carry handle like the LEC154CB. For most of us, the carry handle is eventually removed when we add optics. I'd suggest going with the LEC15A4CBK to save a few dollars. They are otherwise the same. Of course, I figured this out after my purchase.

Feel free to discuss the M15A4 here.

[Stickman]

My biggest question is this, based off the time you spent with it, would you feel comfortable being issued that weapon as a patrol carbine?

[Eric]

My biggest question is this, based off the time you spent with it, would you feel comfortable being issued that weapon as a patrol carbine?

I would indeed. It wouldn't be my first choice, but it would do the job. The individual officer, or preferably the department armorer, would be advised to address the staking issues prior to duty use. Since this particular weapon is not currently being deployed in the field, I'm going to leave the staking as is, just to see what happens with additional use.

[DM-SC]

Other than the staking issue, do think the BCG in the Armalite guns are GTG?

[Eric]

Other than the staking issue, do think the BCG in the Armalite guns are GTG?

I didn't see anything else to make be believe otherwise. The argument can be made that the bolts are not all proof tested/MPI, but batch tested.

[12131]

What is the deal with some major AR players not staking their BCG keys properly? It's not that hard, is it?

[TigerStripe]

What is the deal with some major AR players not staking their BCG keys properly? It's not that hard, is it?

No, but they know that the ones who need to will and that those who don't know probably don't need to.



TS

[NickDrak]

I have had a Armalite M15A4 since 2001. While I have replaced everything but the lower receiver due to personal preference (I'm sure most of you here can relate), the original ArmaLite upper held up well with just over 5,000rds throught it. My ArmaLite came with a commercial spec buffer tube which was also replaced. I specifically remember that the carrier on my ArmaLite was not staked properly either. I sold off the entire ArmaLite upper & BCG a few years back and replaced it with a LMT MRP.

The original ArmaLite lower receiver now has just over 10,000rds through it with no issues. I chose to go with the Armalite due to department policy which only allows personally owned carbines from ArmaLite, Bushmaster & Colt.

Two years back I attended a carbine course put on by Henk Iverson (Strike Tactical) along with two friends of mine from the Illinois State Police. They used their department issued ArmaLite's during the class, and neither of them suffered any malfunctions of any kind during the course. We fired 800+ rounds during the class. I did not get a chance to inspect the carriers on their ArmaLite's but I suspect they where not staked properly either.

[John Hwang]

What is the deal with some major AR players not staking their BCG keys properly? It's not that hard, is it?

Young MFG doesn't stake their bolt carriers. When I asked about it, they told me they use red locktite and with over 10,000 rounds...no failures. After we got them, we still staked them though. I figured it couldn't hurt

[skyjerk]

Armalite M15A4 Review

Related links:
http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=LEC15A4CB
http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=LEC15A4CBK

Note that the LEC15A4CBK does not include the carry handle like the LEC154CB. For most of us, the carry handle is eventually removed when we add optics. I'd suggest going with the LEC15A4CBK to save a few dollars. They are otherwise the same. Of course, I figured this out after my purchase.

Feel free to discuss the M15A4 here.

I just purchased this rifle. Its my first AR

I'm wondering about the finish which mostly wore off inside the upper receiver in your test rifle.

You said that Armalite says this is the dry lube finish.

Did they say that this is normal and is nothing to be concerned about?

In other words, is this just a cosmetic issue because it looks bad, or is the rifle more prone to corrosion in this area because that finish is gone?

[Eric]

You said that Armalite says this is the dry lube finish.

Did they say that this is normal and is nothing to be concerned about?

In other words, is this just a cosmetic issue because it looks bad, or is the rifle more prone to corrosion in this area because that finish is gone?

Correct. It is indeed just cosmetic. That carbine continues to run great.

[Quib]

Correct. It is indeed just cosmetic. That carbine continues to run great.

Yep.

I don’t think I’ve seen an upper yet where the dry film lube hasn’t peeled to some degree. It’s definitely not meant to be permanent.

[skyjerk]

Correct. It is indeed just cosmetic. That carbine continues to run great.

Thanks!

BTW, did you end up staking the gas key and castle nut or just leave them as they were?

[Johnny Yuma]

My new Armalite M15A4CBA2 has the bolt properly staked , but not the castle nut ...

I do wish it had the 1:7 twist vs the supplied 1:9 twist ...

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.asp...b-822e58014822