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The modern sporting rifle all started with ArmaLite. And the Illinois-based manufacturer continues to add to the popular firearm's family.
ArmaLite announced a new addition to its M-15 line, one tailored for precision work in law enforcement and competition. The M-15TBN has all the bells and whistles that should make it an excellent tool in delivering rounds to their targets, again and again — without fail.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the rifle – chambered .223/5.56 NATO – is its match-grade barrel. The 18-inch, stainless-steel barrel is light enough to remain maneuverable, but has the length and heft to keep groups tight.
The M-15TBN has a 1:8 twist, giving the rifle some versatility when it comes to ammunition selection. The twist rate is right between where many manufacturers draw the line for throwing light and heavy rounds down range. It should be a fast enough twist to make heavier bullets, 62-grains and up, strike dead on. But it might not be too fast to accurately fire lighter, less expensive rounds on an afternoon at the local shooting range.
What certainly should also add to the rifle's accuracy is the addition of a national-match trigger. ArmaLite already does its fans a favor by making two-stage triggers standard in their M-15s, giving them a more predictable break. The addition of the national-match trigger takes this a step further.
The bow of the trigger is mounted further forward than ArmaLite's tactical version, for better finger placement. It has a pull around 2-pounds lighter than the tactical trigger and is tuned so there should be no creep in the second stage, eliminating distracting movement.
The M-15TBN boasts a free-floating quadrail hand guard, outfitted with Picatinny rails, as is the rifle’s forged flattop. The rails allow for the quick and easy addition of accessories, in nearly endless configurations.
The upper and lower receivers are made of forged 7075-T6 aluminum (zinc alloy). It has a low-profile gas block, making the addition of a precision optic a snap. It also has a lightweight adjustable B5 Systems stock.
The M-15TBN weighs in at 7.9 pounds and has an overall length of 35.2-38.5 inches. It comes with one 10-round magazine and a hard case. The MSRP on the rifle is $1,449.
ArmaLite M-15TBN Specifications
Caliber: .223/5.56 X 45 mm NATO National Match
Barrel: 18″ AISI 416R Stainless Steel T Heavy
Rifling Twist: RH 1:8”
Muzzle Device: Flash Suppressor
Gas Block: ArmaLite Low-profile Gas Block
Handguard: ArmaLite Free Float Quadrail
Upper Receiver: Forged Flattop with Picatinny Rail, 7075-T6 Aluminum
Lower Receiver: 7075-T6 Aluminum (forged)
Trigger: National Match two stage
Overall Length: 35.2-38.5“
Weight: 7.9 lbs.
Finish: Hard Anodized Aluminum, Manganese Phosphated Steel
Included with Rifle: One 10 Round Magazine, Owner’s Manual, Limited Lifetime Warranty
Recommended AR Resources
Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to the AR-15
