https://www.smith-wesson.com/p...lunteer-xv-pro-m-lok


They've been on the market for a while, nice features sets at veryreasonable MSRP's, but not so easy to find informative reviews of their reliability and accuracy.

What are their drawback and strengths?

Example:





Rifle-length gas system
15" aluminum S&W® M-LOK® forend
B5 Systems SOPMOD stock
PWS 556 muzzle brake
Williams Gun Sight Company Folding Sights
B5 Systems P-Grip 23 pistol grip
Ambidextrous Radian Raptor-LT™ charging handle
Flat-faced trigger
Target crowned, threaded barrel
2" M-LOK® rail section included
Chromed firing pin
Forward assist
Dust cover
Forged, integral trigger guard
Armornite® finish on barrel (internal and external)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RichardC,

quote:

Originally posted by RichardC:
They've been on the market for a while, nice features sets at veryreasonable MSRP's, but not so easy to find informative reviews of their reliability and accuracy.

The reason is likely that it's just another AR15 in a vast sea of AR15s, all of which have similar features and performance.

So since it doesn't do anything better or worse than any other AR, and doesn't introduce any sort of innovative features, then there's little need to do an entire review just to say "It's the same as any other AR".

The rifle-length gas on a 16" barrel would be a potentially problematic characteristic. It'd be great for a silencer, and likely gets some help from the factory muzzle device, but I have always been under the impression that that's too long of a gas system for that barrel length, when it comes to "duty" reliability requirements.

quote:

Originally posted by KSGM:
I have always been under the impression that that's too long of a gas system for that barrel length, when it comes to "duty" reliability requirements.

Keep in mind that the specs posted are apparently for a rifle chambered in 6mm ARC.

While it is generally true that rifle gas is less optimal on a 16" .223/5.56 AR15, optimal gas system length and port size vary depending on gas pressure, and 6mm ARC has higher pressure and a different pressure curve than .223/5.56.

So that generally accepted opinion for .223/5.56 gas length may likely not apply here.

(I don't know enough about 6mm ARC to say for certain.)

I see. I didn't click the link. I assumed the OP was referring to a 5.56mm example.

The 5.56mm version of the same rifle is indeed mid-length. OP may want to edit his post, if he wants feedback on the 5.56 version. That or clarify in his title and OP that he is inquiring about the 6mm version.

Bolt carrier groups make or break an AR-15. I've not shot an M&P 15 enough to really know how they would stand up. Feeding can be a problem with any 6mm ARC, I gather. Troubleshooting magazines and finding some that would work the best, that's something only you can do with with rifle in hand. After speculating on the photo and S&W marketing copy, I dunno. S&W forums do have some posts about problematic BCGs, particularly with the gas block.

This is an older thread



Review of both models in 6MM ARC from same author.

Better details on accuracy testing in the 20" barrel review

https://thegunzone.com/smith-w...k-blue-black-review/

https://thegunzone.com/smith-w...k-blue-black-review/


There are some of these leftover at attractive prices from various retailers.

Other makers' versions are coming back into stock, mostly several hundred to several thousand $ more.

quote:

What don't they do well?

In 6mm ARC? Shoot cheap. Although, at a buck to a buck and a quarter a round, it's not as bad as I expected. (source: quick search on Ammoseek.com)

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:

quote:

What don't they do well?

In 6mm ARC? Shoot cheap. Although, at a buck to a buck and a quarter a round, it's not as bad as I expected. (source: quick search on Ammoseek.com)

From what I see in webz & press, 6 ARC was not developed as direct price competition to low-cost FMJ 5.56/223 ammo. For all practices and purposes 6 ARC is 6 Grendel. Hornady is the primary ammo manufacturer -- they are currently making ammo with only match bullets, which is reflected in consumer pricing.

6 ARC's initial marketing campaign is primarily focused on the accuracy-driven shooter. IMO they are going after the PRS-type competitor who likes the moderate-velocity 6mmm chamberings. Almost in the realm of 6mm BR -- but with a reasonable cost factory load, which fits in an AR15, and fits into a true short bolt action (i.e. 223 Remy).

I expect the factory bullet options to expand as the round becomes more popular, and as additional ammo manufacturers enter the market. But 6 ARC will never be cost competitive against 5.56 ball.