The SAINT Victor has been a very successful rifle line for Springfield. It has proven itself to be a reliable and accurate rifle that performs well beyond its price. In the standard Springfield fashion, however, they decided that what was good could be better. Today, they have announced a brand-new line of newly redesigned SAINT Victor rifles.
Improving on Success – Redesigned SAINT Victor Rifles
Today, Springfield launches a collection of newly redesigned SAINT Victors. Made up of 5.56mm rifles and pistols with 11.5”, 14”, and 16” barrels as well as 16” and 20” 7.62mm rifle variants, these new SAINT Victors feature enhanced components and professional-grade reliability. The result is a complete line of top-tier defensive AR-pattern firearms.
“Since its launch in 2019, the SAINT Victor line has proven itself as a market leader by providing premium features and impressive performance,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “With these enhancements and updates, the new SAINT Victors — in 5.56mm or 7.62mm — stand ready to deliver professional-grade capabilities.”
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Top Gold Ranking
A recipient of the top “gold” ranking in the “Member Tested and Recommended” (MTR) program of the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), the new Victors are built on a solid foundation of forged 7075-T6 Type III hardcoat anodized aluminum receivers. Featuring low-profile, minimalist-style markings, they also feature the Accu-Tite tension system for an accuracy-enhancing fit between the receivers.
In addition, all these new Victors feature Radian Raptor-LT charging handles. Machined from 7075 aluminum and over-molded with high-strength, fiberglass-reinforced polymer, these provide ambidextrous functionality.
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Performance Barrels
Out front, the new SAINT Victors feature 4150 CMV barrels with a continuous tapered profile, designed to deliver optimal heat distribution and rigidity. Featuring a durable nitride finish that provides a wear- and corrosion-resistant surface, these barrels feature taper-pinned/low-profile gas blocks and crowned muzzles, delivering both precision and reliability for demanding users.
The aluminum handguard features a full-length top Picatinny rail with T-slot markings and ample M-LOK coverage for lights, foregrips, and aiming devices. Free-floated for repeatable accuracy, the handguard is attached to the upper by a robust, patented mounting system with four integrated QD cups.
No “Ring” Four Prong Flash Hider
Topping off the muzzles of the 4150 CMV barrels are four-prong flash hiders, with the 5.56mm 14” model featuring a pinned and welded flash hider to bring the total length to 16”. Mid-length gas systems are featured on the 14” and 16” 5.56mm guns, while the pistols have carbine-length systems. The 16” 7.62mm has an intermediate-length system between mid- and rifle-length, and the 20” 7.62mm has a rifle-length gas system.
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The enhanced bolt carrier group (BCG) is built from premium materials for ultimate reliability and features an M16-pattern carrier. The bolt is crafted from 9310 carpenter steel, HP/MPI tested, and nitride finished. A hard-chromed firing pin extends service life by reducing wear, while the properly staked gas key further ensures gas system reliability.
SOPMOD Stocks
Rounding out the package in the new rifles are B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD stocks, Type 23 P-Grip pistol grips and polymer trigger guards, 45-degree ambidextrous safety levers, low-profile aluminum flip-up sights, nickel boron-coated triggers, and Gen M3 PMAG magazines. The 5.56mm pistol features an SB Tactical SBA3 brace. Colors offered include black, as well as Cerakote Coyote Brown and Tungsten Gray models.
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I have been a fan of the SAINT in all its various flavors and was excited to test drive the upgraded model. Springfield sent me the Saint Victor 5.56 AR-15 Rifle V-2. This is their 16-inch model. The only thing I added was a Trijicon MRO-HD with the new 3x magnifier. This would be the perfect optic for testing.
Range Time
Out of the box, the new SAINT was ready to roll. The fit and finish on the gun were just what I expected from Springfield. There was no rattle or play in the gun, and the finish was excellent. I quickly saw some of the enhancements on this 2.0 model. First was the 45-degree safety. I consider this a premium feature that enhances the speed of manipulations. The flared magwell is a nice touch, making running the gun faster and easier once again.
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Performance on the range, however, is where talking points are put to the test. After a quick zero, I started running drills at growing distances. First up was a 10-yard silhouette. The flat nickel-boron-coated trigger was excellent. Springfield has designed this to reduce friction, resulting in a smoother pull and improved feel. A magazine later, and there was a ragged hole the size of an apple in the center of the target.
Paper and Steel
I continued to move further back and changed from paper to steel. I transitioned from head shots to the flipper in the center of the target seamlessly. The misses I experienced were user error when I tried to go faster and faster. Ultimately, I ran the steel out to 300 yards and tried some off-hand shooting. The Trijicon 3x magnifier, coupled with the MRO-HD, helped me achieve a string of 10 consecutive hits. My less-than-young eyes appreciated the magnifier.
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Throughout the 500 rounds I fired, I experienced zero malfunctions. Ammo-wise, I ran everything from Hornady Black 62-grain to some steel-case Red Army standard 55-grain. Regardless of what I fed it, the rifle continued to run. On a side note, I did not add any lubrication to the rifle before or during the testing. Although I don’t recommend this, it demonstrated that the nitride coating on the bolt carrier group was effective. The coating provides a low-friction surface, improving wear resistance and ease of maintenance.
Redesigned SAINT Victor Rifles
At the end of the day, I reflected on the gun’s overall performance. Like the SAINTs before it, the newly designed version is a winner. Springfield made a full-court press on the new SAINT line, offering 16 different models to choose from. While they have a slight price increase, the newly redesigned SAINT Victor shoots and performs well beyond its price tag. If you are looking for your first AR or are a seasoned shooter, you would be well served to check out the new lineup.
Newly Redesigned SAINT Victor Models:
| SAINT Victor 5.56 Rifle | MSRP: $1,249 |
| SAINT Victor 5.56 Rifle Lo-Cap | MSRP: $1,249 |
| SAINT Victor 5.56 Coyote Brown Rifle | MSRP: $1,279 |
| SAINT Victor 5.56 Tungsten Gray | MSRP: $1,279 |
| SAINT Victor 14” 5.56 Rifle | MSRP: $1,279 |
| SAINT Victor 14” 5.56 Rifle Lo-Cap | MSRP: $1,279 |
| SAINT Victor 5.56 Rifle CA-Compliant | MSRP: $1,249 |
| SAINT Victor 5.56 SBR 11.5” Rifle | MSRP: $1,249 |
| SAINT Victor 5.56 11.5” Pistol | MSRP: $1,249 |
| SAINT Victor 5.56 11.5” Pistol Lo-Cap | MSRP: $1,249 |
| SAINT Victor 7.62 20” Rifle | MSRP: $1,689 |
| SAINT Victor 7.62 20” Rifle Lo-Cap | MSRP: $1,689 |
| SAINT Victor 7.62 Rifle | MSRP: $1,649 |
| SAINT Victor 7.62 Rifle Lo-Cap | MSRP: $1,649 |
| SAINT Victor 7.62 Coyote Brown Rifle | MSRP: $1,679 |
| SAINT Victor 7.62 Rifle CA-Compliant | MSRP: $1,649 |
For more information on the new SAINT Victors, please visit here.
