Springfield Armory SAINT 5.56 NATO
Model: ST916556BMA
Springfield Armory SAINT 5.56 NATO
Model: ST916556BMA
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Springfield Armory built the SAINT as a complete, ready-to-run AR-15 with a parts list that reads above its station. The 16-inch chrome moly vanadium barrel wears a Melonite finish for corrosion resistance, and the bolt carrier group uses Carpenter 158 steel — the same spec the military requires. Forged 7075-T6 aluminum receivers with Type III hardcoat anodizing handle the structure, and the nickel boron coated single-stage trigger offers smoother cycling than a standard mil-spec unit. At 107 oz, the SAINT lands within a few ounces of most 16-inch ARs in this bracket.
Springfield ships the SAINT with a BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 grip, a mid-length gas system, and both an A2 front sight post and a low-profile adjustable flip-up rear sight. That iron sight setup is a genuine advantage for new AR owners who want to zero the rifle and start shooting without buying accessories. The M-LOK free-float handguard keeps weight off the barrel while still accepting lights, lasers, or vertical grips wherever the shooter needs them.
For buyers stepping into the AR platform for the first time, the most practical thing about the SAINT is what it does not need. The BCM grip, functional sights, and quality BCG mean the rifle works well at the range from the first trip. Upgrading the trigger or stock down the road is straightforward, but neither is urgent.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- Ships with both an A2 front sight post and a low-profile adjustable flip-up rear sight, making it one of the few mid-tier ARs that is genuinely range-ready from the box without buying accessories.
- The Carpenter 158 steel bolt carrier group meets the same material spec used in military M4 contracts, giving the SAINT long-term durability that cheaper bolts cannot match.
- The BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 grip is a real third-party upgrade, not a generic A2 grip — it provides a steeper angle and better texture than what most factory ARs include.
- The nickel boron coated trigger is smoother than bare mil-spec but still a single-stage unit without the clean break of a two-stage trigger like those found on the Ruger MPR or Sig Tread V2.
- The single-side safety selector requires left-handed shooters to reach over the receiver or install an aftermarket ambidextrous selector.
Category Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I upgrade first on the Springfield SAINT?
The trigger is the most common first upgrade. The factory nickel boron coated single-stage trigger is smoother than bare mil-spec, but a drop-in single-stage like the Rise Armament RA-140 or a two-stage like the LaRue MBT-2S will noticeably improve accuracy and shot consistency. The BCM grip, Carpenter 158 bolt, and iron sights are all solid enough to leave alone for thousands of rounds.
Does the Springfield SAINT come with iron sights?
Yes. The SAINT ships with an A2 front sight post and a low-profile adjustable flip-up rear sight. This makes it one of the few mid-tier ARs that can be zeroed and shot at the range without purchasing any additional accessories. Most competitors in this bracket ship with flat-top uppers and no sights at all.
Is the Carpenter 158 bolt on the SAINT the same spec as military M4 bolts?
Carpenter 158 is the steel alloy specified in the military's Technical Data Package for the M4 carbine bolt. It is a vacuum arc remelted steel with consistent grain structure that resists fatigue cracking under repeated firing. Some manufacturers use 9310 steel instead, which is also acceptable, but Carpenter 158 remains the original mil-spec material and carries a long performance track record.