The original Saint has already gained a reputation for better than average accuracy and high reliability, so I expected no less in the new FFH model. Over three range sessions I had an opportunity to wring it out pretty well at 50 yards, as well as accuracy testing at 100 yards. Each day was in the mid-90s, sunny and humid, typical of summer in eastern NC. Sweat in the eyes and even a bit of mirage at distance is normal. Topping the Saint FFH with an Aimpoint T1 on a Larue QD mount, I had little trouble putting five rounds inside about an inch upon initial zeroing at 50 yards. Good accuracy was also obtained with the BUIS. Most initial break-in was with less-expensive Freedom Munitions .223 55-gr. FMJ remanufactured ammo, MFS 62-gr. SP, and 55-gr. Wolf Gold. The Saint did not especially like the Freedom Munitions ammo, demonstrating some failures to feed and extract. I attribute that more to the ammo than the gun, so I stayed with factory new ammo afterward. Your mileage may vary. As is my protocol, I ran several drills closer in with the Saint FFH, and was impressed with how easily the rifle absorbed recoil and was easy to get back on target. One thing that did not come as a surprise was that the slim Magpul forearm gets hot quickly, especially when firing drills that require you to empty 10 rounds or more at a rapid rate. There is no free lunch, so wear a glove on your support hand if you want to shoot this or any other AR with a similar forearm set up very fast. As far as 100 yard accuracy goes, the Saint FFH proved more than acceptable. Most ammo utilized, including 55-gr. Wolf, 55-gr. Winchester FMJ, 62-gr. Federal AE Green Tip, and 70-gr. Barnes TSX, shot around two inches utilizing a Trijicon 4-16x-50 AccuPower riflescope in a Larue SPR 1.5 QD mount. Many 5- shot groups had four rounds inside an inch with a flyer, so better is possible. The Saint FFH is no sniper rifle, but mine clearly liked Hornady .223 BTHP Match, with the best group being an enviable .875-inch center to center, and a second 5-shot group at .90 inches. The Saint digested all 300+ rounds from five different types of common polymer and metal magazines without a single malf. Not too shabby.
The Saint FFH is bound to continue the Saint line’s popularity with anyone who wants a high-quality AR at a reasonable price. Beyond new users and collectors, I can see a niche for this AR with law enforcement units on a budget, as it has everything they need and nothing they don’t. Put a good optic and a light on it, and you have a duty gun that is reliable, handy and accurate enough for just about any foreseeable circumstance. I personally have enough ARs to keep me happy for awhile, but I seriously considered making room for the Saint FFH in my safe. The MSRP is an easy $1,049. See it at your firearms retailer, or contact Springfield Armory, Dept. OT, Tel.: (800) 680-6866; Web: www.springfield-armory.com
Springfield Armory Saint FFH
- S.R.P: $1,049
- Chambering: 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Rem)
- Magazine: Magpul 30-round
- Overall Length: 32.25 to 35.50 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds, 9 ounces
- Stock: BCM 6-position MOD 0
- Sights: Fully adjustable, flip-up
- Barrel Length: 16-inches
- Rifling: 1:8 RH
- Finish: Hard-coat black anodized
