Review: Spike's Tactical ST-15 M4 LE Carbine

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  • esrice

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    ***********************************
    Editor's Note:
    This thread will continue to be updated as lovemywoods and I have more time with this rifle. Check back often to see more commentary and pictures as we go from initial impressions to first cleaning, shooting sessions, and modifications. :ingo:
    ************************************


    Review: Spike's Tactical ST-15 M4 LE
    by esrice & lovemywoods
    Photos by lovemywoods
    Post-processing by Jenn Rice of His Kids Photography


    In the world of AR-15s, the 16" 'M4-style' carbine has quickly become one of the most popular variants. Every manufacturer has their own version, and every one looks very similar-- at least in magazine ads and online pictures.

    But that's where the similarities stop.

    On a regular basis, newcomers to INGO sign on and ask the same question-- "I want to get into an AR, but I'm on a budget. What is the best value for my money?"

    They are then inundated with responses. They hear everything from "My $650 home-build has never let me down" and "Olympic makes a good $700 rifle" to "Buy once, cry once! Save your money for a $1,200 Colt!"

    Then, someone (usually me :D) will post this link: So you want to buy an AR-15, huh?

    That link introduces the newbie to the concept of "mil-spec" in regards to M4-styled carbines. Herein lies some confusion, as "mil-spec" is often misunderstood. The shortened definition goes like this . . .

    The US Military buys guns. Because they want good guns, they have a predefined set of standards that they require the gun manufacturers to adhere to. This is called "military specification" (mil-spec). This can be a range of precise tolerances on a machined part, a unique metal treatment, or a required set of tests that each part must pass.

    The idea here is that quality is consistent, and every gun produced is good. Mil-spec does not, however, always mean best. There are parts out there on the market that exceed the specifications set forth by the military. However, for your average citizen gun owner, using mil-spec as your standard is a simple way to minimize your chances of getting a lemon, or a gun that won't perform when you need it most.

    For the past several years the mil-spec benchmark in M4-styled carbines has been the Colt LE6920. It possess all the mil-spec features that the military requires. However, the average price tag of $1,200 has been enough to cause hobby shooters to search for a less expensive alternative.

    Due to this demand, other AR manufacturers began cutting out many of the mil-spec requirements and offering lower priced (and lower quality :xmad:) rifles. $700 for a complete rifle started to sound really nice. However, fit-and-finish was poor, and reliability was hit-or-miss.

    Enter the Spike's Tactical ST-15 M4 LE.

    ST-15 M4 LE Carbine [STR5025-M4S] - $799.95 : Spikes Tactical

    Somehow, Spike's Tactical has figured out a way to build a complete rifle within the best of both worlds-- mil-spec quality, and a budget-minded price tag of only $800. :eek:

    After I had recommended this rifle to a handful of INGOers based on specs and price alone, I really wanted an opportunity to get my hands on one myself. Always up for an adventure, lovemywoods contacted INGO Advertiser Aszerigan at Profire Arms, who was running a 10% off sale for the month of September. After tax and transfer, his out-the-door price was $780.36. :eek: Although I wouldn't expect to see THAT kind of deal again, today's non-sale price would still be under $870 out-the-door.

    As Spike's states on their website, it did take some time for lovemywoods to receive the rifle (45 days). This was due not only to the overwhelming popularity of this rifle, but Spike's also had a minor shipping delay that they promptly took care of. My understanding is that they were very upfront with Profire Arms about it, and Andrew (Aszerigan) was very prompt with updates to lovemywoods. A big +1 to both Spike's Tactical and Profire Arms. :yesway:

    For you impatient readers, on to the pictures. . . .

    The rifle came in a plastic lockable hard case. While it isn't a Pelican case, it does show some great attention to detail that I appreciate-- and you will see that trend continued throughout the rifle.

    Spikesreduced-01.jpg


    Spikesreduced-02.jpg




    Spike's Tactical said:
    Accessories-
    -Detachable Mil-Spec Forged A2 Carry handle with MIL-A-8625F Type III Class 2 Hardcoat anodized finish.
    -(1) Magpul 30rd Pmag.
    -Hard plastic carry case.

    Upon opening the case, you are presented with the rifle, 1 Magpul PMAG, and a 'swag packet' of goodies. I appreciated not only the addition of a magazine, but a PMAG.

    Spikesreduced-03.jpg


    Attached are two tags. One showing who built and inspected the lower, and one showing who built and did the HPT/MPI testing on the upper. This is where the mil-spec standard is nice, because you know that YOUR rifle in YOUR hands has passed these tests.

    Spikesreduced-04.jpg


    Spikesreduced-05.jpg


    Like any progressive AR company these days, Spike's likes their swag. And they included lots of it with this rifle. There is a nice spider logo velcro patch, several stickers, and some glossy postcard-sized advertisements.

    Spikesreduced-06.jpg


    Spikesreduced-07.jpg


    Spike's Tactical said:
    Barrel specifications-
    -Barrel steel is Certified MIL-B-11595E Chromoly Vanadium Alloy.
    -Raw barrel steel is Magnetic Particle Inspected prior to machining.
    -Barrels are stress relieved.
    -16" length.
    -Mil-Spec M4 barrel extension with 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish inside and out.
    -1.2.2.2 MIL-STD-171 hard chrome chamber and bore.
    -5.56mm Nato chamber.
    -All chambers are Individually checked for head space twice (once before plating and once after plating).
    -1:7 twist rate.
    -All barrels are Individually High Pressure Tested (HPT) and then Individually Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI).
    -5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish on the barrel exterior.
    -M4 Government profile.
    -.750 diameter front sight base location.
    -Carbine length DI gas system.
    -1/2x28 thread pitch.
    -Threads are concentric to the bore.
    -Forged F-marked A2 front sight base with bayonet lug and 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish.
    -Barrel has 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finished under the F-marked A2 front sight base.
    -The F-marked A2 front sight base is taper pinned to the barrel and perfectly straight.
    -Rubber coated front sling loop attached with correct rivet.

    Here are some barrel-to-stock pictures.

    Spikesreduced-09.jpg


    Spike's Tactical said:
    M4 LE upper receiver group specifications
    Spike's Tactical M4 flat top upper receiver specifications-
    -CNC Machined from a 7075 T6 MIL-H-6088 Forging.
    -Extended M4 feed ramps (done before plating).
    -Mil-Spec 1913 picatinny rail.
    -MIL-A-8625F Type III Class 2 Hardcoat anodized finish inside and out.
    -Laser engraved T-markings.
    -Laser engraved ST Spider logo.
    -MIL-L-46010 Dryfilm lube on the interior.
    -Mil-Spec ejection port door assembly with 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish.
    -Mil-Spec forward assist assembly with tool steel pawl and 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish.

    Spikesreduced-08.jpg


    Spike's Tactical said:
    M4 LE lower receiver group specifications
    Spike's Tactical lower receiver specifications-
    -CNC Machined from a 7075 T6 MIL-H-6088 Forging.
    -Low shelf for RDIAS.
    -Milled engraving.
    -MIL-A-8625F Type III Class 2 Hardcoat anodized finish inside and out.
    -Mil-Spec lower parts kit with rounded hammer.
    -Trigger and hammer engagement surfaces have been jeweled/polished during the manufacturing process.
    -.154 diameter stainless steel trigger pin with black oxide finish.
    -.154 diameter stainless steel hammer pin with black oxide finish.
    -7075 Mil-Spec receiver extension (buffer tube), 1.14" diameter, 6 position, MIL-A-8625F Type III Class 2 Hardcoat anodized finish inside and out with MIL-L-46010 Dryfilm lube inside and out.
    -Mil-Spec castle nut and latch plate with 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish.
    -Castle nut is torqued to 38ft-lb. and held in place by a properly staked latch plate.
    -ST-T2 Tungsten heavy buffer.
    -Mil-Spec 17-4 stainless steel buffer spring.
    -Spike's Tactical Mil-Spec M4 stock with sling loop, hardware has been properly heat treated and 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finished.

    Spikesreduced-10.jpg


    One of the first things that stood out to me about this rifle is the quality of the machining and engraving. The Spike's spider logo is fairly detailed anyway, and the sharpness of the engraving is impressive. I've seen some rifles where the serial number depths are uneven-- not so with this one.

    Spikesreduced-11.jpg


    The safety selector is a pictogram rather than the standard "Safe/Semi". The selector itself is also extremely smooth, with no grit, and snaps into place positively. Manipulations were more comfortable than my Bushmaster or lovemywoods' Colt.

    Spikesreduced-12.jpg


    Spikesreduced-15.jpg


    Spike's Tactical is very big on branding, and they have their spider logo everywhere on this rifle. I personally appreciate small touches like this, but others may find it unnecessary or distracting.

    Spikesreduced-13.jpg


    The carry handle is removable, and the flat-top upper is T-marked.

    Spikesreduced-14.jpg


    Front sight base is F-marked.

    Spikesreduced-16.jpg


    Stock is a standard carbine stock with the Spike's logo.

    Spikesreduced-17.jpg


    The castle nut is staked in two places. They did an excellent job, as there is no doubt that metal has moved to block any rotation.

    Spikesreduced-18.jpg


    Spikesreduced-19.jpg


    Rather than using a mil-spec H-buffer, Spike's uses their proprietary ST-T2 Tungsten heavy buffer. And another logo.

    Spikesreduced-20.jpg


    Lower parts are mil-spec, and the trigger/hammer surfaces have been polished. During function testing I came to REALLY like the trigger. It is the smoothest AR trigger I've felt in a stock gun. It is much cleaner than my Bushmaster or lovemywoods' Colt. The red goo is lube/grease from the factory.

    Spikesreduced-22.jpg


    Hammer is of the rounded variety (versus notched).

    Spikesreduced-21.jpg


    M16 bolt carrier group is full-auto compatible and has a shrouded firing pin.

    Spike's Tactical said:
    Bolt carrier group specifications-
    -Mil-Spec 8620 tool steel M16 bolt carrier w/shrouded firing pin.
    -Carrier has 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish inside and out with 1.2.2.2 MIL-STD-171 hard chrome bore.
    -Laser engraved with ST Spider logo (visable through ejection port door opening).
    -Mil-Spec tool steel carrier key.
    -Carrier key has 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish inside and out with 1.2.2.2 MIL-STD-171 hard chrome bore.
    -Carrier key is attached with Grade 8 hardware and properly staked per the Mil-Spec.
    -Bolts are CNC machined from Carpenter No. 158®.
    -Bolts have 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish inside and out.
    -All bolts are shot peened per the current Mil-Spec.
    -All bolts are Individually High Pressure Tested (HPT) and then Individually Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI).
    -Tool steel extractor, shot peened, 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish, fitted with a Mil-Spec black extractor spring insert and Mil-Spec Viton o-ring.
    -Mil-Spec firing pin with 1.2.2.2 MIL-STD-171 hard chrome finish.
    -Mil-Spec cam pin with 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish.
    -Mil-Spec firing pin retaining pin with 5.3.1.2 MIL-STD-171 phosphate finish.

    Spikesreduced-24.jpg


    Spikesreduced-27.jpg


    Carrier key has been staked properly.

    Spikesreduced-23.jpg


    More spider. . .

    Spikesreduced-26.jpg


    Bolt is shot peened and HPT/MPI tested. Firing pin is hard chromed.

    Spikesreduced-28.jpg


    Standard charging handle with standard latch.

    Spikesreduced-25.jpg


    Remember that attention to detail that I was talking about? One thing I noticed was that all the edges were nicely chamfered where they will be making contact with other parts.

    Spikesreduced-29.jpg


    Spikesreduced-30.jpg


    Upper and barrel extension both have M4 feedramp cuts.

    Spikesreduced-31.jpg


    Spikesreduced-33.jpg


    Gas tube is nice and straight.

    Spikesreduced-32.jpg


    Handguards have double heatshields. When I first removed them I thought that the inner shield was badly bent. I commented to lovemywoods that I was surprised it passed Spike's quality control. Upon further investigation we found that the other half had a bent shield that looked identical. When we put the halves together and looked down through them it all made sense. The bend helps the two halves mate together, giving extra heat protection even in the seam of the handguard.

    Spikesreduced-34.jpg


    Spikesreduced-35.jpg


    Spikesreduced-36.jpg


    Underneath the handguards the barrel is nicely marked. I've never seen a barrel marking laser engraved like this.

    Spikesreduced-37.jpg


    And here is the final product, put back together.

    Spikesreduced-38.jpg


    Spikesreduced-39.jpg


    Spike's Tactical said:
    **All of our products carry a LIFETIME Warranty**

    Stay tuned for more as lovemywoods and I get some more time under the gun. The next step is a full detail strip and cleaning, which lovemywoods will report on. After that we will have a full range report. We already have an optic and mount for it, and details on further modifications will also be included in this review.

    :ingo:
     
    Last edited:

    aclark

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    GREAT write up. This is what I'm talking about. A great product at a great price.

    As for uppers, I know BCM has a great reputation, but their price is up there close the the Colt, so its still not a value product. I'm really thinking that the Spike's may be the way to go when I finally come across the funds again. For a little more than 1/2 the price of the BCM, with what seems like all the features, how can you beat it?

    As always you have a great write up here! Thanks Evan.
     

    esrice

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    range report ???

    esrice said:
    Stay tuned for more as lovemywoods and I get some more time under the gun. The next step is a full detail strip and cleaning, which lovemywoods will report on. After that we will have a full range report. We already have an optic and mount for it, and details on further modifications will also be included in this review.

    :yesway:
     

    Fenway

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    Fantastic review! Thank you to esrice and lovemywoods who keep raising the bar on INGO reviews. Thank you and look forward to the updates :ingo:
     

    riverman67

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    pending your range report , I have found my first AR
    The price is right but the gun seems to be ready to go right out of the box.
    I am really glad you do this ,it saves me a lot of research time just figuring out what i want. I have been trying to find an AR for a year

    Thanks for the review
     

    Fenway

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    That speaks volumes right there to the power of INGO :ingo:

    pending your range report , I have found my first AR
    The price is right but the gun seems to be ready to go right out of the box.
    I am really glad you do this ,it saves me a lot of research time just figuring out what i want. I have been trying to find an AR for a year

    Thanks for the review
     

    lovemywoods

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    Cleaning and Scope Mounting

    The next steps in the life of esrice’s and my new project rifle were an initial cleaning and then mounting the scope we chose for it.

    1. Here is how the Spike’s rifle looked bone stock.
    20h3vxf.jpg



    The only real cleaning needed was to run some patches through the barrel to remove any manufacturing grease or oil and as a final confirmation that the barrel is unobstructed. A bore guide and rifle length cleaning rod were used.

    2. Spikes M4 apart for its first cleaning
    i5sndu.jpg



    The first patch came out fairly black. Each patch after that got lighter and lighter.

    3. Cleaning patches from the first cleaning
    1zg9jk1.jpg



    This rifle’s initial mission is as a general purpose rifle for close and intermediate distances, up to 300 yards.

    For a scope, we chose a Millett DMS-1 illuminated reticle unit. This model has a 1-4 power adjustment. The reticle is a ‘dot in a doughnut’ configuration and can be illuminated red if desired. The center dot is 1 MOA making it fairly easy to be precise with smaller targets. The scope can be used in a CQB role or for longer range shooting. The DMS-1 is $199 making it a lower-cost scope but a good value for the money. Later on, an Aimpoint or traditional glass optic could be added.

    The mount is another story. The mount cost as much as the scope. Why a LaRue mount? First, because esrice and I are devout LaRue Kool-aid drinkers and second, because they are outstanding mounts! This mount can be used for the current scope and for any upgraded units in the future. The quick-disconnect feature was desirable to us since the LaRue system maintains the zero even when taking the mount off and on several times.

    The LaRue mount arrived with the expected swag, including ‘Dillo Dust!’ That spice is great on steak, chicken, and pork! Yum!

    4. Scope and mount ready for installation
    2wlr85e.jpg



    Mounting was easy other than getting the scope level. I don’t have one of the scope mounting level kits, so I make do with a regular carpenter’s level and my eye. After one adjustment I had it where I wanted it.

    So here it is up to now. Already a good looking carbine with lots of room to grow! We’ve already started our project list of modifications with a new grip and stock high on the list. More on that later……

    5. Completed rifle to this point.
    8vzuad.jpg



     
    Last edited:

    magic man

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    Great review guys! If I can ever come up with the money for one, I'll definitely being picking up a Spikes midlength.:ar15:
     

    esrice

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    There's a brand new forum sitting there just waiting for this topic to be moved to it :D

    I know. I'm still working out some kinks on exactly how we want to organize it.

    Threads like this will still be posted in their appropriate forums, but they'll be linked to the Review Forum for easier sorting.
     
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