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

[esrice]

Hey, if you want to build your own, Spike's lowers are still on sale - I have one on the way:

This I know. I was going to order one direct from them until I found a better deal on one through another INGOer.

I should have it in a couple weeks. (see my SBR build thread in the C3 Forum for more details)

 

[esrice]

Another round of gear just arrived, ready for install!

Magpul ACS stock
Magpul 20rd mags, black x2
ISD drop-in carbine rail (demo)
Troy rear flip-up BUIS (not shown)

More pics to follow once they've been installed!

 

[esrice]

Another update!

The ACS stock, Troy BUIS, and ISD rail have been installed.

Here is me and lovemywoods shooting the M4 for the first time after everything was on.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ooting_with_lovemywoods_pics.html#post1575938

And here is a review we put together specifically on the ISD rail.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...2-piece_drop-in_carbine_rail_for_ar-15_a.html

 

[esrice]

Well I had the chance to join a couple other INGOers for a range day yesterday. I ran the Spike's rifle and it performed well throughout the day.

After the session, as the sun was setting, I left the rifle on the ground in the cold for about an hour. When we returned to the range to do some flash hider comparison testing using the rifle in the dark, there was an issue. The BCG felt gummed up and I experienced two light primer strikes. We pulled the BCG and the problem was immediately evident-- the lube and carbon had formed a nice frozen paste all over it.

We disassembled the BCG inside the warm truck, and then added some oil from the engine's dipstick, as we had already loaded up our gear in our cars.

From there it ran just fine. A later phone call to lovemywoods revealed that he had used "Mil-Com MC3000" when he had lubed it last, which now resides in the trash can.

A full range report will be up in the next few days.

ETA: Report is up! https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ussion/132226-range_trip_aar_1_30_2011_a.html

 

[shooter521]

A later phone call to lovemywoods revealed that he had used "Mil-Com MC3000" when he had lubed it last, which now resides in the trash can.

Hopefully to be replaced by some SLIP2000 EWL or equivalent.

 

[lovemywoods]

Hopefully to be replaced by some SLIP2000 EWL or equivalent.

I already have some of the fine SLIP product and the rifle will get a full cleaning and re-lubing when it finds its way back home!

 

[Psode27]

Nice write up! Great rifle!

 

[00BlasterResto]

I noticed that the link in the OP no longer works, do you have an updated link for the rifle? is the price still $799 for them? I am interested in picking one up.
I also noticed that on RARguns they have you mark if you want the rifle case and it is an extra $50, did you have to pay extra for the case?
ST-15 M4 LE Carbine [STR5025-M4S] - $799.95 : Spikes Tactical

 

[esrice]

I noticed that the link in the OP no longer works, do you have an updated link for the rifle?

Sure, here you go: ST-15 M4 LE Carbine [STR5025-M4S] - $799.95 : Spikes Tactical

is the price still $799 for them?

Yes.

did you have to pay extra for the case?

No. And, according to Spike's website it still comes with it direct from the factory.

 

[00BlasterResto]

Thank you very much!

 

[nipprdog]

Thank you very much!

Check out the midlength for $10 more;

ST-15 Mid-Length LE Carbine [STR5035-MLS] - $809.95 : Spikes Tactical

 

[00BlasterResto]

Check out the midlength for $10 more;

ST-15 Mid-Length LE Carbine [STR5035-MLS] - $809.95 : Spikes Tactical

I have considered that, I have kind of decided I like the look of the Daniel Defense 12.0 fsp rails though.
Would like to hear opinions going either way, however I don't want to jack esrices thread.

 

[jswift]

Nice. I will have to check them out. Nice write up.

 

[Redneckbuckeye]

Ordered one, a m4

 

[ADT knights]

Wish I would have seen this review a few weeks ago! I've been fighting over getting a Spikes or BCM for a couple weeks now. Going to order the spikes for sure now and use the extra money to accessorize. GREAT REVIEW


And Just ordered it!
Thanks to Andrew at Profire Arms & Supply

It is gonna be the longest 3 weeks of my life!

 

[indianajoe]

Great review and appreciate the high-quality photos. Ordered mine yesterday from shooter521 at Bradis.

 

[esrice]

Great review and appreciate the high-quality photos. Ordered mine yesterday from shooter521 at Bradis.

Congrats!

 

[iChokePeople]

Great review. Must order. I'm so not good at waiting.

 

[dross]

I didn't see if you posted accuracy results. What kind of accuracy did you get with the scope? Also, which bullet weight did it like the best? Finally, besides the day the lube got cold, have you had any other malfunctions?

 

[esrice]

I didn't see if you posted accuracy results.

We have not done any dedicated accuracy testing.

What kind of accuracy did you get with the scope?

The DMS-1? To be honest we haven't shot this rifle with that scope much at this point. Mostly I've had my Aimpoint H1 on it. Kr_Treefrog2 has a DMS-1 on her rifle and it shoots quite well. lovemywoods did some testing on her scope/rifle a while back: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...nt_test_of_the_millett_dms-1_rifle_sight.html

Also, which bullet weight did it like the best?

Have not narrowed it down to one that performs the best. Having a 1/7" twist rate I'm gonna guess it likes the heavier stuff.

Finally, besides the day the lube got cold, have you had any other malfunctions?

Nope. Nada.