{"id":1341,"date":"2023-08-09T19:32:04","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T19:32:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1341"},"modified":"2023-08-09T19:32:04","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T19:32:04","slug":"custom-midwest-industries-saint-5-56mm-build","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1341","title":{"rendered":"Custom Midwest Industries SAINT 5.56mm Build"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"player-inline-wrapper no-margin-top\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe class=\"player-inline\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/849513004?h=affd508804&amp;api=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"byline\">By <a class=\"byline-author ajax-home\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/author\/scott-conditt\/\">Scott Conditt<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">I<\/span>\u2019ve shot <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/the-springfield-armory-saint-line\/\">every SAINT rifle available<\/a>. I\u2019ve had the pleasure of running each of the SAINT, SAINT Victor and  \u2014  my personal favorite  \u2014  the SAINT Edge rifles, putting thousands of rounds downrange with them. And what have I learned from all this? Each runs exceptionally well, and each comes nicely equipped from the factory in relation to their respective pricepoints.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-45701\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/saint-rifle-upgrades-from-midwest-industries.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/saint-rifle-upgrades-from-midwest-industries-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/saint-rifle-upgrades-from-midwest-industries-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/saint-rifle-upgrades-from-midwest-industries-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/saint-rifle-upgrades-from-midwest-industries-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">What happens when you pair two excellent brands  \u2014  Springfield Armory and Midwest Industries  \u2014  in a custom AR build project? Read on to find out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s no secret that if you\u2019re seeking a fantastic AR right out of the box, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a better value than any one of the rifles in the SAINT line. But what if you\u2019re a tinkerer like me? What if you like changing out parts, trying new configurations, etc.? Then, the SAINT  \u2014  the lowest-cost rifle in the line-up  \u2014  makes for a great option. You get a solid foundation, and have some money left over in your pocket for adding on some new parts or gear.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s be frank, that\u2019s one of the greatest appeals and benefits of the AR platform  \u2014  the modularity and limitless customization potential that the rifle\u2019s design and interchangeable components present to users. I\u2019ve built (and torn back down) more than my share of <span class=\"nowrap\">AR-15<\/span>\u2019s over the years, so I was thrilled when Mike Humphries, editor-in-chief of <em>The Armory Life<\/em>, reached out to me with an opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould you be interested in taking a SAINT 5.56mm and kitting it out with a selection of Midwest Industries, Inc. gear?\u201d, he asked. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance as I\u2019m a big fan of their products.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sourcing In\u2026<\/h2>\n<p>Per the company\u2019s website, \u201cMidwest Industries (MI) was founded in 2003 by two partners in the precision machining industry, united by a lifelong belief in American-made products, American values, and the Second Amendment.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45703\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades.jpg\" alt=\"original saint rifle before upgrades\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/original-saint-rifle-before-upgrades-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author used a SAINT 5.56mm as the foundation for his custom AR build with the Midwest parts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While their product line has evolved to include components and accessories for a number of platforms and for a wide array of brands, they got their start with AR parts. And it was in that section I was looking. My goal was to utilize the strengths of the core SAINT platform, but also try out some interesting enhancements for it from Midwest.<\/p>\n<p>After a good amount of research on their site (and a great deal of fun doing it), I selected the following parts for this project:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drop-In 3.5-Lb. Single-Stage Flat Trigger<\/li>\n<li>Enhanced Black Nitride Bolt Carrier Group<\/li>\n<li>Combat Rifle Sight Set<\/li>\n<li>Combat Rail One-Piece Free-Float <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/what-is-m-lok\/\"><span class=\"nowrap\">M-LOK<\/span> Handguard<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Low-Profile Gas Block<\/li>\n<li>Two-Chamber <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/brakes-comps-flash-hiders-a-guide-to-muzzle-devices\/\">Muzzle Brake<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Now, before we go any further, I want to point out that the SAINT comes equipped and ready to go out of the box with practically every feature you need. In fact, I highly recommend the SAINT line to my friends and family, having personally gifted a few rifles to some of the people closest to me.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve personally entrusted the SAINT line and Springfield Armory as a brand for home defense, for competitions like the Tactical Games, and for training throughout the years. So, the bottom line is the gun doesn\u2019t really <em>need<\/em> any of these changes. But, I\u2019m a tinkerer, and it\u2019s not always about what we <em>need<\/em>, is it?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45704\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades.jpg\" alt=\"midwest industries parts upgrades\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-parts-upgrades-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The SAINT rifle proved to be easy to break down and prep for the build with all the new Midwest parts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So, what informed my choices? I selected some components, like the Midwest Industries handguard and the flat-faced drop-in trigger, out of personal and stylistic preferences. For example, whereas I really do like the appearance of the B5 Systems SAINT\u2019s standard <span class=\"nowrap\">M-Lok<\/span> handguard, I prefer <span class=\"nowrap\">M-Lok<\/span> across as much surface area on an AR\u2019s handguard as I can get for accessories. There were also some other tweaks I wanted to make.<\/p>\n<p>The specific model of SAINT I was working with for this build came from the factory with the A2-style front sight\/gas block system. Again, I\u2019m a fan of the iconic and classic look of the A2-style sight, but in practice at the range or for a home defense platform, it wouldn\u2019t be my usual preference when equipping an AR today.<\/p>\n<p>As I would be including the Midwest Industries\u2019 Combat Rifle Sight Set in this build, I chose to swap out this factory-installed system for the Midwest Low-Profile Gas Block, which also accommodates the Midwest Combat Rail One-Piece Free-Float <span class=\"nowrap\">M-Lok<\/span> Handguard I had selected.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45705\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block.jpg\" alt=\"midwest indsutries low profile gas block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-indsutries-low-profile-gas-block-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Midwest Industries\u2019 reputation for quality is well-known in the firearms community.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As for the trigger, I was very curious to try out Midwest Industries Drop-In 3.5-Lb. Single-Stage Flat Trigger with included anti-walk pins, as I prefer a flat trigger these days. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the standard SAINT\u2019s factory-installed nickel boron-coated curved trigger is a solid system, but remember, we are tinkering here. Also, I absolutely love the Modular Match Trigger that is in my SAINT Edge, and I wanted to feel how the Midwest drop-in trigger compared.<\/p>\n<p>I was also curious to see how much the sizable Midwest Two-Chamber Muzzle Brake would help tamper down muzzle rise compared to the conventional A2 flash suppressor on the SAINT. And lastly, I selected the Midwest Enhanced Black Nitride Bolt Carrier Group. This one was more of an \u201capples to apples\u201d comparison, and I was curious how it would perform.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Build<\/h2>\n<p>For those who have built AR\u2019s from a variety of aftermarket components, you probably know that in theory everything should fit together without too much trouble. But, as with everything, it\u2019s always good to be careful and cautious. I am sure many of you have learned during the course of building AR\u2019s that \u201cMil-Spec\u201d doesn\u2019t always translate to \u201cprecision tolerances\u201d, but that parts are produced within an accepted range of tolerances.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45706\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle-800x448.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle-400x224.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle-768x430.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle-600x336.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"784\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"installing new gas system in saint rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle-800x448.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle-400x224.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-new-gas-system-in-saint-rifle-600x336.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installing the new low-profile gas block from Midwest on the SAINT barrel was a straightforward and simple process. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of the major benefits of selecting the majority of components from a single manufacturer, particularly a highly reputable and high-quality manufacturer that precision machines and quality checks their components like as Midwest Industries, is that you have a much greater chance of completing a successful build without any issues. And doing the same with the base rifle  \u2014  selecting a reputable manufacturer like Springfield  \u2014  is also a sound move.<\/p>\n<p>Hitting the gun bench, the build was honestly one of the smoothest I\u2019ve ever undertaken. This was in part because of the aforementioned precision-machined components from Midwest Industries simply fitting and pairing beautifully with the SAINT\u2019s quality components. My efforts were also greatly aided throughout the process by having a suite of Real Avid\u2019s exceptional gunsmithing tools at the bench with which to work.<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter inline\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: none;\" class=\"logo-tal-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/themes\/thearmorylife\/img\/logo-tal-tm-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our <a class=\"ajax-giveaways\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/giveaways\/\"><strong>monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>After visually and physically inspecting and safety checking the chamber to ensure there was no ammo in the rifle, I broke down the SAINT and removed the complete upper assembly from the lower. Starting my work on the upper, I removed the clamshell-style <span class=\"nowrap\">M-Lok<\/span> handguard, which was relatively easy.<\/p>\n<p>The Real Avid Accu-Punch Master Set came in handy when punching the pins out of the A2 pinned gas block\/sight system. The Real Avid Master Gun Vise with the articulating jaw and Master-Fit Crowfoot Wrench Set was a blessing to have on hand to then remove the Delta Ring so I could gain access to the exposed barrel.<\/p>\n<p>Installing the new Midwest Low-Profile Gas Block in alignment with the gas port in the 12 o\u2019clock position on the barrel went smoothly. Fitting the included barrel nut over the barrel and mating it with the upper presented no challenge, and then sliding the Midwest \u201cCombat Rail\u201d over the barrel and in alignment with the SAINT\u2019s upper was a very smooth operation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45707\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle-800x446.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle-400x223.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle-768x428.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle-600x335.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"781\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"installing the midwest industries trigger in the saint rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle-800x446.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle-400x223.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle-768x428.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/installing-the-midwest-industries-trigger-in-the-saint-rifle-600x335.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thanks to the quality of the base SAINT rifle and the Midwest parts, the custom build project ran quite smoothly for the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>From there, I dropped the Midwest Enhanced Black Nitride Bolt Carrier Group into the upper with ease, and after verifying headspace ensured I was good to go. The last touches for the upper upgrade included threading on the Midwest Two-Chamber Muzzle Brake and installing the sturdy and easy-to-manipulate Combat Rifle Sight Set, which was as simple as putting them into the proper position on the top rail and turning the screws. These phosphated low-profile steel sights were quite impressive and well-made.<\/p>\n<p>With my efforts on the upper completed, I turned my attention to the installation of the Midwest Drop-In 3.5-Lb. Single-Stage Flat Trigger. When removing a trigger in an AR, always wear eye protection and keep a magnetic dish for small parts on hand when working with parts under tension.<\/p>\n<p>Installing the drop-in trigger was very easy. As the name implies, it drops into place. After the trigger and housing were dropped in, I reinstalled the safety and then installed the included \u201canti-walk\u201d pins using the two included Allen keys that allow you to torque down the pins on each side simultaneously. I added a bit of included orange thread locker for additional security.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Complete Package<\/h2>\n<p>Connecting the newly revamped upper and lower gave me a rifle that looked familiar and sleek, and also appeared as a hybrid that fit somewhere between the SAINT Victor and Edge rifles, with the Midwest Industries components bringing it together in a new feel all of its own. The rifle looked fantastic, but it was time to put it to the only test that truly matters: Does it run?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45708\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts.jpg\" alt=\"range testing the midwest industries parts\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/range-testing-the-midwest-industries-parts-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author ran the reconfigured rifle on the range and was impressed with the performance of the base gun as well as the Midwest parts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I loaded up the truck and took off to the range. Loading up mags with Remington UMC ammo, I stepped up to the firing line, confident that my gas port alignment was true, my torque settings were applied properly, and that no \u201cjiggle\u201d or \u201cwiggle\u201d would be felt during firing.<\/p>\n<p>Taking aim, flipping off the safety and pressing the newly installed Midwest Industries drop-in trigger, I was delighted that the gun ran  \u2014  and ran extremely well. In general, it felt as good as my SAINT Edge in terms of responsiveness and rock-solid build characteristics.<\/p>\n<p>I ran half a dozen mags through it and enjoyed it thoroughly. The brake absolutely crushed the perceived recoil and diminished muzzle rise, the trigger was great, and most importantly to me  \u2014  if only for my own insecurity as an amateur gunsmith  \u2014  it had no issues or malfunctions whatsoever.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019m happy to report that with the Midwest Industries components I selected, I received exactly what I was hoping for during this build with the SAINT rifle. I can wholeheartedly say that after this build I trust the quality and capability of Midwest Industries components in equal measure to the SAINT rifle, and would recommend this company to anyone seeking exceptional components for an upgrade or complete build themselves.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-forum-thread hide-share\"><span>Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"forum-thread-button-wrapper hide-share\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/forum\/threads\/15831\/\">Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-featured hide-share\"><span>Featured in this video<\/span><\/h5>\n<section class=\"featured hide-share grid-three\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/midwestindustriesinc.com\/enhanced-ar15-drop-in-trigger-3-5lb-single-stage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 50%;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-ar-15-drop-in-trigger.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-ar-15-drop-in-trigger.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Industries AR15 Drop In Trigger 3.5 LB Single Stage\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Midwest Industries <span>AR15 Drop In Trigger 3.5 LB Single Stage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/midwestindustriesinc.com\/mi-combat-rail-one-piece-free-float-handguard-m-lok-tm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-combat-rail-one-piece-free-float-handguard-product.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-combat-rail-one-piece-free-float-handguard-product.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Industries Combat Rail One Piece Free Float Handguard, M-Lok\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Midwest Industries <span>Combat Rail One Piece Free Float Handguard, M-Lok<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/midwestindustriesinc.com\/enhanced-black-nitride-bolt-carrier-group\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 4.05rem;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Midwest-Industries-Enhanced-Black-Nitride-Bolt-Carrier-Group-Product.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Midwest-Industries-Enhanced-Black-Nitride-Bolt-Carrier-Group-Product.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Industries Enhanced Black Nitride Bolt Carrier Group\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Midwest Industries <span>Enhanced Black Nitride Bolt Carrier Group<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/midwestindustriesinc.com\/mi-combat-rifle-sight-set\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-combat-rifle-sight-set-product.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-combat-rifle-sight-set-product.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Sight Set\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Midwest Industries <span>Combat Rifle Sight Set<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/midwestindustriesinc.com\/low-profile-gas-block\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 80%; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem; }\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-low-profile-gas-block-product.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-low-profile-gas-block-product.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Industries Low Profile Gas Block\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Midwest Industries <span>Low Profile Gas Block<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/midwestindustriesinc.com\/ar-15-5-56-223-two-chamber-muzzle-brake\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-top: 1rem;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-ar-15-two-chamber-muzzle-brake-product.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/midwest-industries-ar-15-two-chamber-muzzle-brake-product.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Industries AR-15 5.56\/.223 Two Chamber Muzzle Brake\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Midwest Industries <span>AR-15 5.56\/.223 Two Chamber Muzzle Brake<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-saint \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/saint-series\/saint-ar-15-rifles\/saint-556-m-lok-ar-15-rifle-b5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-556nato\">556<sup>NATO<\/sup><\/span><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/ST916556B-B5.png\" alt=\"SAINT\u00ae B5\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>SAINT\u00ae <span>B5<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.realavid.com\/product\/master-gun-vise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/product-real-avid-master-gun-vise.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/product-real-avid-master-gun-vise.jpg\" alt=\"Real Avid Master Gun Vise\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Real Avid <span>Master Gun Vise<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.remington.com\/rifle\/umc-rifle\/29-23711.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/product-remington-umc-223-rem-20-qty.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/product-remington-umc-223-rem-20-qty.jpg\" alt=\"Remington UMC Centerfire Rifle 223 REM\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Remington <span>UMC Centerfire Rifle 223 REM<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/custom-midwest-industries-saint-5-56mm-build\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Scott Conditt I\u2019ve shot every SAINT rifle available. I\u2019ve had the pleasure of running each of the SAINT, SAINT Victor and \u2014 my personal favorite \u2014 the SAINT Edge rifles, putting thousands of rounds downrange with them. And what have I learned from all this? Each runs exceptionally well, and each comes nicely equipped [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1342,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1341","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1341"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1341\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1342"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}