AERO PRECISION M5
Posted Jun 14, 2023
GEN 2
When it comes to building a precision rifle, it’s important to get a platform that is solid and reliable. From afar, Aero Precision’s M5 Gen 2 platform looks impressive with its full-size upper receiver and mil-spec lower. But is it the real deal? We decided to find out by testing out the rifle with a few thousand rounds of .308 Winchester and .223 Remington. Here’s what we found.
Out of the box, the first thing you notice about the M5 Gen 2 is the heavy-duty, mil-spec construction. As far as quality goes, it’s hard to beat the M5. It features a forged upper receiver with a slick black hardcoat anodized finish. The barrel nut and delta ring are made from steel, as is the gas key and forward assist.
The lower receiver features an array of mil-spec parts, including an adjustable trigger and ambidextrous controls. It also has an enlarged triggerguard for use with gloves. The carbine-length gas system ensures smooth cycling, even with heavy loads.
On looks alone, the M5 Gen 2 could easily go up against any other mil-spec rifle on the market. We’re particularly fond of the Magpul MOE+ grip, which provides a better grip and more comfort than most mil-spec stocks.
The first test we subjected the M5 Gen 2 to was an accuracy test. We fired multiple 5-round groups with both .308 Winchester (150 grain) and .223 Remington (62 grain) ammo. Surprisingly, we were able to achieve sub-MOA accuracy with both loads. We suspect that the chrome-moly barrel and adjustable trigger had something to do with the rifle’s exceptional accuracy.
Next, we fired a few thousand rounds through the M5 Gen 2 to test its reliability. We used a variety of different types of ammo and experienced zero malfunctions. Even after extended periods of firing, the rifle exhibited no significant signs of wear and tear.
Overall, the M5 Gen 2 is an excellent rifle. The build quality is top-notch, with no corners cut when it comes to the performance and reliability. It’s accurate, consistent, and easy to use. The ergonomics are impeccable, with a comfortable stock and solid controls. It’s compact and lightweight too, so it’s easy to carry for long distances.
The M5 Gen 2 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high quality, reliable rifle. We highly recommend it and give it two thumbs up.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It is affordable and offers great bang for the buck.
- Its machining and finishing is exceptional.
- It is very strong and durable.
- It is lightweight and easy to use.
- It has a variety of options for customization.
Cons:
- It is not very accurate out of the box.
- It requires some installation and setup work before it can be used.
- The recoil looks to be somewhat squirrelly.
- Some report that certain components can be challenging to find.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for a high quality, precision made AR15 pattern rifle should consider an Aero Precision M5. It is an excellent option for an all-around reliable rifle that is great for both target shooting and defense. The high quality parts used to build the M5 make it dependable and accurate.
However, those on a tight budget should not purchase an Aero Precision M5. It can be expensive due to the quality of the parts used to build the rifle. In addition, those without the proper training may find that the advanced features of the M5 are not necessary.
Comparisons
| Aero Precision M5 | Smith & Wesson Performance Center PC1911 | Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE | Heckler & Koch HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle | Single-Action Semi-automatic Pistol | Semi-Automatic Pistol | Semi-Automatic Rifle |
| Caliber | .308 Winchester/.7.62NATO | .45 ACP | 9mm Luger | .223 Remington/5.56 NATO |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds | 8 rounds | 8 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches | 5 Inches | 4.7 Inches | 14.5 Inches |
| Overall Length | 39-40.5 Inches | 8.5 Inches | 7.4 Inches | 29.9 Inches |
| Weight | 9.2-9.5 lbs | 2.1 lbs | 1.5 lbs | 7.3 lbs |
Features / Specs
-Low profile gas block
-Mid-Length Gas System
-Carbine-Length Gas Tube
-M4-style Feed Ramps
-Forged from 7075-T6 Aluminum
-Type 3 Hard Coat Anodized
-Compatible with AR15/M4 Components
-M5/.308 Magazine Catch Assembly
-M5/.308 Mil-Spec Threaded Receiver Extension and End Plate
-Integrated Trigger Guard
-Works with DPMS LR-308/SR-25 Lower Parts Kits and Magazines
-Compatible with Most AR10 and Variants
Popular Accessories
E1 308 PISTOL
- Magazine Well Grip
- Muzzle Device/Flash Hider
- Handguard/Rail
- Buffer Tube/Buffer Assembly
- Sights/Optics
- Accessories Kit
- Vertical Foregrip
- Magazines
- Custom Grips
- Bolt Knob/Bolt Catch
Accuracy
AERO PRECISION M5 is well known for its accuracy. The engineers at Aero Precision have put a lot of thought and attention into the design of the M5 platform to ensure that it offers shooter extraordinary accuracy. They use a match-grade barrel and match-grade trigger components, along with a free floated handguard that helps to ensure optimal accuracy. The result is superb accuracy at extended ranges. It is capable of sub-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition, making it a great choice for precision shooting.
