BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE SPEC +
Posted May 19, 2023
The Black Rain Ordnance Spec is an assault rifle designed with the goal of competing with the high-end custom rifle market. For those unfamiliar with Black Rain Ordnance, they are a Missouri-based company specializing in AR-style rifles, components, and accessories. Black Rain Ordnance builds complete rifles and individual components which are marketed to the custom builds crowd. The Black Rain Ordnance Spec is the company’s flagship offering and is designed to compete with top-tier offerings from the custom build crowd.
I recently had the opportunity to get my hands on a Black Rain Ordnance Spec and put it through its paces at the range. In this review, I’ll cover the features of the rifle, discuss the build quality, reliability, and accuracy, and then conclude with my overall opinion of the rifle.
When I opened the box, I was immediately impressed by the appearance of the black nitride finish on the barrel and receiver. The black nitride finish is highly corrosion-resistant and is very popular in the custom rifle market. I also liked the fact that the rifle features a top-tier nitride bolt carrier group. Nitride has become a popular finish in the world of modern sporting rifles due to its reliable lubricity and resistance to corrosion.
As far as the build quality of the rifle, there was nothing to complain about. The fit and finish on the rifle were excellent, with no visible imperfections or loose components. The rifle features a free-floating M-LOK aluminum handguard which is both lightweight and highly-durable. Additionally, the rifle includes a stainless steel gas block for increased lifespan and reliability.
The accuracy of the rifle so far has been impressive. I’ve had a chance to shoot it at various ranges and at different targets with different loads. The accuracy of the rifle has been excellent, with no groups wider than 1” at 100 yards. I’ve found the rifle to be very controllable on semi-automatic fire. I also believe the trigger to be one of the best on the market. It’s smooth and very crisp.
When it comes to reliability, I’ve found the Black Rain Ordnance Spec to be extremely reliable. I’ve run several ammunition types and weights through the rifle and have never experienced any jams and have had no problems with feeding or ejection.
One feature I really like about this rifle is the bolt release. It is located at the rear of the upper receiver and features a lanyard for quick access. This is a feature typically only found on higher-end custom rifles and I was happy to see this included.
The last feature I want to discuss is the adjustable gas block. This allows the shooter to manually adjust the amount of gas used to cycle the rifle. This allows the shooter to fine-tune the rifle to their specific needs, such as shooting suppressed or using different ammunition types.
Overall, I've been very impressed with the Black Rain Ordnance Spec rifle. The fit and finish on the rifle are excellent and the accuracy and reliability have been second to none. I also liked the fact that they included some features commonly found on higher-end custom rifles, such as the top-tier nitride finish, stainless steel gas block, and adjustable gas block. Lastly, I thought the trigger was one of the best I’ve ever felt. For the price, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better rifle on the market. Highly recommended!
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-High quality construction and materials
-High level of accuracy and reliability
-Wide range of calibers, configurations, and accessories available
-Efficient ergonomics
-Affordable pricing
Cons:
-Limited availability and relatively unknown company
-More expensive than similar AR-style rifles
-No left-handed model available
-No ambidextrous safety for left-handed shooters
-No customizable options for the standard variant
Who Should Buy
This rifle is ideal for experienced shooters and collectors who are looking for a reliable rifle that is top-of-the-line. It should not be purchased by beginner shooters who are still developing shooting skills or those who lack the necessary resources or experience to care for and maintain this type of rifle.
Comparisons
| Feature | BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE SPEC + | similar 1 | Similar 2 | Similar 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action type | Semi-auto | Semi-auto | Semi-auto | Bolt action |
| Caliber | .223 Remington | .223 Remington | 5.56 NATO | .308 Winchester |
| Trigger | match, single stage | single stage | single stage | adjustable |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 Round | 30 Round | 30 Round | 5 Round |
| Stock Material | Collapsable Polymer | Polymer | Wood | Collapsible Aluminum |
| Barrel Length | 16 in | 16 in | 16 in | 20 in |
Features / Specs
• Barrel Length: 16.1"
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Gas System: Mid-Length
• Chamber: 5.56 NATO
• Twist Rate: 1 in 8"
• Muzzle Device: Black Rain Ordinance Flash Suppressor (Threaded 5/8 – 24 TPI)
• M4 Feed Ramps: Yes
• Finish: BLACK+3 PVD (Performance Vapour Deposition)
• Handguard: M-LOK 15” Free Float
• Receiver Material: 7075 Billet
• Charging Handle: Standard Mil-Spec
• Bolt Carrier Group: M16 BCG
• Lower Receiver Markings: Black Rain Ordnance Rollmark
Popular Accessories
- Magpul MBUS Gen 2 Flip-Up Sights
- Magpul Industries XTM Hand Stop Kit
- Strike Industries Cobra Tactical Foregrip
- Fab Defense Shock Absorbing Recoil Buttstock
- UTG 5 Position Mil-Spec Stock
- Ergo Tactical Deluxe Grip
- Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Sight
- Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
- Magpul M-Lok Rail Covers
- Aimshot Universal Bipod Mount
Accuracy
The BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE SPEC+ is an accurate gun known for its excellent accuracy and reliability. It is designed with more precise machined parts and tighter tolerances which make sure that the gun is robust and precise. The gun has a 16” stainless steel barrel with 1:8 twist can handle heavier grain bullets, making it a long-range performer. It comes with a mid-length gas system and low profile gas block. The BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE SPEC+ is capable of delivering reliable performance and accuracy at any range. The gun has adjustable triggers which gives the shooter the option to set the trigger to the desired pull weight. BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE SPEC+ is a very accurate rifle and is sure to give an accurate and precise performance.
