Aero Precision M5 .308
Aero Precision · Battle Rifle · In Production · 2014
Also known as: Aero M5, Aero Precision M5E1, AP M5 AR-10
Overview
The Aero Precision M5 is the company's large-frame AR-10 / .308 platform, the big-bore counterpart to its popular AR-15-pattern M4E1. Built around forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers, the M5 is a direct-impingement, gas-operated rifle most commonly offered as a 16-inch carbine with a mid-length gas system and a low-profile adjustable gas block. Barrels are typically 4150 CMV steel (stainless options exist) with a 1:10 twist and 5/8x24 threaded muzzle. The M5 uses Aero's free-float handguard (ATLAS/R-ONE family) with M-LOK slots and a continuous Picatinny top rail, and feeds from SR-25 / DPMS-pattern .308 magazines. Like the M4E1, the M5 is sold as complete rifles, complete uppers, and component receiver sets, and is a favorite foundation for budget-conscious AR-10 builds.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3856 g (136.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 889 mm (35.00") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 780 m/s (2559 fps) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 4700 m (5140 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO
- 6.5mm Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 CM, 6.5 CR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Mid Length Gas System, Adjustable Gas Block, Free Floating Handguard, M Lok Rail, Picatinny Rail, Flat Top Receiver, Rotating Bolt, Threaded Barrel, Qpq Coating, Sr25 Magazine Compatible, Atlas Handguard, Forward Assist, Dust Cover
Production
Production years: 2014-present
High-volume production at Aero Precision's Tacoma, Washington facility
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Aero Precision
Notes
16-inch carbine weight approximately 8.5 lb (about 3,856 g) depending on handguard and barrel profile; complete rifles range roughly 8.5-11 lb across configurations. 1:10 twist, 5/8x24 muzzle threads. Also offered in 18- and 20-inch barrels and in 6.5 Creedmoor. The M5 uses DPMS/SR-25 high-pattern magazines. MSRP for complete rifles around $1,000-$1,400 depending on configuration.
Background
Aero Precision began as an aerospace machining company in 1994 before moving into firearms. The M5 brought Aero's value-driven, in-house-machined approach to the AR-10 market, giving builders an affordable large-frame receiver set that became a default budget AR-10 foundation.