Troy A3 Defender 16"
Troy Industries · Carbine · In Production · 2023
Overview
The Troy A3 Defender 16" is an optic-ready AR-15 carbine and the entry point in Troy Industries' Defender series. Chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 223 Wylde chamber, it pairs a 16-inch mid-length barrel with a 1:8 right-hand twist for stable performance across a broad range of bullet weights. The rifle is built on forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers finished in mil-spec Type III hard-coat anodizing. A full-length TROY SOCC (Special Operations Compatible Carbine) 15.125-inch free-floating M-LOK handguard surrounds the barrel, providing a continuous top Picatinny rail and modular accessory mounting. The muzzle is capped with a TROY TPR flash hider for flash mitigation. The A3 carries Troy's reputation for reliability while keeping the configuration simple and optic-ready, leaving the shooter to add their preferred sighting system.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 914 m/s (2999 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1671 J (1232 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 460 m (503 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington, .223 Wylde
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Mid Length Gas System, Free Floating Handguard, M Lok Rail, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Optic Ready, Forged Receiver, Rotating Bolt, Flash Suppressor
Production
Production years: 2023-present
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
MSRP approximately $1,000-$1,375. Entry-level Defender carbine. SKU TRCA-DEF3-16BT-00. Available with standard mil-spec trigger and A2 or TROY Control grip options.
Background
Troy Industries was founded in 2002 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, by Steve Troy and quickly became one of the most recognized names in AR-15 rails and battle sights before expanding into complete rifles. The SOCC rail used across the Defender line traces its lineage to Troy's Special Operations Compatible Carbine project.