Despite inexpensive AR-15s practically outselling shampoo in the last few years, some companies are struggling to offer nothing more than clone ARs with a different logo. On the other side of that coin you see companies that are doing something different, setting a new bar for quality, features and value and maybe even offering something we never knew we needed. Some manufacturers are delivering great guns at an entry level, and others, like San Tan Tactical’s receivers, are dripping with sexy lines, precision, and features that set them apart from anything ordinary. For dealers wanting something to truly stand out on their shelves, San Tan Tactical’s receivers start a lot of customer conversations that start that next AR project for customers.

The SST-15 Patriot AR-15 Build

Before jumping into what sets the San Tan’s billet receivers apart, let’s wander through the components of this custom AR-15 build. All in, this is about a $14,000 build — yes, $14K, but that does include more than a few interesting and uniquely custom upgrades.

BARREL — Feddersen modified-profile 5.56 NATO 14.5-inch barrel with pinned and welded YHM QD Phantom suppressor mount, for a total overall barrel length over 16 inches. Historically, Feddersen’s Single Edged-Polygonal Rifled (SIPR) barrels have delivered exceptional groups with their world-record-holding proprietary rifling. The SIPR rifling has proven to run cleaner, manage around minor bullet deformations better, and offer the increased velocities of polygonal rifling. This 14.5-inch barrel did not disappoint, with sub-MOA .6-inch groups at 100 yards with Hornady match 5.56 Nato rounds. 

SUPERLATIVE ARMS — An SA piston kit was used to up the reliability of the system — more specifically, to eliminate gas blowback during suppressor use. This kit includes everything needed for a customer DIY build or to convert an existing AR-15 format into a highly reliable short-stroke piston system. SA’s patented gas bleed-off system vents excess pressure and improves long-term reliability even further than captured gas piston systems. The Superlative Arms kit includes a carrier, op-rod, piston gas block and all the alignment tools required for conversion. The build was finished with a Sharps Reliabolt. Esthetically, there is little hint of the piston system, and from a build perspective, the only requirement is assuring proper op-rod alignment.

HANDGUARD & FURNITURE — The open and airy-looking Odin O2 Lite free-float handguard was used and sized to allow direct access to the Superlative Arms piston gas bleed-off adjustment for tuning during suppressor use. Though the handguard looks delicate, it is structured to take the same abuse as any other handguard. An Ace Skeleton Stock was fitted with an A2 buffer tube and spring assembly to soften recoil further. A shortened Mission First Tactical grip was cut down to more easily slide into a slimline backpack. MFT’s new EXD metal back up sights were added with a 25/300-yard zero, and MFT’s new translucent polymer magazines were used exclusively for testing.

TRIGGER & PARTS — The ELF Tactical Legacy Match trigger with extremely crisp trigger break helped maximize accuracy. Other parts included a Magpul ambi-selector, KNS anti-rotate pins, and YHM Ez-Pull pivot/take-down pins added to increase ergonomics and quick disassembly. For a bit more knuckle clearance around the optic, the Raptor ambi charging handle was added.

OPTICS and SCOPE MOUNT — Notably, a substantial amount of the cost of this build resides in the $1,400 EOTech Vudu 1-6 FFP optic and $10,000 American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) prototype all-titanium scope mount provided for abuse testing a few years ago. This truly unique skeletonized prototype was developed for a special military contract and was simply too high-tier not to include in this build. The EOTech Vudu series has become one of my favorite optics, with 1-6 LPVO flexibility and outstanding clarity that covers a lot of use cases.

SanTan Tactical STT-15 Pillar Billet Receiver Combo, $492  

Having handled and tested just about every receiver set on the market, I can say that no manufacturer packs all the quality, fit, finish and features into billet 7075 aluminum like SanTan Tactical. 

Each SST-15 set is milled from a solid chunk of 7075-T651 aerospace-grade American aluminum milled on Haas CNC machinery, which assures precision tolerances. Once milled, the finished receiver is then MIL-A-8625 Type III hard anodized to assure the best corrosion-resistant anodizing possible. 

The overall fit and finish is impeccable, including the pitch black hard-anodized receiver.  Stylistically, San Tan wanted to avoid the typical bulky billet look and instead develop an overall receiver that had a similar overall size as a forged lower.  Instead of a heavy extended mag well lip, they have created a huge funnel without adding much extra bulk and have worked hard to design a trim overall billet receiver set maximizing weight reduction.

The extended trigger guard is thin and contoured; it actually flows into the grip, unlike the unnecessarily thick .25-inch guards I have seen on some lowers. The San Tan Tactical SST-15 has been lightened and strengthened in key strategic areas to retain strength but minimize weight.  Ergonomics were enhanced with a lot of extra contouring and mitering of angles to deliver a more comfortable fit in the shooter’s hand.  

There is also a barrage of features that include: A huge magazine well, Shooter-Ready trigger finger rest just under the magazine release, oversized winter trigger guard, ambi-selector switch bullet pictograms, dowel/grub screws (no pins) assembly and extra grip on all the ambi releases. The non-ultralight models include integrated QD-Sling mounts on each side of the receiver with 45-degree anti-rotate stops, and integrated ambidextrous bolt and magazine releases.

High-tier AR-15s typically feature receiver tension screws and their ability to tighten up a worn or loose upper. San Tan has gone about it a little differently, with a small nylon tipped screw that is barely noticeable looking into the receiver. The tension can be adjusted via hex wrench after removing the grip. Also adjustable while the grip is off is the unique trigger overtravel adjustment, which can make an OK stock trigger feel pretty good; however, if a customer is buying a $429 receiver set, then they are probably springing for a high-end trigger that negates the need for tuning.

The upper receiver on the AR-15 has to manage almost all the structural stress, the weight of the barrel and high tension exerted on very long barrel length handguards. San Tan’s engineers felt that the standard mil-spec upper receivers do not deliver the strength required to support the stresses of long modern handguards. Through 3-D CAD modeling, San Tan Tactical removed material from unstressed areas and bulked up others, and the result was an upper with an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio that is both stronger and lighter than mil-spec receivers. 

Final Thoughts

The SanTan Tactical SST-15 designs have been a go-to receiver for several of my elite tier builds through the years. One unique feature I have loved is the broad handguard compatibility. Many custom billet receivers have unique dimensions of designs, which can make handguard compatibility frustrating; however, the San Tan set has broad fit compatibility with many handguards, and I have never had an issue.

Functionally, the San Tan set offers many features beyond the standard AR-15 receiver in addition to the weight reduction and significantly upgraded fit and finish. Sure, functionally, this $492 upper and lower receiver set runs and guns about the same as a mil-spec receiver set; however, with the flared mag well, lighter overall weight, and some improved ergonomics, it becomes an enhanced experience with better handling.

SPECS

Upper Features:

• Model – STT PILLAR Upper
• Caliber - Multi-Cal
• Weight – 6.9 ounces / 195 grams
• Material - Billet 7075-T651 aerospace-grade aluminum
• Finish - Matte black MIL-A-8625 type III hard anodize

Lower Features:

• Huge 1.38-inch integrally machined magazine well flare
• San Tan Tactical truss pockets for increased structural rigidity
• Bullet pictogram safety selector markings
• Set screw trigger creep adjustment
• Set screw upper take down tension adjustment
• Shooter Ready finger rest
• Oversized winter trigger guard perfect for gloved hands
• Dowel screw assembly
• Ultra-grip texture on all controls
• Backed by STT’s lifetime warranty
• Made in the USA

Website: santantactical.com