It’s always an exciting day when I make a trip to pick up a new firearm at the home of my FFL dealer, Curt. On that particular day, the firearm I picked up was the embargoed SAINT Victor 2.0, also referred to as a “refresh” in some copy. Sadly, we both had to wait more than a month to share the news with anyone. So, just in time for the release, here is my first look at Springfield Armory’s SAINT Victor 2.0.
When I first picked up the SAINT 2.0 in Curt’s kitchen, I wanted to feel the trigger press. Strangely, I found it really difficult to press, well, that is, until Curt pointed out I had the safety on. (Insert facepalm here!) Funny thing is, he said he did the same thing. The reason this little tidbit is so important is that after I moved the safety to the “fire” position, I must have had a look of surprise on my face. It felt really smooth and was easy to move back and forth between safe and fire. Curt said he thought the same thing. I couldn’t quite put my finger (or thumb) on what made this safety switch so appealing. However, once I obtained the spec sheet (and compared it to a SAINT Victor I already owned), I found that part of the 2.0 upgrade was a 45-degree ambi safety. The 45-degree ambi safety has a shorter throw, which improves control and speed for both left- and right-handed shooters. I have to agree.
Next, I pressed the flat-faced trigger. (I prefer the feel of a flat trigger over a curved one.) I’m so happy Springfield kept this style. Ohhhhhhhh, there’s nothing like a clean, smooth trigger press. I looked over to see Curt nodding his head up and down; yep, he agreed. Springfield Armory offers great out-of-the-box triggers.
Now, since all of that happened while I was still standing at Curt’s kitchen table, I couldn’t wait to get home and handle it some more.
In the Bag
If a person walked into the room and saw both ARs sitting on the table, he would probably assume they are the same, or very similar rifles, since some of the updates are not very obvious. For instance, the barrel is made from 4150 CMV steel, the most popular type for ARs because it’s mil-spec, stronger and harder than regular carbon steel. Additionally, the barrel features a proprietary continuous midweight taper, which provides better balance by shifting weight to the back of the barrel.
A very noticeable change in the SAINT Victor 2.0 is the enhanced handguard. It now features a full Picatinny rail located at 12 o’clock, offering ample room for any optics, lights or other furniture you choose to add. Additionally, the three QD cups on each side of the rifle (and on the end plate) provide various options for attaching a sling.
I’m a huge fan of the new Radian Raptor LT charging handle. It’s ambidextrous, easy to manipulate and allows me to charge the AR from various positions efficiently.
The flip-up sights now have a lower profile for both backup and primary aiming. More on those once I get out on the range.
One update we surely cannot see with the naked eye, but will appreciate with repeated use of the SAINT Victor 2.0, is enhanced tolerance and fitting attention throughout.
I’ve always loved the Springfield Armory SAINT series. Out of the box, it’s ready to go for a day of shooting at the range. Now I just have to get to the range and report back.
MSPR: $1249 – $1279
Michelle Cerino (aka Princess Gunslinger) is a freelance writer and Managing Editor at Women's Outdoor News. Michelle entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and instructor at a national training company. She quickly began competing in 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol events and became a sponsored shooter. Michelle also manages social media for Vera Koo as part of the DISA LLC team. In March 2013, she attended Ohio's first armed staff course, which later became the FASTER Saves Lives program. Since then, she has contributed as an instructor and managed the program’s social media and monthly newsletter. For the past 15 years, Michelle has focused on personal safety, sharing her expertise through writing, public speaking and hands-on instruction. Learn more about Michelle Cerino, also known as “Princess Gunslinger,” by visiting her website. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
