Smith & Wesson Volunteer XV Rifle Overview
The modern sporting rifle market is vast and varied, but discerning shooters often seek a platform that marries legendary reliability with advanced, performance-enhancing features straight out of the box. For those embarking on their shooting journey, or seasoned enthusiasts looking to upgrade without the hassle of aftermarket modifications, the Smith & Wesson Volunteer XV 5.56x45mm NATO rifle (Model 13513) emerges as a premier choice. This isn't just another AR-style rifle; it's a meticulously engineered system designed to excel across a spectrum of applications, from recreational range visits and competitive shooting to serious professional and home defense scenarios.
The Smith & Wesson Volunteer Series: Elevating the AR Platform to New Standards
Smith & Wesson has long been synonymous with quality firearms, and their Volunteer Series continues this esteemed legacy, purpose-built to deliver an unparalleled shooting experience. The core philosophy behind the Volunteer XV is simple yet profound: provide a rifle that is "proven, trusted, and improved." This means integrating premium components and thoughtful design elements that typically command a higher price or require immediate aftermarket upgrades, all within a single, cohesive package.
So, what problem does the Volunteer XV solve for the contemporary shooter? It eliminates the guesswork and additional expense often associated with building or customizing an AR-15. It addresses the common query, "What's the best AR-15 for a new shooter that won't need immediate upgrades?" or "Where can I find a reliable, accurate 5.56 rifle that's ready for competition or home defense right away?" The answer lies in its comprehensive feature set, ensuring that whether you're plinking at the range, refining your marksmanship, or preparing for a dynamic shooting event, the Volunteer XV is equipped to meet and exceed expectations. This rifle answers the demand for an "out-of-the-box" high-performance solution, offering a robust foundation that caters to immediate needs while providing ample room for future personalization.
Key Features and Benefits for Every Shooter
The excellence of the Smith & Wesson Volunteer XV is evident in its carefully selected components, each contributing to its superior performance, handling, and durability.
Precision Engineering for Unmatched Accuracy and Reliability:
- 16" 4140 Steel Barrel with 5R Rifling and Armornite® Finish: The heart of any accurate rifle is its barrel, and the Volunteer XV boasts a 16-inch barrel crafted from durable 4140 steel. This material is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear, crucial for maintaining consistency through high round counts. What truly sets this barrel apart, however, is its 5R rifling. Unlike traditional lands and grooves, 5R rifling utilizes an odd number of lands that are rounded, rather than sharp, reducing bullet deformation as it travels down the bore. This design minimizes friction and allows for easier cleaning, translating directly into enhanced accuracy and extended barrel life. Coupled with a 1:8" twist rate, this barrel is optimally designed to stabilize a wide array of 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington bullet weights, from lighter 55-grain loads perfect for recreational shooting to heavier 77-grain projectiles favored by precision shooters and competitors. The Armornite® finish provides a hard, corrosion-resistant surface, ensuring longevity and protection against environmental elements.
- Mid-Length Gas System: The Volunteer XV incorporates a mid-length gas system, a significant upgrade over traditional carbine-length systems often found on 16-inch barrels. A mid-length system offers several advantages: it allows for a longer dwell time, leading to smoother cycling and reduced recoil impulse. This smoother operation not only makes the rifle more comfortable to shoot but also reduces wear and tear on internal components, contributing to the rifle's overall reliability and lifespan. For the shooter, this means quicker follow-up shots and a more pleasant experience during extended range sessions.
Ergonomics and Control: Designed for Performance and Comfort:
- BCM Gunfighter Forend with M-LOK: The rifle features a BCM Gunfighter M-LOK handguard, a choice lauded by professional shooters and tactical operators alike. Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) is known for producing robust, high-quality components, and this free-float handguard is no exception. Its M-LOK attachment system provides a lightweight and secure platform for mounting accessories such as lights, lasers, foregrips, and bipods, allowing for complete customization without adding unnecessary bulk. The free-float design ensures that barrel harmonics are not affected by external pressure, contributing to consistent accuracy. This handguard is ideal for shooters seeking a versatile setup for various shooting drills or loadouts.
- B5 Systems Bravo Stock & B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip: The inclusion of B5 Systems furniture highlights Smith & Wesson's commitment to premium ergonomics. The B5 Systems Bravo Stock is a widely respected collapsible stock known for its comfortable cheek weld, excellent stability, and compact design. It allows for quick length-of-pull adjustments to fit shooters of different sizes or to accommodate varying layers of gear. Paired with the B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip, which features a more vertical grip angle and an extended tang for improved ergonomics, shooters will experience superior control and reduced wrist fatigue, especially during long training sessions or dynamic movements. This combination significantly enhances handling, allowing for quicker target acquisition and more precise shot placement.
Ready for Action: Integrated Crimson Trace Red Dot Optic:
One of the most compelling value propositions of the Volunteer XV is the inclusion of a Crimson Trace CTS-103 Red Dot Sight. This is not an afterthought; it’s a direct response to the common need for an effective aiming solution right out of the box. For new shooters, this eliminates the initial challenge of selecting and mounting an optic. For experienced users, it provides a reliable, co-witness capable red dot for rapid target acquisition in close to medium ranges. Crimson Trace is a reputable name in optics, known for durable and intuitive designs. The red dot allows for both-eyes-open shooting, enhancing situational awareness and making transitions between targets faster and more fluid. This integrated optic truly makes the Volunteer XV a "ready-to-shoot" package.
Enhanced Functionality and Safety Features:
- Flat-Face Trigger: The Volunteer XV features an upgraded flat-face trigger. Flat-face triggers are increasingly popular among discerning shooters for their consistent pull and perceived lighter trigger break. The flat surface allows for a more consistent finger placement, which can contribute to greater precision and control during the crucial moment of firing.
- Ambidextrous Manual Safety: Recognizing the needs of both left and right-handed shooters, the rifle is equipped with an ambidextrous manual safety. This critical feature allows for quick and intuitive manipulation of the safety lever from either side of the rifle, ensuring safe handling and operation regardless of the shooter's dominant hand or shooting position.
- Radian Raptor-LT™ Charging Handle: Another premium upgrade found on the Volunteer XV is the Radian Raptor-LT™ ambidextrous charging handle. The Raptor is celebrated for its robust construction and ergonomic design, allowing for smooth, positive manipulation from either side, even when wearing gloves or operating under stress. Its oversized levers make it easy to grasp and charge the rifle quickly and efficiently.
- A2 Flash Suppressor: The standard A2 flash suppressor effectively mitigates muzzle flash, reducing the shooter's signature and preserving night vision, particularly valuable in low-light conditions or tactical applications.
- Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum Receivers: Both the upper and lower receivers are meticulously forged from 7075 T6 aluminum, an aerospace-grade alloy known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This material ensures the rifle’s durability and ability to withstand rigorous use, while maintaining a manageable overall weight of approximately 6.8 lbs. The upper receiver also includes a forward assist and dust cover, standard features for an M4-style platform, ensuring reliable operation in various environments.
Who Will Benefit Most from the Smith & Wesson Volunteer XV?
The Volunteer XV's design philosophy makes it exceptionally versatile, appealing to a broad spectrum of shooters:
- New Shooters: If you're asking, "What's the best entry-level AR-15 that I won't outgrow quickly?" or "How can I start shooting without a huge initial investment in upgrades?", the Volunteer XV is your answer. Its ready-to-shoot nature, complete with an optic and high-quality components, minimizes the learning curve and maximizes enjoyment from day one.
- Experienced Enthusiasts and Home Defense Users: For those who understand the value of quality components and are looking for a reliable, feature-rich AR platform for range training, skill development, or home protection, the Volunteer XV offers a superb base. It's built with trusted components that deliver consistent performance, offering peace of mind.
- Competitive Shooters (3-Gun, Carbine Matches): While some competitive shooters may eventually opt for highly specialized setups, the Volunteer XV provides an excellent starting point for those entering disciplines like 3-Gun or carbine matches. Its precise barrel, crisp trigger, and ergonomic furniture give competitors a significant advantage without requiring immediate custom work.
- Recreational and Sport Shooters: For anyone who simply enjoys spending time at the range, plinking, or honing their marksmanship, the Volunteer XV provides a durable, accurate, and enjoyable platform that handles the demands of regular use with ease. It's also suitable for varmint hunting in areas where an AR-style rifle is legal for such activities.
Why Choose the Smith & Wesson Volunteer XV? A Comprehensive Value Proposition
The Smith & Wesson Volunteer XV distinguishes itself by offering a truly comprehensive package. Instead of piecing together an AR-15 from various components or paying extra for aftermarket parts, the Volunteer XV comes from the factory with the most desirable upgrades already integrated. This thoughtful design saves shooters time, effort, and often, significant money. It stands as a testament to Smith & Wesson's commitment to delivering superior performance and value. The peace of mind that comes from owning a rifle built by a trusted American manufacturer, equipped with industry-leading components, is invaluable. This rifle is more than just a collection of parts; it's a meticulously assembled system engineered for optimal performance and reliability, ensuring that every shot counts.
The Smith & Wesson Volunteer XV 5.56x45mm NATO rifle is available at DEGuns, ensuring you receive a genuine product backed by exceptional service. It represents a smart investment for any shooter seeking a high-performance, versatile, and dependable AR-platform rifle that’s truly ready for anything, right out of the box.
Detailed Product Specifications: Smith & Wesson Volunteer XV (Model 13513)
| Feature | Detail | Benefit to Shooter |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Rem | Versatile, widely available, and cost-effective ammo |
| Barrel Length | 16 Inches | Balanced for maneuverability and ballistic performance |
| Barrel Material | 4140 Steel with Armornite® | Durability, corrosion resistance, and longevity |
| Rifling Type | 5R Rifling | Enhanced accuracy, reduced fouling, easier cleaning |
| Twist Rate | 1:8" | Stabilizes wide range of bullet weights (55gr-77gr) |
| Capacity | 30+1 Rounds | Standard capacity for recreational and competitive use |
| Gas System | Mid-Length | Smoother cycling, reduced recoil, less wear on parts |
| Handguard | BCM Gunfighter M-LOK | Lightweight, versatile accessory attachment, free-float |
| Stock | B5 Systems Bravo | Ergonomic, stable cheek weld, adjustable length-of-pull |
| Pistol Grip | B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip | Improved control, reduced wrist fatigue, comfortable |
| Trigger | Flat-Face Trigger | Consistent pull, improved precision and control |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Manual Safety | Intuitive operation for all shooters (left/right-hand) |
| Optic | Crimson Trace CTS-103 Red Dot | Rapid target acquisition, both-eyes-open shooting |
| Charging Handle | Radian Raptor-LT™ Ambi | Smooth, positive, ambidextrous manipulation |
| Muzzle Device | A2 Flash Suppressor | Reduces muzzle flash, preserves night vision |
| Receiver Material | Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum | High strength, lightweight, durable construction |
| Overall Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs | Manageable weight for extended use |
| UPC | 022188887921 | Unique Product Identifier for easy reference |
