Spike’s Tactical ST-22 (SS Tested November 2010)

Spike’s Tactical makes real AR15s as well as 22 rimfire versions which they call the ST-22. They use common upper and lower receivers, which in the latter case are fitted with the 22 LR barrel and a drop-in bolt kit. The standard rifle follows the M4 layout with a telescopic butt, flat top receiver, plastic forend and a Picatinny base for a front sight, plus 1x 25-round Black Dog magazine. It’s available as a complete rifle or an upper to drop on to an AR15 lower.
All the controls are there; forward assist, case deflector, and last round hold open but none of these function in 22 format, with only the safety and magazine release working. Though the rising magazine platform will block the bolt after the last shot, so giving a primary hold open. The trigger is bog standard military though will accept after-market parts or kits. On the plus side reliability and accuracy are very good and I would imagine longevity too, which is always a concern with other makes that are perhaps not so well put together… Spikes also offer billet receiver sets, which are machined from solid, which can be bought separately or included in a gun build. NWCP does a lot of custom work on this chassis in their Precision Marksman line, so can build what you want as they also carry a massive range of accessories from all the top players – Troy, Magpul, Black Dog, Samson etc.  Different and more a novelty is the Lake Side, Razorback, belt-fed upper. Looking like an AR15 it uses a 50-round belt feed system similar to the old 1919 Browning MMG and will fit any AR lower. Only seen pictures of this but it’s very expensive and though fascinating not that practical.

Spike’s ST-22 this is a well built and reliable design that should last for ever, but is expensive and shows basic controls. Shown here the standard M4 with 50-round Black Dog drum Full custom Spike’s Tactical - NWCP’s Precision Marksman (PM22) this example shows their billet upper and lower receivers fitted with Troy and other accessories
•Capacity 10, 25 & 50

•Manual hold open N

•Last round hold open magazine-actuated

•Barrel 16”

•Iron sights N

•Price £950 (complete rifle)

•Upper only £695

•Contact: North West Custom Parts, 0161 408 1155

•For: Well built and accurate

•Against: Basic controls

•Verdict: Top of the line build and operation but expensive by comparison