Today, we’re looking at a new player in the AR manufacturing space with a storied past. We were lucky enough to run some of these North Star Arms in a suppressed carbine course a couple of months back, and they impressed so much that we decided to partner with them and order a pallet full for our valued readers.

Let’s unwrap these guns and discover what makes the NS-15 and NS-15P so cool. 
 

What sets North Star Arms apart?

North Star Arms is surprisingly not made in Minnesota or Alaska, but in a bit of an ironic twist calls Phoenix, Arizona, homebase. North Star is a company that falls under the RSW group, which is comprised of RSW Aviation, North Star Arms, and Profense. 

While some of these names may not ring a bell, Profense is one of the major manufacturers of the M134 Minigun, which is a weapon system that is mounted with SWCC boats and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. With a background rooted in the production of a weapon system that is trusted by some of the top-performing military units in the world, this AR design and production reflect a high level of quality. 

The Design of the NS-15

The North Star Arms NS-15 is an AR-15 style of carbine chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 16-inch barrel. The rifle has more modern features, such as a free-float M-LOK rail, keeping pressure off of the barrel to avoid any negative effects on accuracy. Equipped with a Hogue grip that has aggressive texturing and a more comfortable angle that will not fatigue the wrist like the traditional AR-15 profile is known for doing. The retractable stock is also made by Hogue with a soft rubber texture to rest your cheek on. The rifle is comfortable and can easily take modern attachments. 
 

Related: I Ran a NorthStar NS-15 in a Suppressed Carbine Course 

The NS-15 Pistol is also chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, and it features a 10.5-inch barrel, which is perfect for being as short and compact as can be, without a serious negative effect to the performance of the 5.56 round. The free-float M-LOK rail is very reminiscent of the HK 416 M-LOK rail, with a rounded rectangular shape, and it is very comfortable to handle. The pistol retains the same Hogue pistol grip with an improved angle and texture. With that being said, the Hogue stock has been replaced with a Maxim Defense retractable PDW brace. The Maxim Brace is comfortable, sturdy, and compact. 

Both options come in a North Star Arms cardboard box, and they feature one 30-round steel magazine and a manual. 

CONCLUSION

The versatility of the AR-15 is what has made it arguably the most popular design of firearm in the United States. From hunting and training to home/personal defense and target shooting, it is hard to beat the ease of use that the platform offers. Everyone should have an AR, it is the essential American thing to do. So, if you are going to buy one, why not buy a firearm with quality construction that is made by a company that makes Miniguns? Stay tuned as we revisit these in reviews coming up.