The Seekins NX15
Based on a foundation of 7075 T6 aluminum billets, the NX15 is machined and skeletonized for a perfect match. The 16-inch 416R stainless barrel sits inside an M-LOK-compatible handguard so you can add all your favorite accessories.
In addition to high-quality components, the NX15 incorporates some great control features. The Seekins DNA charging handle is enhanced with relief cuts to reduce friction, and I like the 45-degree ambidextrous safety.
As the AR platform has matured, Seekins was one of the early manufacturers to add enhanced additional controls. You can easily actuate the push-button bolt release with your trigger finger – a welcome feature only surpassed by the release/lock-back type of control I enjoy on my other similar rifles.
Superb quality parts and fit come standard with this rifle. The controls feel smooth and responsive, and the fit and finish are also top-notch. The test rifle we are shooting today has a custom paint job, something that feels like it fell out of a comic book – but I wouldn't let that interfere with what matters.
Specifications
- Caliber: .223/5.56 (tested), .22 ARC, 6 ARC, .338 ARC
- Barrel Length: 16 inches
- Barrel Twist: 1:8, threaded 1/2x28 TPI
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Gas Block: Adjustable low-profile
- Muzzle: Seekins Nest enclosed flash hider
- Finish: Black Oxide coating
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Stock: Adjustable six-position MFT (as tested)
My Testing Setup
Before shooting the NX15, I wanted to add a couple of accessories. Of course, it would need some kind of sighting system. For that I chose the Primary Arms PLx Compact, a 1-8 LPVO with exceptional clarity and definition. I attached it to the upper receiver with the PLx cantilever mount.
For ammunition, I grabbed several boxes of PMC X-Tac 55 grain as well as some PMC Match 77-grain ammo. Both have performed well for me in other firearms. Lastly, because I hate noise, I also grabbed one of my favorite suppressors, the Banish Speed K. With everything in place, I headed to the range.
On the Range
On the firing line, I loaded the Amend 2 magazine with some of the 55-grain ammo to get the rifle zeroed. I did a quick boresighting job that got me on paper before making a few adjustments.
One of the reasons I love the PLx scope is because it is so clear I can see bullet holes in paper much better than other 8X scopes. After zeroing the scope to the rifle supported on a bench, I fired a few shots to see how accurately the rifle shot with inexpensive ammo. Then I switched to the 77-grain match ammo.
After checking the accuracy, I decided to switch it up a bit by shooting from a standing position. The rifle is well balanced, and the smooth action feels polished. Reloading the rifle and going through magazines helped me appreciate the feel of the precise controls. The trigger on this rifle is excellent – very crisp and clean. Details like the oversized trigger guard and textured surfaces where you need them make for an above-average feel and performance.
Although I’m not a big fan of the paint job, it is hard to dislike the feel of this rifle. The minimalist handguard is easy to grip. It is thin where you want it thin and thick where it should be thick. A flared magwell makes loading easy, and thick trigger pin bosses should make for long-term durability.
Field Notes
The shootability of this rifle is fantastic. I love the big purchase of the charging handle – even a blind shooter with one finger couldn’t miss it. The Magpul and Mission First Tactical furniture is comfortable and allows easy manipulation of the rifle.
With nothing on the handguard, it is easy to grip the rifle in any style you choose. The magwell has some texture, if you’re one of those guys, and M-LOK accessories like a downgrip easily could be added to enhance handling.
As expected with the Seekins name, the NX15 ran flawlessly during all my shooting. Both suppressed and in loud configuration, the rifle ate everything and never complained. I could feel a slight increase in operating pressure when shooting suppressed, but it wasn’t enough that I felt like adjusting the gas block. That is easy enough to do using a couple of Allen wrenches through the handguard.
Again, with a name like Seekins, I was expecting this rifle to be a sharpshooter. I don’t typically like using an 8X scope for shooting groups at 100 yards; I’d much rather use something like a 12X or more. Even so, I was surprised at how easily I was able to shoot MOA five-shot groups with cheap ammo.
After seeing how little effort it took to put five shots into an inch, I would expect it to be even better with a more precise optic. I expect it would get even better if I found or tuned some ammo for better performance. Seekins rifles are known for their accuracy, which is why law enforcement and military use these products.
Pros & Cons
If you’ve ever priced a Seekins rifle, you know they are not inexpensive. I don’t mind paying for quality American-made products, and Seekins offers exactly that. Can you get good performance from other places for less? Probably. But with the Seekins satisfaction guarantee, you can be confident you will appreciate the time and money invested in these firearms.
Given the opportunity, there are only a few things I would change on the NX15. As I mentioned, the paint job, like any other, is subjective and up to the eye of the beholder. I didn’t care for this one, but that is easily changed. I also mentioned the right-side button bolt release, which is a nice feature. I wish the designers had gone a touch further and made it dual purpose, allowing the user to engage the bolt lock-back feature using the trigger finger.
Most everything else about this rifle is on point, from a shooter’s perspective. The trigger is crisp and breaks cleanly. Despite it being slightly heavier than I am used to, it feels great. All the controls have a positive and tactile feel. The fine craftsmanship of this rifle makes it worth its asking price.
Final Thoughts
I expected shooting the NX15 to be a good experience, and it was. There are many AR-style rifles in the $1,500 to $2,000 range, and they can be very different. If you are looking for a solid rifle built with quality American craftsmanship, you should look at the NX15. I really like Seekins products and can strongly recommend this rifle for those looking for a top-quality AR.
