In the realm of law enforcement, the line between maintaining order and facing chaos is thin. When dealing with situations such as handling an active shooter, a suspect barricaded in a location or a tense domestic dispute escalating into violence, there’s no time for indecision. The decisions made in those moments can determine whether I or someone else emerges unscathed or becomes a statistic.
After working in law enforcement for a while, I’ve realized that success in this field hinges on two factors: thorough practice and preparation, and having the necessary tools on hand. Recently, I’ve found that my personal gear choices are shaped by my past encounters, and preferences play a role. So, when it comes to selecting the right rifle setup, I lean towards the 16” Springfield Armory SAINT Edge 5.56mm rifle for its versatility and effectiveness.
The SAINT Edge is one of, if not the most, dependable choices I’ve enjoyed running. In my law enforcement career thus far, I’ve run long guns from a variety of manufacturers, and in my opinion, Springfield Armory has them all beat hands down. I need a firearm that ensures performance along with speed and accuracy that aligns with my movements, whether I’m in close quarters or long distance, adjusting positions, navigating obstacles while engaging adversaries or working in low light conditions.
My SAINT Edge rifle is equipped with a selection of upgrades that I carefully selected to improve its functionality in various situations. I’ve incorporated enhancements such as a modified magazine release and enhanced visibility for low-light conditions to provide me with a tactical advantage when it truly matters.
Let me elaborate on the reasons behind customizing my SAINT Edge patrol rifle in this manner and how this set-up caters to my requirements within the realm of law enforcement.
Why Did I Choose the SAINT?
When it comes to rifles, for me, I’m not into the flashiest accessory– I just want something reliable and durable for the job at hand. I need a firearm that’s tough enough to handle the rigors of law enforcement work, but still light and easy to maneuver throughout my shift, whether it’s just starting or coming to a close.
After researching and testing out rifles first-hand over several shifts and in various situations, I finally settled on the SAINT Edge because it fulfills all the essential criteria for me. Reliability, accuracy, low weight and durability.
My patrol rifle needed to be chambered for the 5.56×45 NATO cartridge with a 16” barrel, and light yet durable. This configuration would allow me to effectively engage targets at close quarters range while ensuring precision and stability for long-distance shots as well. Who knows, I might find myself clearing a room one minute and confronting threats across a parking lot the next moment.
I chose the SAINT Edge rifle due to Springfield’s reputation for reliability and performance in real-world scenarios that matter most to me personally. In situations requiring shots with no room for error or the risk of malfunction, such as bolts jamming or optics shifting due to recoil. It’s crucial to maintain accuracy and ensure every shot I take with my firearm is effective.
While the SAINT Edge is quite remarkable in its basic fresh-from-the-factory form, I felt there was potential for enhancement with modifications. I didn’t want to change it for the sake of change; I believe upgrades should be purposeful.
I have personalized my SAINT Edge rifle with upgrades chosen to enhance its overall performance in fast-paced and high-pressure scenarios. Next, I’ll detail the reasoning behind configuring my SAINT Edge Rifle in this manner.
Magpul B.A.D. Lever
One enhancement I made was installing a Magpul B.A.D. (Battery Assist Device). If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of a malfunction, then you know how difficult it is to try to clear a double-feed or a failure to extract. These types of situations like to show up when we least expect them!
The B.A.D lever allows me to operate the bolt catch with my trigger finger without having to shift my hand from the pistol grip, which helps in speeding up reloading and addressing malfunctions quickly, especially when time is crucial. I have observed that it also improves the experience by making everything feel more seamless and efficient.
The first time I used the B.A.D. Lever, it felt like finding a cheat code in a video game — reloading became quick and easy without having to change my grip on the rifle. If only I could pour coffee into my cup as fast as I reload my rifle.
Radian Raptor LT
The initial stock-charging handle worked well. However, I wanted an option that could offer even simpler ease of use in high-stress moments. That’s why I decided to switch to the Radian Raptor LT handle. It’s designed to be ambidextrous, which allows me to manipulate the rifle effortlessly from either side. This feature comes in handy in situations where stability in the field isn’t always a given.
The Raptor LT features a construction using a blend of aluminum and polymer that maintains strength without excess bulkiness due to its lightweight design. The spacious fasteners allow for effortless operation, even with gloves on.
Let’s face it, though; I’m gloveless most of the time.
Using a charging handle enables me to quickly address malfunctions or perform a press check without having to change my shooting stance. It’s the kind of upgrade that I didn’t fully grasp until I tried it. After trying it out and seeing its benefits firsthand, I wondered how I ever got by without it.
EOTECH EXPS
Throughout the years, I’ve experimented with devices such as Aimpoints PROs and Trijicon red dot sights along with a couple of LPVOs. However, none of them quite lived up to the EOTECH EXPS in fulfilling all my needs.
I chose the EOTECH because it provides me with a balance of acquiring targets and precise accuracy during shooting sessions. The mix of a 68 MOA circle paired with a 1 MOA dot allows me to effortlessly identify targets in close-range scenarios while also enabling me to maintain accuracy for long-distance shots.
The EOTECH holographic display is clear, sharp and responsive — it effortlessly directs my attention to the target’s location. Not to mention, its wide field of view enables me to remain alert to my surroundings while responding to threats — a key component of law enforcement responsibilities.
The Magpul Two-Point Sling
To be honest, I prefer using two-point slings over one-point slings for patrol rifles.
My top choice is the Magpul Two-Point Sling because it offers both security and convenient access for my rifle. The quick adjustment feature allows me the freedom to tighten the sling when transitioning to my pistol, or to loosen it up for movement between targets. Not to mention, the ability to let my rifle hang freely when not involved in a situation is also very comfortable and is what makes a two-point sling the best choice.
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At most law enforcement agencies, it’s mandatory to have a sling for your rifle. One misstep and you could end up dropping it for good! A dropped weapon is useless in a fight. Moreover, I don’t want to be known as the person who dropped my gun. That kind of reputation is lasting, and the embarrassment stays — forever.
Magpul’s Enhanced AR Magazine Release
In the realm of law enforcement where timing is critical, I use the Magpul Enhanced AR Magazine Release in my equipment set-up. The straightforward yet effective upgrade greatly enhances the magazine changing process. The larger and responsive release button removes the necessity of struggling during moments to eject the magazine.
We’ve all heard the expression that fine motor skill movements can falter under stressful situations. To an extent, that statement is accurate. I need a large, sizable tactile button that is easily reachable and can truly make a significant difference during times of increased heart rate.
When I reload my firearm, it shouldn’t be like solving a quiz question but rather a seamless action that feels instinctive to me.
This simple improvement boosts my muscle memory that I’ve developed through years of practice, making pressing the magazine release and reloading feel natural to me now. It allows me to get bullets on target quicker, which is absolutely vital to stopping a threat.
Magpul Barricade Stop
Finding yourself in a situation where you need to maintain stability and accuracy while shooting a rifle from behind some cover or barrier is practice among shooters.
The Magpul Barricade Stop plays a crucial role in such scenarios by providing stability and support when attached to either side of the handguard. For me, it serves as a reliable contact point that significantly improves stability.
This enhancement assists me in managing recoil and maintaining accuracy while shooting. Sometimes situations arise where you’re seeking cover but still need to hit the target; having that additional support point truly makes a difference.
Welcoming the Shadows
Most active shooter scenarios happen during daylight; however, I try to never take things by chance or assume. When it comes to environments like no-light or low-light situations, things can vary drastically, which is why I’ve put a Modlite 18350 PLHV weapon light on my Edge that boasts a brightness of 1,350 lumens and 54,000 candelas. This gives me ample illumination to cut through darkness effortlessly like a knife through butter.
The special design of the beam ensures that the light can reach areas without creating any glare, specifically in my peripheral vision zones. The strong candela output of the flashlight gives me the ability to cut through lighting obstructions with little issue. It’s particularly helpful when dealing with light sources like streetlights or car headlights. This enhances my ability to quickly spot potential dangers in low-light conditions, and also for making precise decisions quickly.
Along with this Modlite, I have a One Hundred Concepts Light-Cap to block the light when light isn’t desired, or if I don’t want to highlight my position. All it takes is a flick of a finger to remove and reattach the cap covering the Modlite.
Magpul Mag-Link Coupler
When I have to reload while working on the job, it’s a task I must do. I now depend on the Magpul Mag-Link Coupler for my SAINT Edge gear set-up.
This handy tool effortlessly links two 30-round PMAG magazines together, allowing me to smoothly switch between them and have a combined total of 60 rounds at my fingertips.
After switching magazines, I’m all set to take action without having to search for a magazine every time. Whether I’m in a real situation or practicing drills, having those rounds close by gives me a sense of security. It’s like having a Costco membership, but for ammunition.
Conclusion
As the sun sets, the SAINT Edge represents more to me than just a firearm; it feels like a lifeline. Every enhancement is chosen to give me an edge when it matters most. Policing isn’t about chances — it’s about being prepared for crucial moments. I’ve fine-tuned my gear to achieve a balance between speed and precision.
In high-pressure situations where lives are at stake, I trust my SAINT Edge to perform reliably. Those moments of certainty truly make a difference. When it’s my turn to respond, I am ready, just like my rifle.
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