NRA Gun Of The Week: American Tactical Alpha-15

by
posted on February 11, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

American Tactical Inc., (ATI) is no stranger to the AR-15 market, particularly when it comes to creating affordable, reliable platforms in the category. Despite the affordable cost of the company’s offerings, ATI continues to keep up with current trends in the market, and the Alpha-15 is one of the latest iterations. Introduced in 2021, the Alpha-15 incorporates many desired features, such as a flattop, optics-ready receiver, M-Lok handguard, and a slim, 16", pencil-profile barrel. Watch our video preview above see the Alpha-15 in use.

man in black shirt wearing ear muffs ballcap shooting rifle gun ar-15


The Alpha-15’s construction is unique—most AR-15 lowers are crafted from aluminum—and ATI uses a steel-reinforced polymer design that provides the same functionality and accepts the same components as mil-spec receivers made from aluminum. The so-called Omni Hybrid lower is constructed using a patented hammer and trigger-pin retaining system, which prevents these two critical components from shifting during firing. This ensures that all the fire-control elements remain in place for reliable function.

Also built into the Omni Hybrid lower receiver is a patented over-molded metal insert that reinforces the area around the buffer-tube housing and rear takedown pin. The slim dimensions in this area have always been an obstacle for polymer lower receivers, and the design of the Omni Hybrid not only reinforces the internal structure, it also provides metal-on-metal contact for securing the buffer tube in place.

left-side view ar-15 polymer gun plastic black synthetic parts rifle semi-automatic trigger receiver grip


The lower isn’t the only place where polymer gets used. The upper receiver is also a polymer unit and features a metal insert for reinforcement in critical areas. It’s important to note that, in an AR-15, the bolt locks into the barrel extension rather than the receiver, enabling designs like that found on the Alpha-15. Additionally, to save even more weight, the buffer tube on the Alpha-15 is infused with carbon-fiber. The Alpha-15 comes standard with a lightweight 16" barrel and included is a threaded-on flash hider.

One of the nice elements of the Alpha-15 is that, because of the polymer construction, you don’t miss many of the features that are often removed from ultra-light rifles. There’s still a forward assist, dust cover, six-position collapsible stock and a generous M-Lok fore-end for accessories and ease of handling. A nice added touch is the enlarged trigger guard for gloved hands, and the mil-spec pistol grip, single-side selector switch and magazine release are all familiar to AR-15 fans. Also worth noting is that each Alpha-15 now ships with a single 30-round magazine, and you get this entire package at a price much lower than traditional AR-15s.

plastic gun parts black rail fore-end handguard rifle ar-15

American Tactical Alpha-15 Specifications
Manufacturer: American Tactical Inc., (ATI)
Chambering: 5.56x45 mm NATO
Receiver: steel-reinforced polymer
Barrel: 16” chrome-moly-Vanadium steel
Stock: adjustable polymer
Trigger: composite
Sights: Picatinny rail; fully adjustable flip-up
Magazine: 30-round detachable box
Weight: 5 lbs., 8.2 ozs.
MSRP: $499.95

Latest

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view
Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.