Somewhere along the line, the AR-15 has changed from being merely a reliable tool to a status symbol, almost in the same way as today’s pickup trucks. To a degree, both products have become less focused on broad-task effectiveness and more on being hosts for the latest accessories. In many cases, such extras go unused, resulting in a price tag that puts the entire design out of reach of millions of Americans. To that end, FN America has sought to bring its legendary quality and reliability to an AR-15 that lists for just $999, and we believe that it has done this well with its 15 Guardian carbine.
A conventional direct-impingement, semi-automatic, centerfire AR-15 that feeds from a polymer 30-round detachable box magazine, the Guardian is, true to its lineage, comprised of an aluminum receiver set and clad with familiar mil-spec controls like its safety selector, charging handle, bolt catch and magazine-release button. One might notice the absence of a forward-assist plunger, which is a tactical omission, as it eliminates a pronounced snag point; on a reliable AR-15, a forward assist will largely go untouched, which, again, is the overall premise of the 15 Guardian.
However, although painted as a box-stock firearm, FN’s latest offers a fair number of upgrades over a standard M4-style AR-15. Starting with the fore-end, it allows the 16.25" medium-contour barrel to float freely, making it immune to the potential harmonic effects of adding a sling or other accessories. This is aided by the low-profile gas block that is also designed to not contact the handguard. Getting back to accessories, Guardian owners have a blank canvas of M-Lok slots with which to affix products such as hand stops, lights, lasers, bipods or other accessories, with multiple located at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock on the fore-end.
An enlarged trigger guard accommodates gloved fingers, and the rifle comes with a well-textured 19.5-degree pistol grip. Similar texturing is found on the magazine body to ensure hassle-free loading and reloading. At the rear of the gun, FN’s proprietary buttstock features a trio of sling-mounting slots and a unique adjustment lever that blends in with the rest of the unit. The cheekpiece is molded with a mild flare to enhance the user’s stock weld, but it is not so pronounced that it widens the firearm beyond the charging handle. This stock is affixed to a typical six-position carbine buffer tube, making it adjustable, removable and interchangeable with any others on the market.
The AR-15 is the epitome of a multi-purpose rifle, however, this statement is largely dependent on its peripheral equipment. To maximize its versatility, we equipped the test Guardian with a 5 Tactix scope from Riton Optics. Its 1-10X magnification range encompasses tactical, precision and hunting uses, particularly when you consider its illuminated, Christmas-tree-style reticle. Since the AR platform has less than an inch of drop at the comb, a Warne one-piece Vapor mount was utilized to ensure proper sight height and eye relief. Ammunition was also carefully selected, and, given that the rifle is chambered to handle the higher pressures of 5.56 NATO, we were able to shoot lighter .223 Rem. fodder without issue. Our selections consisted of a heavy self-defense load from Speer, a lightweight varmint load from Browning and an all-purpose target load from SIG.
Testers began by punching groups from a bench rest to finalize zero and gain a realistic accuracy expectation. The evaluators each commented on the trigger weight, as it was undoubtedly mil-spec but smoother than most others we have encountered. Each shooter was of a different stature, with a few lefties mixed in as well; all enjoyed being able to adjust the length of pull on the fly, but our southpaws had to make do with the right-handed control scheme. However, no one encountered issues with the reduced-profile brass deflector, which protected our testers’ faces when the carbine was fired from the left shoulder.
Rising to our feet, we pushed the FN 15 Guardian a little harder as we navigated a field of steel targets. Rapid-fire engagements showed us the value of the mid-length gas system, which alleviated muzzle rise and felt recoil. Swapping the A2-style flash hider for a muzzle brake would take this a step further, but most agreed that it wasn’t necessary. Moreover, everyone enjoyed the slimline fore-end, which accommodated traditional and modern gripping styles alike.
Our range session concluded when we exhausted our ammunition, which ran flawlessly, regardless of its flavor. Furthermore, the FN 15 Guardian didn’t require the typical “one magazine” break-in period that many other ARs often do. Overall, we consider this an exceptional product for the price that is built to the level of quality that FN is known to provide. It would make for an excellent utility rifle or even the base for a custom build.
