Is a POF AR-15 Worth the Money?

Last Updated March 1st 2024

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Patriot Ordnance Factory AR-15 Range

Ask any real AR-15 aficionado what gun is missing from their collection and a disproportionate number will tell you they would give their left nut for a Patriot Ordnance Factory firearm.

Patriot Ordnance Factory guns are expensive, it’s just the way it is. You don’t even have to try very hard to spend $2500 and more on a POF rifle.

But you can spend significantly less. If the gun deals gods are smiling on you, you can pick up a POF AR-15 for as little as $1,500. Not so long ago you could find the POF Minuteman for less than $1000, but times have changed….

What is the current range of Patriot Ordnance Factory rifles?

1. POF Minuteman

• Price: $1,500+
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO/223 Remington
• Operating System: Direct IMpingement

The entry level rifle is named as a tribute to the civilian soldiers that were famously ready to go in a minute during he American Revolutionary war.

And that’s its ethos, it’s always ready. This is a simple Direct Impingement system, there’s nothing complicated to get to grip with and it comes with a formidable reputation for quality and reliability.

It’s the battle rifle of the pair because it’s such a lightweight rifle, that dI system is more than reliable enough for general use and this is a rifle you can shoulder all day without paying a price. That’s a major tactical advantage.

2. POF 415 Edge

• Price: $2,025+
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO/223 Remington
• Operating System: Gas Piston

The flagship POF P415 Edge is more expensive, heavier and more complex. It also tends to be the one you want for serious precision shooting at long range and any kind of bench shooting.

It’s not simply a case of the most expensive rifle is better. We’ve covered the pros and cons of Direct Impingement vs gas piston systems elsewhere, but basically it’s a balancing act of weight, performance and reliability.

In our humble opinion, the gas piston only becomes essential with a full auto machine gun. With that rapid fire, the extra benefits of preventing heat build up and fouling matter much more.

For all but the most serious recreational shooter, the lighter weight, reduced complexity and cost with the DI system are tangible real world benefits. And unless you’re a serial mag dumper and fire thousands of rounds in a day, the heat build up and extra fouling oif a DI system really don’t make that much of a difference.

Technical Highlights of POF AR15s

POF-USA’s AR-15 rifles are distinguished by several patented technologies and design philosophies that set them apart:

• E2 Extraction Technology: This unique extraction method incorporates four channels in the walls of the chamber, allowing a small amount of gas pressure to assist in the extraction process. This innovation significantly improves reliability, especially in adverse conditions.
• Regulated Gas Piston System: POF-USA was among the first in the industry to offer a fully regulated gas piston system in their AR-15 models. That provides a cleaner, cooler, and more reliable operation than traditional direct impingement systems that the company still offers in tandem.
• Oversized Heat Sink Barrel Nut: This feature significantly increases surface area. That reduces heat build-up and allows the rifle to be fired for extended periods without the loss of accuracy or performance.
• Fully Ambidextrous Design: POF-USA incorporated fully ambidextrous controls, including safety selectors, bolt release, and magazine release, ensuring ease of use for both left and right-handed shooters.

Performance and Reliability

At the heart of POF-USA’s AR-15 range is a commitment to unparalleled performance and reliability. These rifles are built to endure the harshest conditions, from the deserts of the Middle East to the cold mountains of Afghanistan. The use of high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum and nitride-treated barrels, ensures that POF-USA rifles can withstand thousands of rounds without significant wear.

Customization and Versatility

POF-USA understands that no two shooters are the same, and their AR-15 range reflects this philosophy. With a wide array of calibers, barrel lengths, and configurations available, there is a POF-USA rifle to meet any need. Whether for hunting, competitive shooting, or tactical applications, users can customize their rifle with a plethora of aftermarket parts and accessories, thanks to the AR-15’s modular design.

Craftsmanship and Quality Control

What sets POF-USA apart in the crowded AR-15 market is not just their innovation but their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality control. Each rifle is meticulously assembled and tested to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. This attention to detail has earned POF-USA a loyal following among military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike.

Market Position and Obvious Rivals

In the competitive AR-15 market, POF-USA has carved out a niche for itself by offering high-end, innovative rifles that command a premium price. While not the cheapest option available, POF-USA rifles are seen as an investment in quality and reliability. Their rifles are highly regarded by enthusiasts and professionals who demand the best and are willing to pay for it.

Major rivals include Daniel Defense, which tends to occupy the same price band for the Direct Impingement AR-15s. The higher end gas piston rifles compare well to the H&K MR556 and LWRC Enhanced.

Have a look at these list posts for POF rivals.

• Custom AR-15 rifles on Sale Now
• The best AR-15s under $2000.
• Lightweight AR-15s you need to own.

Conclusion

The Patriot Ordnance Factory’s AR-15 range represents the pinnacle of AR platform innovation and performance. With a focus on reliability, through advanced engineering, POF-USA continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with the AR-15, earning the respect and loyalty of shooters around the world. Whether for tactical applications, competitive shooting, or hunting, POF-USA offers a rifle that is built to perform at the highest level.