Introduction
Seekins Precision is a very well known firearm manufacturer in the precision rifle world. Aside from their very nice precision rifles, they also make some fine autoloading rifles. Today we are taking a look at one of them, the Seekins Precision NX15.
Seekins sets their products apart by manufacturing their own custom receiver sets and parts that accompany them. The results are high quality firearms that stand out with a unique look and performance.
The Seekins NX15
Based on a foundation of 7075 T6 aluminum billets, the NX15 is machined and skeletonized for a perfect match. The sixteen-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 also incorporates some great control features. The Seekins DNA charging handle comes with an enhanced charging handle, with relief cuts to help keep friction low. The safety is a forty-five degree ambidextrous type, which I like.
As the AR platform has matured, Seekins was one of the early manufacturers to add enhanced additional controls. There is a push-button bolt-release you can easily actuate with your trigger finger. This is a very welcome feature and 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 very 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 would let that interfere with what matters.
Seekins NX15 Specifications
| Seekins Precision NX15 | |
| Caliber | .223/5.56 (tested) 22ARC, 6ARC, 338ARC |
| Barrel | Stainless 16-inch |
| Barrel Twist | 1 in 8 inches |
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Gas Block | Adjustable low-profile |
| Muzzle | Seekins Nest enclosed flash-hider |
| Finish | Black Oxide coating |
| Muzzle thread | Ā½-28 |
| Stock | Adjustable six-position MFT (tested) |
NX15 Testing Setup
Before shooting the NX15, I wanted to add a couple accessories. First up 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. Using the PLx cantilever mount I attached it to the upper receiver.
For ammunition to feed the NX15, I grabbed several boxes of PMC X-Tac 55 grain as well as some PMC Match 77 grain ammo. Both of these have performed well for me in other firearms. Lastly because I hate noise, I also grabbed a suppressor for the rifle. The Banish Speed K suppressor from Silencer Central, this is a bulletproof little suppressor and it has really become one of my favorites. With everything in place, I headed to the range.
On the Range with the Seekins NX15
Once 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 accurate the rifle shot with inexpensive ammo. Then I switched to the 77-grain match ammo to see how it shot as well.
After seeing how the rifle performed accurately, I decided to switch it up a bit by shooting the rifle from a standing position. The smooth action of the rifle felt very polished, reloading the rifle and going through magazines helped appreciate the precise controls and their feel. The trigger feels excellent in this rifle, very crisp and clean.
I noticed while handling and shooting the rifle that the NX15 has nice balance. Little things like the oversized trigger-guard and textured surfaces where you need them made it feel above average performance.
Even though I wasn’t a big fan of the paint job, it was hard to dislike the feel of this rifle. The minimized handguard was easy to hold onto. And it wasn’t just thin where you wanted it thin, it was also thick where it should be. A flared magwell skirt made stabbing magazines easy, and thick trigger pin-bosses would make for long-term durability.
The Results
Handling
The shootability of this rifle is fantastic. I love the big purchase of the charging handle that even a blind shooter with one finger couldn’t miss. The Magpul and Mission First Tactical furniture were nice and made easy manipulation of the rifle.
With nothing on the handguard it was easy to grip the rifle in any style you choose, and the magwell has some texture if you’re one of those guys. Adding M-Lok accessories like a downgrip could also be easily added to enhance the handling.
Reliability
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 I felt like adjusting the gas block. Though that would have been easy to do using a couple Allen wrenches through the handguard.
Accuracy
Once again with a name like Seekins, I was expecting this rifle to shoot sharply. 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.
