All The Features (Questionable Execution) | Foxtrot Mike 15 (FM15)

Published on January 13, 2023
Duration: 22:30

This review of the Foxtrot Mike 15 (FM15) highlights its AR-15-like design with added features such as a folding brace/stock capability, side charging handle, and an adjustable gas block. While praised for its ergonomics and price point, the review details significant issues with the gas system's adjustability and reliability, particularly the difficulty in field-adjusting the gas block and its tendency to seize. The reviewer notes that while the concept is sound, the execution of the gas system fumbles its potential.

Quick Summary

The Foxtrot Mike 15 (FM15) offers AR-15 ergonomics with a folding brace/stock capability and adjustable gas. However, its gas block is notoriously difficult to adjust in the field and prone to seizing, leading to reliability issues, especially when suppressed.

Chapters

  1. 00:49Introduction & Overview
  2. 01:00AR-15 Design Limitations
  3. 02:17Alternative Solutions (Bootleg BCG, PWS)
  4. 03:13Foxtrot Mike 15 (FM15) Introduction
  5. 04:05Where to Buy FM15
  6. 05:06FM15 Functionality & Design
  7. 06:16Folding Brace/Stock Attachment
  8. 06:34Handguard & Barrel Nut
  9. 07:04Side Charging System
  10. 07:44Anti-Rotational Tab
  11. 08:17BCG Design & Receiver Extension
  12. 09:12Dust Ingress Issues
  13. 10:01Dust Cover Operation
  14. 10:16Compatibility with Mil-Spec Lowers
  15. 10:51Lefty Operation of Side Charger
  16. 12:06Overall Impression & Suppressed Use
  17. 13:33Durability & Wear Analysis
  18. 13:49Reliability & Gassing Issues
  19. 15:00Gas Setting Testing (Smallest Setting)
  20. 16:44Malfunctions Observed
  21. 17:11Gas Setting Testing (Middle Setting)
  22. 18:34Gas Block Adjustment Difficulty
  23. 19:00Gas Block Seizing Issues
  24. 20:32Conclusion: Iterative Design
  25. 21:22Final Verdict & Price Consideration
  26. 22:01Future Content & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Foxtrot Mike 15 (FM15)?

The FM15 is an AR-15 platform rifle featuring a folding brace/stock capability, a non-reciprocating side charging handle, and an adjustable gas block. It aims to combine AR-15 ergonomics with features often seen in piston systems.

What are the main criticisms of the Foxtrot Mike 15's gas system?

The FM15's adjustable gas block is difficult to manipulate in the field due to its design, and it has a tendency to seize up after a few hundred rounds. This makes it more of a 'set it and forget it' component rather than a truly field-adjustable system.

How does the Foxtrot Mike 15 perform with a suppressor?

When suppressed, the FM15 can experience reliability issues, including short-stroking and malfunctions, even on higher gas settings. The reviewer found the smallest gas setting to be undergassed and the middle setting to be overgassed, leading to a compromised shooting experience.

Is the Foxtrot Mike 15 compatible with standard AR-15 lowers?

Yes, the FM15 upper receiver is designed to work with any mil-spec AR-15 lower. However, the reviewer advises caution, suggesting it may not be optimally designed for use with a standard buffer tube system due to its unique BCG and receiver extension.

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