HM Defense STEALTH 556

Published on October 22, 2022
Duration: 10:33

This review of the HM Defense Stealth 556 upper highlights its unique integral suppressor design, featuring a 9-inch button-rifled barrel with a monoblock machined directly into it. The setup offers a compact form factor suitable for CQB, personal defense, and hunting applications like hog or coyote hunting. The reviewer emphasizes the accuracy and rigidity of HM Defense's barrels, noting the effectiveness of the integrated suppressor and the improved HM Defense Bolt (HMB) for enhanced durability.

Quick Summary

The HM Defense Stealth 556 upper features a unique integral suppressor with a 9-inch button-rifled barrel where the monoblock and gas block are machined directly into it. This design contributes to accuracy, rigidity, and avoids SBR tax requirements due to its overall length exceeding 16 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to HM Defense Stealth 556
  2. 00:07Unique Integral Suppressor Design
  3. 00:219-inch Button Rifled Barrel Details
  4. 00:30Monoblock Machined into Barrel
  5. 00:45Machined Gas Block and Suppressor Tube
  6. 00:59Full Rail System and Accessory Slots
  7. 01:07Ideal for Hog Hunting
  8. 01:23Space for Clip-ons and Thermals
  9. 01:30Optic Setup: Primary Arms ACSS Raptor
  10. 01:44Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
  11. 01:47Ammunition: 62-grain SS109
  12. 02:01Performance of 9-inch Barrel
  13. 02:12CQB and Personal Defense Applications
  14. 02:18Field Use: Coyote and Hog Rig
  15. 02:31Overall Length and Tax Status
  16. 02:53Barrel Profile and Rigidity
  17. 03:07Quality of HM Defense Barrels
  18. 03:16Optic Choice for the Rig
  19. 03:25Shooting Demonstration Setup
  20. 03:33Sound Signature and Ear Protection
  21. 04:02200-Yard Target Engagement
  22. 04:26Accuracy Assessment at 200 Yards
  23. 04:39300-Yard Target Engagement
  24. 05:04Bolt Lock to Rear Observation
  25. 05:15Ammunition Discussion: Lithuanian SS109
  26. 05:48Hunting Perspective: Compactness and Weight
  27. 06:13Machined Gas Block Benefits
  28. 06:42Reduced Tolerance Stacking
  29. 06:57Zero Consistency and Rigidity
  30. 07:19Overall Impression of Accuracy
  31. 07:23Unique Setup Not Seen Daily
  32. 07:25HM Defense HMB Bolt
  33. 07:38HMB Bolt Mechanism Explained
  34. 08:03HMB Pocket vs. Machined Slot
  35. 08:17Improvements in the Platform
  36. 08:30Personal Experience with HM Uppers
  37. 08:45Rapid Fire Shooting Segment
  38. 09:51Hasty Shooting Assessment
  39. 09:58Conclusion and Metering Data Link

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the HM Defense Stealth 556 upper unique?

The HM Defense Stealth 556 upper is unique due to its integral suppressor, where the monoblock and gas block are machined directly into the 9-inch button-rifled barrel. This creates a single, rigid unit that contributes to accuracy and avoids the need for separate muzzle devices.

How does the integral suppressor affect the tax status of the HM Defense Stealth 556?

Because the suppressor tube is permanently affixed and machined into the barrel, the overall length of the barrel assembly exceeds 16 inches. This classifies it as a 'one-tax' item, meaning it transfers like a standard rifle and does not require a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) tax stamp.

What are the advantages of HM Defense's button-rifled barrels?

HM Defense's button-rifled barrels, like the one on the Stealth 556, are praised for their accuracy and rigidity. The stepped profile on the barrel minimizes flex and potential point of impact shift, ensuring consistent performance.

What is the HM Defense Bolt (HMB) and its benefits?

The HM Defense Bolt (HMB) is an upgraded bolt designed for increased durability. It features a pocketed cam pin slot instead of a fully machined one, which enhances lubricity and strengthens the bolt to better withstand stress and improve reliability.

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