Olympic Arms K3BM4 Rifle Review

Published on September 6, 2011
Duration: 20:25

This review of the Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3 AR-15 highlights its faithful reproduction of the M4 design, featuring a 16-inch stainless steel barrel with a 1:9 twist rate and a flat-top upper receiver. The rifle demonstrates reliable function with various ammunition types, including Wolf Performance, and achieves respectable accuracy at 100 yards with both iron sights and an optic. The review emphasizes the quality of internal components, such as the M16-style bolt carrier with a staked gas key and forged receivers, noting their approval for government purchase.

Quick Summary

The Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3 AR-15 rifle is a faithful M4 copy featuring a 16-inch stainless steel barrel with a 1:9 twist, M16-style internals, and forged receivers. It demonstrated 100% reliability with Wolf ammunition and achieved 2.25-inch groups at 100 yards with iron sights, improving to 1.7 inches with a scope.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3 Introduction
  2. 00:26Key Features: M4 Profile, Barrel Specs
  3. 00:49Market Positioning & Price
  4. 01:26Reliability Test: 4 Magazines Back-to-Back
  5. 03:03Heat Measurement of Handguards
  6. 03:41100 Yard Accuracy Test: Iron Sights
  7. 04:39Accuracy Results: Iron Sights (2.25" Group)
  8. 05:30100 Yard Accuracy Test: Leatherwood CMR Scope
  9. 06:57Accuracy Results: CMR Scope (1.7" Group)
  10. 07:32Rationale for Using Wolf Ammunition
  11. 08:27Comparison to Military Spec Rifles
  12. 09:39Bolt and Carrier Group Deep Dive
  13. 11:10M16 Style Bolt Carrier & Staked Gas Key
  14. 12:09Bolt Material & Testing (Magnaflux)
  15. 13:40Bolt & Carrier Comparison: Olympic Arms vs. Colt
  16. 14:30Receiver Forging vs. Casting
  17. 15:15Overall Quality and Functionality
  18. 15:48Unique Barrel Features (Stainless, Non-Chrome Lined)
  19. 16:39Olympic Arms: Pioneer in AR-15 Innovation
  20. 17:18Lifetime Warranty & 100% American Made
  21. 17:51Value Proposition and Final Verdict
  22. 19:15Addressing Past Criticisms (Cast Receivers)
  23. 19:30Where to Buy & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key specifications of the Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3 rifle?

The Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3 features a 16-inch M4 profile barrel made of stainless steel with a 1:9 twist rate. It includes a collapsible buttstock, a flat-top upper receiver, and M16-style internal components like a staked gas key, with forged receivers.

How accurate is the Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3 rifle?

During testing at 100 yards with Wolf Performance ammunition, the rifle achieved a 2.25-inch group using iron sights and a 1.7-inch group when using a Leatherwood CMR 1-4x scope. The reviewer considers this performance good, especially given the ammunition used and windy conditions.

What makes the internal components of the Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3 notable?

The rifle features an M16-style bolt carrier with a staked gas key and a bolt made from proprietary steel tested via Magnaflux, both approved for government purchase. The receivers are forged, not cast, contributing to its overall quality and durability.

What is the price range and value proposition of the Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3?

Priced around $949, the Olympic Arms K3BM4 A3 falls into the mid-range of the AR-15 market. The reviewer believes its quality, military-spec internal parts, and reliable performance offer excellent value for the money.

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