It’s no secret, I’ve been a fan of the Saint line of AR-15s since the first introduction. I’ve spent time shooting and reviewing the entire line, from the entry-level Saint to the Saint Edge. Each of which, I’ve been impressed with given their respective price points.
The Saint Victor builds off the base model and adds premium components such as a free-float M-Lok handguard, upgraded trigger, and forward blast diverter — to name a few. What’s nice is that the price point only jumps by a couple hundred dollars. You’d be hard-pressed to stay under that, even if you were adding the components yourself.
I doubt I’m the only one, but I’ve been waiting for a pistol caliber carbine (PCC) to join the Saint family… and now it’s here!
Unboxing and First Impressions
You almost have to do a double take as you open the Springfield branded soft rifle case, as the 9mm Victor is almost identical to the 5.56 Victor. The weight is also extremely close, to the point you likely wouldn’t notice without a full magazine inserted in each. Keeping that in mind, you can tell from picking it up just how sturdy and well-built it is. The long free-float handguard makes a world of difference in feel compared to the shorter standard polymer ones.
In addition to the gun itself, you’ll find a 32-round Colt pattern magazine, disassembly/assembly tool, and the typical lock and literature inside of the case. The PVC Saint patch that comes on the rifle case is always a nice bonus, especially for those of us who collect patches.
The Good Stuff: Features and Furniture
Not many things irritate me as much as spending several hundred dollars on a new gun and feeling the need to change a bunch of the furniture. Thankfully, that’s not the case here, since the Springfield included almost all B5 Systems furniture. The grip, trigger guard, and stock are all B5 Systems and flow together nicely. They are an appreciated upgrade.
Upgraded furniture is fun and can improve certain aspects of your shooting, but the most important features are the ones that contribute to your gun going bang! Being that this is a 9mm, the bolt carrier group is direct blowback design, which is heavier to compensate for the lack of gas system parts. Then, when you add the 16-inch CMV barrel with a 1:10 twist to pair with it, you wind up with a smooth and reliable setup optimized for 9mm.
The Springfield iron sights are some of my favorite “stock” sights. I’ve historically gone with the standard, polymer Magpul flip-up sights on other non-Springfield builds. I haven’t had any issues with them, but these aluminum, Springfield flip-up sights feel significantly more durable and seem like they’ll withstand more of a beating if it came down to it.
These days, I expect to see most rifles/carbines coming standard with ambidextrous controls. The Saint Victor does come with an ambidextrous safety, but not charging handle. It may seem like I have nothing negative to say, or only want to hype up this gun. While there are many great things about it, it’s not without a few cons (in my book). With so many of the other components seeming to get attention, I’m surprised the charging handle isn’t ambidextrous. Charging handles are inexpensive and simple parts, I would expect to have seen an ambidextrous one on the entire Saint line.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 32 rounds
Length: 31.75–35 inches
Sights: Spring-loaded, adjustable, flip-up
Safety: Ambidextrous
Barrel: 16 inches, 1:10 twist
Trigger: Nickel boron coated, flat
Upper and Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 aluminum
Weight: 6 pounds, 15 ounces
500 Rounds of Fun — Reliable and Accurate
Look, I get it, 500 rounds isn’t enough to definitively say a gun is 100% reliable. In reality, no amount is enough to say that. But, out of the close to 500 rounds I’ve ran through it, I could count on one hand the number of failures I had. I ran a mix of 115-grain Winchester White Box FMJs, 124-grain Blazer Brass FMJs, and 124-grain Speer Gold Dot JHPs, none of which happened to claim all the failures.
Due to bad weather, I’ve only had the chance to shoot it indoors and within 25 yards. Within that distance, it shot beautifully to where I was able to maintain couple-inch groupings, with the exception of a few high shots at 25 yards. Once I adjusted my aim though, I was able to land three or four shots as close as I was at 7–10 yards. I completed all shooting with the stock flip-up sights and never wound up mounting an optic.
Final Thoughts
Even if I didn’t already own a Saint chambered in 5.56, this 9mm Victor would be high on my Christmas list. With the enhanced internals, upgraded features, and the reliability you’d expect from Springfield, you can easily see the value in adding one of these to your collection. Even if PCCs aren’t necessarily your style, I would find it very difficult to believe you wouldn’t have a ton of fun with one of these Saint Victor 9mm Carbines at the range.
Pistol caliber carbines have become increasingly more popular over the last couple of years. How would a Springfield Saint Victor fit in your collection or home defense plan? Share your answers in the comment section.
You’ll notice the trigger has been upgraded too, to a nickel boron-coated flat trigger. 
Springfield decided to go with the B5 Systems Bravo stock which has an ergonomic cheek weld as opposed to an oversized one, which I feel fits the platform well. I cannot wait to throw an optic on top and see how far this Saint can really shoot. The above pictured shots were my first through the gun. Having the blast diverter recessed under the handguard is a nice touch, both from an aesthetic and durability standpoint. Springfield does one of the nicer jobs packaging its firearms in actual pistol/rifle cases, as opposed to a standard cardboard box. 
Looks oddly familiar…it’s basically the twin to its 5.56 sibling. 
The standard charging handle leaves a bit to be desired, by not being ambidextrous. This is one feature I would have changed. 
I’ll take the low-profile Springfield flip-up sights over the Magpul polymer ones any day. 
At first, I wished for a Glock magazine. However, after feeling how sturdy this one felt, I can see why Springfield went with it.
The very first thought that came to mind was “Does it come in .45 ACP”? That would be great. Then we all could call it the “Saint Thompson”.
I have a been a fan and user of the original Colt 9mm design and I’ve had several versions that use GLOCK-style magazines. I prefer the Colt magazine style. They are reliable, durable, and to me at least, look better.
Being left handed, a gas shield would have been a nice feature to include out of the box.
Where these really shine is when you suppress them with a quality suppressor and sub-sonic ammo.
This looks to be a quality build from Springfield!
Dave – Yes, it is a 9mm Carbine, I am interested in seeing a 9mm AR pistol version. Perhaps a 7.5″ barrel & folding brace. Why didn’t SA use their existing 35rd XDM elite mags or the more common 32rd Glock mags?
Brian,
I am not sure on the mags question and why Springfield choose one over the other. As for a pistol with a folding brace, there are a lot of questions over how the ATF is going to come down on that. Not sure any major manufacturer is going to release something new like that right now. ~Dave
I’m sorry but the Springfield Saint is one rile that I cannot backup in any fashion; especially in a 9mm. Their 223/556 variation pistol was a complete failure. I’ve sent mine back to Springfield 2 times and it still doesn’t function well.
What does multi-caliber stamped in the gun mean?
Ok when is the 9mm AR pistol Saint coming out? I’m waiting on that.
This is a 9mm… ~Dave
I don’t have the Springfield Saint, though I do own several other Springfield pistols and I am very happy with them but several years ago I was walking through my lgs and the owner knowing me quite well called me over and handed me a RRA LAR-9. It’s in the standard AR carbine configuration. It was a demonstration model used for a factory shoot in his store. I got it for a great price as it was used and had a few scuffs. Anyway, yes it’s the dreaded Rock River Arms bought before they stepped in it and came under fire for their actions regarding gun laws in Illinois. Either way I own it and I’m not getting rid of it. It’s a superb shooter, amazingly accurate and quiet compared to a 5.56 AR. Great for an urban environment zombie apocalypse gun. The one thing that I would recommend to anyone buying the Saint or any pcc that utilizes Colt pattern magazines is the uplula smg magazine loader. Loading the 32 round magazines is not difficult but the uplua makes loading SO much easier. Easier on the magazine itself which is why I bought and recommend it. I have a bunch of converted uzi magazines and they have sharp feed lips that cut your thumbs and again, it’s unnecessary wear and tear on the magazine if you’re not using this tool. Overall a nice pcc in 9mm is a great addition to your collection. I’m very happy with mine and it has very specific applications.
Has there been any word about this being made available in .45ACP?
The trick to Ike’s suggestion is getting a custom upper and lower builder locally who is both competent and affordable…but that’s obvious to not just me but those of us who are “Ike-like hunters” and followers of The Shooters Log. Thanks, TSL.
I‘ve been waitin for this. Thank You.
I’ll let ya know after I’ve ‘enjoyed’ it.
It’s nice, but I have been building custom uppers for clients, and customizing their lowers. A slick side, nicer handguard options, better sights and even optics, almost any ceracoat finish you can imagine, nickel boron BCG’s or high quality pistol caliber BCG, in almost every caliber offered in the AR15 and AR10, leaps and bounds better CH options, American Flag DC and an adaptive tactical Trojan stock or other options… all at no where near the cost of those things, can change your perspective of small time local builders.
A 3.5 lb. Nickel Boron competition trigger and slick custom ambi safety to your liking, can be switched out on a very affordable PSA lower. I point my clients to them for their lower purchase, and have them let me customize it. They walk away with a one of a kind piece with all the bells and whistles, exactly the way they dreamed it could be and more…like the Ergo Grip mLok grip pads and ergo grip grip options. I believe they have cornered the market on INCREDIBLY perfect feeling and shooting grips.
Sure it has PSA stamped on the side of their lower, but I have never heard of anyone seeing my work, and wishing they could buy a Saint, because,”it’s just a PSA”. All of my clients have told me that everywhere they shoot, people come up to them to see what it is. My options include an FN stainless barrel and any muzzle device on the market. If you want it recessed, that’s easy for a custom builder.
Just say’n, I love Springfield and all, but shop around with some custom builders, you’ll never wish you had bought a Saint instead…all due respect to Springfield. Plus, if you use a local builder, or one with a warranty like mine, which covers any and all issues for your lifespan with free shipping or local drop off and return delivery, most times in person and a hand shake after testing it on the range with me standing right next to you, you may never look at local gun works, guns and service the same way again?
Very nice job Springfield. The Saint is an excellent line. Keep up the good work.