Noveske N4 Recon

Noveske Rifleworks builds AR-pattern rifles and pistols, and its N4 line is built on the company's 4th Generation receivers. The N4 Recon is the 16-inch 5.56mm rifle in that family, a do-it-all carbine with a long rail and a full-length barrel.

You can choose the barrel in 416R stainless with a hand polished Noveske Match Chamber, or cold hammer forged with a 5.56mm NATO chamber. Both have a 1-in-7 twist and run a mid-length gas system. The muzzle has 1/2x28 threads and a device that works with Noveske's Pig Pen suppressor.

The upper and lower are Noveske's 4th Generation billet receivers, machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with Type III hardcoat anodizing plus Armor Black Cerakote. The upper has extended feed ramps and the Noveske Love Handle ambidextrous charging handle. The lower has an oversized flared magazine well, an oversized trigger guard, and ambidextrous bolt and magazine releases.

The handguard is Noveske's NSR-15 free-floating M-LOK rail with a Picatinny top rail. At 15 inches, it gives you room to mount a light, a laser and a forward grip, and to reach out along the rail for a stable hold.

The trigger is Noveske's single stage unit with a 5-pound pull and a DLC coating. The stock is a B5 Systems Bravo, with a B5 Type 23 grip, and Magpul MBUS Pro steel sights come fitted front and rear. The Recon measures 33 inches with the stock collapsed and weighs 7.25 pounds dry, and one 30-round Gen 3 PMAG comes with it.

A 16-inch barrel keeps the Recon outside the NFA, so it transfers like any standard rifle. If you want one well-built 5.56 that can handle training, home defense and range days, the N4 Recon is a very good place to start.