The Griffin Armament MKII occupies a curious space in the firearms world, particularly for me as a reviewer. Iโve heard whispers of the companyโs work over the years, a reputation punctuated by bouts of social media controversy and strong opinions. But more recently, Griffin Armament has honed its messaging and embraced a polished, professional tone. While scouting for Form 1 suppressor mounts, I stumbled across their MKII braced pistol, paired it with an M4SD-L suppressor and a Griffin 1-10x optic, and decided to dive into what this AR-15 has to offer.
From the first unboxing, the Griffin Armament MKII made an impression. Itโs not just light but balanced, with a rigidity that suggests durability without sacrificing maneuverability. This setup feels like itโs been designed with a purposeโa firearm engineered for more than just looks. Letโs break it down.
The Griffin MKIIโs ambidextrous controls are an immediate standout. If youโre a left-handed shooter or someone whoโs tired of contorting yourself to reach standard controls, this setup will feel like a revelation. On the right side, the bolt release is a lever rather than the more common mag release-style button, which is a vastly superior design choice. The left side boasts generously sized paddles for both the mag release and bolt release. Even the ambidextrous safety selector feels robust, with high-traction surfaces ensuring a secure grip under any conditions.
The SN-ACH charging handle might sound like a random collection of letters, but itโs far from an afterthought. Its low-profile design pairs perfectly with its aggressively textured levers, making it easy to operate while preventing gas blowback to the faceโa feature youโll appreciate if youโre shooting suppressed.
And then thereโs the grip. Yes, the often-overlooked interface between gun and shooter. The Griffin A3 grip manages to merge nostalgic aesthetics with ergonomic functionality, providing a textured surface that just feels right. Itโs a small but crucial detail that underscores the attention to user experience baked into this firearm.
The MKII features a 416R stainless steel barrel thatโs been rigorously tested, boasting an impressive lifespan of 47,000 rounds in one test. After that many rounds, there was still rifling present. Thatโs the kind of durability thatโs hard to argue with.
The maritime receiver extension (buffer tube) is another thoughtful touch. Beyond the usual six-position stock/brace adjustments, it includes seven drain holes, making it a practical choice for anyone who might find themselves storming a beach (or just dealing with wet conditions).
One area where Griffin Armament has intentionally cut corners is the trigger. Itโs a standard mil-spec unit, which might raise eyebrows, but thereโs logic to the decision. Most shooters will likely replace the trigger with their preferred aftermarket option, so why inflate the cost with a premium component that might get swapped out anyway? Brand loyalty matters, and offering an affordable starting point seems to be part of their strategy.
At the range, the Griffin Armament MKII proved to be a performer. Zeroing was straightforward, and I kicked off testing with some CQB drills. These exercises not only gave the barrel a light break-in but also helped me gauge the firearmโs ergonomics under dynamic conditions. The MKII excelled here, feeling intuitive and responsive throughout ready-ups, walking drills, and transitions.
When it came to accuracy testing, the MKII held its own. Shooting groups at 25 yards from a Bog Deathgrip tripod, I tried various ammunition, including Jesse James 60-grain soft points, Black Hills 50-grain V-Max, and Hornady 75-grain BTHP. The results were consistent, with most groups falling within the 1.5-2.5 MOA range. The standout performance came from American Eagleโs 55-grain FMJ, delivering a tight 1.33 MOA group.
While the rifleโs accuracy was commendable, I couldnโt help but notice that the mil-spec trigger occasionally held it back. A crisper break could tighten groups further, and Iโll be revisiting this rifle with a match-grade trigger to confirm my suspicions. Even so, the MKII delivered consistent results, meeting expectations for a firearm in its class.
Adding the M4SD-L suppressor to the mix revealed the MKIIโs thoughtful design for suppressed shooting. The Suppressor Optimized Buffer (SOB) and Suppressor Normalized Ambi Charging Handle (SN-ACH) worked together to mitigate gas blowback and maintain reliable operation. The high ridge on the SN-ACH effectively directs gas away from the shooter, making this one of the least gassy suppressed setups Iโve encountered.
The Primo gas block, pinned for security, didnโt require adjustment during my testing. The rifle ran smoothly with and without the suppressor, handling the extra gas without a hitch. Despite the inevitable fouling from suppressed shooting, the MKIIโs reliability remained rock-solid even after hundreds of rounds.
Returning to dynamic shooting, the MKIIโs balance and low recoil continued to shine. Whether working steel targets at 100 yards or transitioning between rubber dummies at closer ranges, the rifle felt agile and responsive. The RailShield panel kit provided a consistent grip without adding unnecessary bulk, a welcome departure from the clunky rail covers of yesteryear.
The ambidextrous controls proved invaluable during off-hand drills, allowing seamless operation without compromising efficiency. Itโs clear that Griffin Armamentโs commitment to ambidexterity is more than a marketing gimmick; itโs a practical enhancement that improves the shooterโs experience.
The Griffin Armament MKII is more than just another AR-15. Itโs a thoughtfully designed firearm that balances innovative features with practical considerations. From its ambidextrous controls to its suppressor-friendly engineering, the MKII feels like a rifle built for real-world use.
At $1,720 for the firearm, suppressor mount, and furniture kit, the MKII offers a compelling value. Itโs not cheap, but itโs far from overpriced for what youโre getting. If youโre in the market for an AR-15 thatโs a step above the standard mil-spec fare, the Griffin Armament MKII deserves serious consideration. And if youโre looking to pair it with a suppressor, Griffinโs one-stop shopping experienceโcomplete with direct-to-door shippingโmakes the process almost too convenient.
For me, the MKII stands out as a firearm that blends form and function with a healthy dose of engineering ingenuity. Whether youโre running drills, chasing tight groups, or just enjoying the satisfying thwack of steel targets, this rifle delivers. And with a few aftermarket tweaks, like a match-grade trigger, the MKII has the potential to elevate itself even further.
In short, Griffin Armamentโs MKII isnโt just a rifle; itโs an invitation to shoot better, think smarter, and enjoy the craft of precision shooting. If thatโs not worth a look, I donโt know what is.