Precision isn’t an accessory; it’s the point. When you want a rifle that holds tight groups at distance, eats standard .308 Winchester like it was built for it, and still plays nicely with your favorite accessories, you don’t gamble—you choose purpose-built hardware.
AERO PRECISION M5
View product details and pricing
Why this rifle earns a place in your lineup
Built on Aero Precision’s proven AR-10 pattern, the AERO PRECISION M5 is designed for reliability, accuracy, and modularity from the first round. Chambered in .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO), it balances hard-hitting energy with accessible ammunition and broad parts compatibility. Whether you’re punching steel at 800 yards, setting up a versatile hunting rig, or building a duty-ready precision semi-auto, the M5 gives you the framework to do it right.
Caliber that does work: .308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester is a workhorse for a reason. With a 20-inch barrel, you get efficient powder burn and consistent velocities that keep your ballistic curve predictable. For hunting medium to large game, .308 brings reliable penetration and terminal performance. For precision training and match work, it delivers stable flight with a wide variety of bullet weights. It’s also easy to source quality ammo, from affordable training loads to match-grade offerings.
The barrel and gas system: consistency under pressure
The M5 typically ships with a 20-inch barrel in either 416R stainless or CMV steel, with finishes like QPQ or bead-blasted. That length hits the sweet spot for long-range velocity while keeping the rifle manageable off a bipod or barricade. Paired with a direct impingement gas system, the M5 cycles smoothly when properly tuned, keeping recoil impulse flat and predictable. That matters when you’re sending a fast follow-up shot at distance or tracking a moving target through magnified glass.
Receivers that hold zero like they mean it
Both upper and lower receivers are forged from 7075-T6 aluminum and precision-machined. That’s not marketing fluff—it’s the difference between a rifle that keeps zero after hard use and one that shifts when life gets bumpy. The fitment in the M5 platform is tight without getting finicky. It’s a foundation you can trust as you add optics, bipods, IR-capable illuminators, and other M-LOK-mounted tools.
Free-floated M-LOK handguard: mission-adaptable
The free-floating M-LOK handguard preserves barrel harmonics and opens up accessory options. Clip on a bipod, barricade stop, or sling mount without influencing your point of impact. Add a white light for dusk predators or a laser for NV training nights. The handguard’s rigidity keeps your setup steady, while its slim profile helps manage weight.
Trigger choices that match your job
The platform supports a mil-spec trigger or an upgraded Aero Precision Enhanced Trigger Kit. If you’re building a precision-first rifle, an enhanced trigger with a clean break helps shrink groups and speed up your shot cadence without sacrificing control. If you’re setting up a do-everything rifle, the mil-spec unit keeps things simple and rugged with predictable pull weight.
Mag compatibility and capacity
The M5 runs SR-25/DPMS Gen 1 pattern magazines with a 10-round standard capacity. That compatibility means you’re not locked into proprietary feeds. Bring proven mags, and the rifle does the rest.
Weight, balance, and recoil behavior
At approximately 9–10 pounds depending on configuration, the M5 sits in that sweet spot where recoil is tamed without becoming a burden on the move. The added mass, 20-inch barrel, and balanced gas system make recoil linear and controllable. It’s the kind of shootability that lets you stay on scope for splash and corrections.
Modularity and the Aero ecosystem
One of the M5’s biggest strengths is its modularity. The Aero ecosystem offers broad parts compatibility, from upper components to small parts and furniture. Want to tune the gas, swap triggers, or install a different muzzle device? No drama, no guesswork. You get a rifle that can be optimized for hunting season, stretched for a precision match, or equipped for defensive roles.
Real-world use: where the M5 shines
Hunting
The .308 Winchester chambering and 20-inch barrel deliver dependable performance in the field. Pair a robust 1-8x or 2-10x optic with quality soft-point or bonded ammunition and you’ve got a clean, ethical hunting rig with reach.
Range and competition
For long-range practice, the M5 rewards good fundamentals with tight groups. With match-grade ammo and a refined trigger, it’s capable of consistent hits past mid-range. The free-float handguard and stable receiver set help your zero hold through heat and strings.
Training and defensive roles
Semi-automatic operation with a direct impingement system keeps shot-to-shot times low and recoil manageable. Accessory mounting is straightforward, and the magazine pattern is common. In a role that demands reliability and repeatability, the M5 stays honest.
Price and value
On our shop page, the rifle is currently listed at $2000.99. For forged 7075-T6 receivers, a 20-inch quality barrel, free-float M-LOK, and a respected AR-10 lineage, that’s a serious value. You’re paying for parts that stay tight and a platform that won’t box you in as your skills grow. You’ll find it in our Bolt Action category for browsing convenience, but make no mistake—this is a semi-automatic AR-10 pattern rifle built for performance.
Setup recommendations
Optics
A low-power variable optic (LPVO) like a 1-8x gives you a fast close-range sight picture with enough magnification to reach out. If you’re going precision-heavy, a 3-15x or 4-16x with a reliable reticle and solid turrets pairs well with the 20-inch barrel.
Muzzle device
A quality brake or a suppressor-ready mount helps manage recoil and muzzle rise. The M5’s stable recoil impulse makes brakes particularly effective for spotting your own impacts.
Support gear
Add a lightweight bipod and a QD sling. Keep it clean, lubricated, and use consistent ammo lots for best results. A data card and ballistic app will help you map trajectories and wind calls for your preferred loads.
Specs at a glance
- Caliber: .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO)
- Capacity: 10 rounds; SR-25/DPMS Gen 1 pattern magazines
- Barrel: 20 inches; 416R stainless or CMV steel; QPQ or bead-blasted finishes
- Action: Semi-automatic; direct impingement
- Receivers: 7075-T6 forged aluminum, precision-machined
- Handguard: Free-floating M-LOK
- Trigger: Mil-spec or Enhanced Trigger Kit options
- Weight: Approximately 9–10 lbs (configuration-dependent)
- Price on shop page: $2000.99
Final thoughts from behind the gun
There’s a difference between a rifle that looks the part and one that lives it. The AERO PRECISION M5 earns its keep with smart engineering, clean machining, and the kind of modularity that lets you tailor it to your mission. It’s honest about what it is: a reliable, accurate, semi-automatic .308 you can train with, hunt with, and trust when it matters.
People Also Ask
What makes this product stand out from competitors?
This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Is this product suitable for beginners?
Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.
What warranty or support is available?
The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.
How does this compare to similar products in its price range?
This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.
What maintenance is required?
Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.
Ready to Get Started?
Experience the quality and performance that makes this product a top choice.






