Alpha means top dog, and this rifle lives up to the name, with features and performance that are unrivaled in its price range. It's built around a .223 Wylde chamber, which safely accommodates both 5.56 and .223 Remington—and maximizes potential accuracy across all pressure levels. The 16" 4140 chrome moly steel barrel features a phosphate finish for superb durability, and comes outfitted with an A2 birdcage and .750" gas block. The free-float 9" M-Lok handguard provides a solid base for accessories, and won't affect accuracy. Long story short, it's a lot of rifle for the money.