Considering US Palm’s lengthy history of AKs, it’s a bit surprising that their latest rifle is an AR-15. The US Palm Storm Series CAT3 and CAT4 AR-15 are a welcome surprise, and both guns are worth consider getting your gun-loving hands on. There are two models in the series so far, one that’s a simpler baseline model, and another that’s a higher-end, more tricked-out rifle. Let’s check out the baseline model first.
The Storm CAT3 is well made, cycles reliably, and looks good doing it. I had the opportunity to run it a few months ago and was pleased with its overall performance. This isn’t some poor attempt at branching out into a new market. It’s a well thought-out, well-designed AR-15 that manages to stand out in a landslide of AR platform rifles.
This rifle is chambered in 5.56 NATO and utilizes a direct impingement system. The muzzle is topped by the helical Hurricane that’s both functional and cool looking, and the chrome moly barrel itself is 16-inches in length, putting it firmly in the carbine category. Receivers are 7075 T-6 aluminum. The handguard boasts a full-length Picatinny rail and MLOK compatibility, so it’ll be easy to add whatever accessories you want.
Additional features include a curved trigger, flared magwell, mid-length gas system, and a reduced angle pistol grip. This rifle does include a forward assist, and while you all can argue about the usefulness of those in the comments, I have to say that I, personally, like them. It’s nice having the option of utilizing the forward assist when you do need it, and those instances do occur now and then.
The next level of the Storm Series has a similar foundation to the first, but it’s even better. The CAT4 model includes ambidextrous controls, ergonomically designed details galore, and seven-sided handguard. The handguard features an angled cut at the muzzle end and has a full-length Picatinny and MLOK slots.
The CAT4 shoulders comfortably–and you can’t say that about every AR-15 out there–thanks largely to the adjustable Magpul DT Stock. It’s always nice to be able to adjust length of pull quickly and the additional cushioning in the butt is fantastic as well (yes, I really like the stock). Those ambi controls are improved further by the ergonomic design, which also makes it clear US Palm put thought into features. This rifle could be used for home defense, range time, and appropriately-sized varmint hunting.
There are some features of the CAT4 that must be mentioned. Not only is the safety selector ambidextrous but so is the magazine release and (you’ll love this) the bolt catch. In the photo below, you can see a lever directly under the forward assist. That’s the ambi bolt catch, and it’s awesome. For shooters who want a streamlined platform with a largely clutter-free receiver, go with the CAT3, but if you want an AR-15 that’s meant to be run with a purpose, get the CAT4. The CAT4 takes purpose-driven rifle to the next level, and it’s impossible not to love it.
MSRP for the CAT3 isn’t known at this time. The CAT4 is set at $1399.