Ke Arms WWSD2020 semi

If Eugene Stoner Morrison had lived in this era, how would he have designed his AR15 with contemporary materials and techniques? This challenge posed in 2017 by U.S. AR platform enthusiasts was answered by distributor Brownells at the SHOT Show 2020 who in Las Vegas presented the WWSD2020, designed and manufactured by Ke Arms of Phoenix, Arizona. The acronym means "What Would Stoner Do."

The history of Eugene Stoner's projects is well known to those in the industry. What has been developed by Brownells with this rifle is something exceptional and truly astonishing. The philosophy behind the project is simple – in theory, at least: "What would the AR-15 have looked like if Stoner had designed it with 2020 materials and manufacturing techniques?" The answer is in the next few lines.

In addition to the outward appearance that already heralds and points out notable engineering details including a one-piece polymer component including the stock, pistol grip, and the lower receiver where we find a generously flared magazine well, we note a lightened trigger with a sporty, aggressive design. This hints that there is an excellent trigger package inside, and you only have to dry fire it to tell: there is in fact an SLT-1 trigger from Sear Link Technology that provides a crisp, lightweight pull. The trigger is a closed type and you can also appreciate its contrasting color.

Looking then quickly forward along the WWSD2020, one is fascinated by the carbon fiber handguard with MLOK interfaces on all sides.

Inside the handguard is a very thin 16-inch (40.64-centimeter) steel barrel with 1:7 twist manufactured by Faxon Firearms, ending with a titanium flash hider.

The barrel is a key feature of the WWSD, because it has unique accouterments essential to ensure accuracy even when overheated after many shots.

Controls are fully ambidextrous, and there is a Picatinny rail at the top for mounting red dot sights or various optics. Quick-release sling attachments are on the stock. The rifle uses a direct impingement operating system, and the bolt assembly manufactured by Young Manufacturing under HM Defense/HMB patent features a smooth polished chrome finish contrasting with the black receiver.

If we strip the rifle by pulling out the takedown pin, we notice that there is a lot of technology in the stock. The JP Silent Capture buffer assembly that provides reliable operation can be noted: when the rifle is stripped, the trigger group housed in the polymer lower and the bolt assembly in the metal upper receiver can also be seen. At the rear of the stock there is a small compartment with an automatic cover for storing cleaning products or tools.

On the lower receiver, the manual safety acts as a well-sized, ambidextrous and easily accessible selector. On the carbon fiber handguard, which is octagonal in shape, countless accessories can be mounted at different angles. The rifle is designed so that it dissipates recoil well, and although the weight is quite low (The WWSD2020 weighs only 2.25 kilograms unloaded), you can handle it with ease and nice feelings.

To further reduce weight, the old-fashioned forward assist is not provided.

You can use the classic magazines designed for AR-15 platforms, either polymer or metal ones. For our test we used various models from different brands without any problems.

Besides the appearance, what's surprising for AR-15 platform users is that all shooters who picked up the WWSD2020 in .223 Rem. were impressed as they did not expect handling and weight to be so low. The most frequently asked question was, "Is this rifle real?" The answer: well, yes. This beautiful, accurate and technologically advanced semi-automatic rifle weighs just over two kilograms.

For the test we used two ammo types, the 55 gr/3.56 g Fiocchi FMJ and the 63 gr/4.1 g GECO Target. We engaged various targets ad different ranges. The WWSD2020 rifle performed excellently in an environment that reproduced the engagement distances typical of urban settings.

We then moved on to the longer-range firing lines, where we shot at 50 and 100 meters: having mounted a red dot sight on the rifle, we did not want to shoot further. Here, by simply supporting the magazine base, groupings were excellent, all inside the long range target. Searching the Web, you can find evidence of shooting with the WWSD2020, equipped with conventional optics even at longer distances, up to over 500 meters.

The Brownells WWSD2020 didn't show any problem, always cycling perfectly with both commercial ammo from different brands and reloads.

Wrapping up, the .223 Rem. Brownells WWSD2020 we tested is a sporting rifle that stands out for the quality of materials, design, lightweight and accuracy.