New For 2023: Anderson Mfg. AM-15 Dissipator

by
posted on August 5, 2023
Anderson Dissipator 01
Image courtesy of Anderson Manufacturing.

The “dissipator”-style AR-15 has its roots in the first attempts to make the M16 service rifle more handy and it has a small, but vocal group of aficionados. For 2023, Anderson Manufacturing is releasing its version of a dissipator AR that combines both modern and retro elements.

In its most basic form, the term “dissipator” means an AR-15 that combines a carbine-length barrel with a rifle-length handguard and fixed rifle buttstock. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the AM-15 Dissipator follows these parameters. Its 16" barrel is of a government profile with a 1:8" twist-rate and is given a nitride finish. It is capped with an A2 flash hider on 1/2x28 TPI threads.

Right side of the all-black Anderson AM-15 Dissipator AR-15.The Anderson AM-15 Dissipator combines the advantages of both a rifle-length and carbine-length AR-15. Image courtesy of Anderson Manufacturing.

Anderson claims its dissipator answers the question, “What would have happened if the original chopped M16 made it all the way to the A4 generation?” Furniture is M16A2 style, including the pistol grip, fixed buttstock and two-piece round polymer handguard. Unlike some dissipator ARs that use a carbine-length gas system and low-profile gas block, Anderson’s rifle uses a rifle-length system, along with a rifle-length receiver extension and buffer. In a step away from retro-style rifles, the AM-15 Dissipator uses an A4-style flattop receiver and is provided with a Magpul MBUS folding rear sight. The front sight is a standard fixed “A-frame” gas block.  

Left side of the all-black Anderson AM-15 Dissipator AR-15.While dissipator-style AR-15s are usually retro-styled, Anderson re-imagines the dissipator if the design was made during the M16A4 era. Image courtesy of Anderson Manufacturing.

Anderson claims the advantage of a dissipator design is the reliability and smooth recoil impulse of a rifle-length gas system and buffer, combined with the compact overall size of a 16" barrel. The company also notes the longer sight radius and increased fore-end real estate created by the dissipator set-up.

The Anderson AM-15 Dissipator has a MSRP of $600. For more information, visit andersonmanufacturing.com.

Latest

Fn Americana 545 Tactical Giveaway
Fn Americana 545 Tactical Giveaway

The Great FN Gun Giveaway At NRAAM 2025

Here’s a chance to win a custom, one-of-a-kind FN 545 Tactical pistol at the 154th NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, April 24-27, in Atlanta, Ga. No purchase necessary.

Training With Moving Targets

Most target shooters understand static or bullseye-type stationary targets quite well, but did you know that adding motion into your training routine will improve practical marksmanship and the skills necessary to conquer defensive situations?

USA Shooting Celebrates 30th Anniversary

USA Shooting marks a historic milestone in April as it celebrates 30 years as the national governing body for international shooting sports within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Rifleman Review: Rock River Arms LAR-15M .17 HMR

Building a reliable semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .17 HMR can be a challenge, but Rock River Arms seems to have solved the issue with its unique RRA .17 HMR AR-style rifle.

New For 2025: Tanfoglio Hexagon Tactical & Hexagon P

Tanfoglio manufactures CZ 75 pattern pistols in a variety of forms, and for 2025, the company is adding two new variants to its lineup with the Hexagon Tactical and Hexagon P.

See New Guns & Gear At The NRA's Annual Meetings In Georgia

Freedom-loving American patriots gather every spring at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits to celebrate their liberty and check out the newest crop of guns, optics, ammunition and accessories. This year, 2025, the fun will take place in Atlanta, Ga.—we hope to see you there!

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.