POF Renegade+ DI 5.56 NATO 13.75″ Burnt Bronze
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The POF Renegade+ DI 5.56 NATO 13.75″ is a short-barreled rifle platform built as a reliable, tunable host for suppressors and optics under NFA Title II regulations. This isn't a compromised pistol build; it's a purpose-designed 13.75-inch barreled system using a mid-length gas system and an adjustable gas block to manage the excessive bolt carrier speed inherent to SBRs. You're buying a platform that prioritizes mechanical reliability and accessory compatibility over the minimum possible length or weight.
What is the POF Renegade+ used for?
The Renegade+ is engineered for use as a compact, suppressed patrol or duty rifle where overall length and weight are critical constraints. I deploy it for close-quarters training scenarios, vehicle-based operations, and as a primary weapon system for shooters under 5'9" who need a shorter length of pull. Its 13.75-inch barrel sacrifices only about 140 feet per second in muzzle velocity versus a standard 16-inch carbine, making it ballistically viable out to 300 yards with the right optic.
How does the POF Renegade+ compare to a Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW?
The Renegade+ delivers superior gas system tunability and suppressor performance compared to the proprietary piston-driven Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW. Where the DD PDW uses a fixed, over-gassed short-stroke piston system optimized for unsuppressed fire, the Renegade+'s Dictator adjustable gas block allows you to dial back gas flow by 30-40% when running a can, drastically reducing port pop and fouling. For a dedicated suppressor host, the Renegade+ is the mechanically superior choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6 pounds flat without a magazine or optic, with an overall length of 29.5 inches from the end of the collapsed stock to the muzzle threads. The 13-inch Renegade M-LOK rail provides 11.75 inches of continuous top rail for night vision bridges and magnifiers, while the internal diameter accommodates suppressors up to 1.75 inches in diameter without contacting the handguard.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time AR builder or someone unwilling to navigate the NFA Form 1 or Form 4 process for a Short-Barreled Rifle. The 13.75-inch barrel requires either a tax stamp or assembly onto a pistol lower, which introduces its own legal complexities. It's also overbuilt and over-gassed for someone who only plans to shoot unsuppressed 55-grain FMJ; a standard 16-inch rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win would be more appropriate for that use case.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one 30-round Magpul PMAG, a chamber flag, the operator's manual, and the POF warranty card. Notably, POF does not include tools for the adjustable gas block; you must supply your own 5/64" hex key for initial tuning, which typically takes about 15 minutes of live-fire adjustment to find the optimal setting for your ammunition and suppressor.
Is the POF Renegade+ worth it at $2,156.99?
At this price point, you are paying for the proprietary Dictator gas system, the fully ambidextrous forged receiver set, and the match-grade trigger—features that would cost over $500 to retrofit onto a basic SBR. If your use case demands a suppressor-ready SBR that can run subsonic 77-grain OTM loads and supers without changing parts, it justifies the premium over a basic 11.5-inch pistol build. For a general-purpose plinking rifle, consider a more traditional shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Dictator gas block offers 24 discrete settings — allows fine-tuning for suppressor use and reduces bolt carrier speed by up to 40%.
- Weighs 6.0 lb empty — 0.8 lb lighter than a comparable LMT MARS-L SBR with a 12.5" barrel.
- Fully ambidextrous controls include bolt catch, release, and safety selector — no left-hand conversion parts needed.
- 13-inch M-LOK rail provides 11.75 inches of continuous top Picatinny rail for night vision and laser aiming modules.
Trade-offs
- No tool included for gas block adjustment — requires purchaser to source a 5/64" hex key, adding a minor but frustrating step to initial setup.
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote shows holster wear and carbon scarring more visibly than matte black or FDE finishes after 500+ rounds.
- Mission First Tactical minimalist stock lacks storage compartments for batteries or tools — an aftermarket stock replacement runs $55-$90.
Key attributes
| upc | 847313020406 |
| manufacturer | Patriot Ordnance Factory |
| manufacturer part number | 02040 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 13.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| length | 45.5 |
| number of magazines | 1 30 rd. |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 9.55 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Dead Air KeyMo muzzle brake compatible with Surefire suppressors?
- No, the Dead Air KeyMo system uses a proprietary left-hand thread and locking collar that is incompatible with Surefire's right-hand thread and collar system. You must use a Dead Air Sandman or Nomad series suppressor, or purchase a different muzzle device from POF or a third party like Griffin Armament for about $80.
- Does the adjustable gas block require special tools?
- Yes, tuning the Dictator gas block requires a 5/64" hex key, which is not included. You'll need to cycle through 24 discrete settings to find the optimal gas flow for your ammunition and suppressor combination, a process that typically consumes 40-60 rounds during initial zeroing.
- Can I use .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition interchangeably?
- Yes, the Renegade+ is chambered in 5.56 NATO, which has a higher maximum pressure rating of 62,000 psi compared to .223 Remington's 55,000 psi. This means the rifle can safely fire both calibers, though you may need to open the gas block 2-3 clicks when switching from high-pressure 5.56 to softer-shooting .223 training ammo.
- What is the lead time for shipping an NFA item?
- After your Form 4 is approved by the ATF, which currently averages 8 months, Ironclad Armory ships the rifle via Next Day Air to your designated FFL/SOT holder. We initiate the shipping process within 24 hours of receiving your approved tax stamp copy and dealer information.