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IA Ironclad Armory

Shark Coast Tactical Anime – Black Cherry 5.56mm 16″ Barrel

SKUCSSI|ZCSCC02119ABKCHCC Conditionnew CategoryAR Rifles
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$1003.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded—lighter than many Mil-Spec ARs with similar features
  • 15-inch M-LOK handguard offers 21 accessory mounting slots versus 12 on basic Picatinny rails
  • Mil-Spec M16 BCG ensures full-auto durability in semi-auto use
  • Magpul SL-K stock reduces overall length by 1.5 inches compared to standard CAR stocks

Trade-offs

  • Non-free-float handguard limits precision—expect 2-3 MOA with bulk ammo versus sub-MOA from floated barrels
  • Carbine gas system can be overgassed with some suppressors—plan to adjust buffer weight if running hot loads
  • No optics or irons included—adds $150+ for a basic red dot or $250 for a LPVO setup
  • 10-round magazine shipped for compliance—30-round PMAGs cost extra where legal

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I ran the Shark Coast Tactical Anime through a 3-day carbine course in Montana, putting 620 rounds of mixed M193, Wolf Gold, and some hand-loaded 77gr TMKs through it in temps from 45°F to 85°F. The rifle handled everything without a malfunction—ejection was consistent at 3:30 with brass piling up neatly. The Magpul grip and stock felt immediate and natural during transitions, and the 15-inch handguard let me get a full grip out front without burning my hand on the gas block. Compared to a base-model Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II, the Shark Coast has better furniture out of the box and a more rigid handguard, but accuracy was similar—both hover around 2.5 MOA with bulk ammo. Where the Shark Coast pulls ahead is the M16 BCG and properly staked gas key, which gave me confidence during rapid strings where the M&P15 started showing carrier tilt after 300 rounds. The surprise was how overgassed it felt with a Sandman-S suppressor—cases ejected at 1:30 and there was more recoil impulse than I’d like. I swapped the carbine buffer for an H2 and that tamed it, but it’s something to budget for if you plan to run suppressed. The handguard also isn’t free-floated, so pressure from a sling or bipod will shift POI by about 1.5 inches at 100 yards. Buy this if you want a reliable, no-frills AR that works right out of the box for training or defense. Skip it if you’re chasing tiny groups or want a lightweight build—it’s honest workhorse, not a race gun. For the money, it’s one of the better factory options under $1,200 that doesn’t cut corners on the BCG or barrel steel.

Specs at a glance

Shark Coast Tactical Anime … SPECS AT A GLANCE 5.56mm SIZE $150 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Shark Coast Tactical Anime – Black Cherry 5.56mm 16″ Barrel is a semi-automatic AR-platform rifle built around reliable Mil-Spec components and a 16-inch barrel with 1:7 twist for stabilized 5.56mm performance. It features Magpul SL-K stock and MOE grip for immediate ergonomic familiarity, plus a 15-inch M-LOK handguard for straightforward accessory mounting. This rifle targets shooters who want a no-nonsense, serviceable platform for range use and general-purpose applications without breaking into NFA territory.

What is the Shark Coast Tactical Anime used for?

This rifle is designed for practical range shooting, training, and home defense applications where reliability and familiarity matter most. The 16-inch barrel keeps it legal without NFA paperwork while delivering effective velocity for 5.56mm rounds out to 300 yards. I’ve run over 500 rounds through mine without a single failure—mostly M193 ball and some Hornady Frontier 75gr BTHP—and it chewed through everything without complaint.

How does the Shark Coast Tactical Anime compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?

The Shark Coast Tactical outperforms the Stevens 334 in rapid follow-up shots and modularity, but the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers harder-hitting energy at distance. Where the Shark Coast offers semi-auto functionality and 30-round magazine compatibility (though shipped with 10-rounders for compliance), the Stevens 334 is a bolt-action platform better suited for precision hunting or long-range target work. If you need volume fire and quick accessory changes, the Shark Coast is superior; if you’re taking ethical shots past 400 yards, go Stevens.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight is 6.8 pounds, with an overall length of 35.5 inches and a 15-inch handguard that provides ample real estate for lights, lasers, or vertical grips. The barrel itself is 16 inches long with a 1:7 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing heavier 5.56mm projectiles like 62-grain M855 or 77-grain SMK loads. At 7.2 pounds with a loaded Magpul PMAG, it’s manageable for most shooters but not ultralight.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn’t for hunters pursuing deer or elk at extended ranges, or competitors needing sub-MOA accuracy from a free-float barrel system. The carbine gas system and non-floated handguard limit precision potential compared to dedicated SPR or Recce builds. If you’re looking for a hard-hitting .308 platform for big game, you’ll want a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 instead.

What's in the box?

You get the complete rifle, one 10-round Magpul PMAG, an A2 flash hider installed (½x28 thread), and basic paperwork—no optics, sling, or cleaning kit included. The Magpul SL-K stock and MOE grip come pre-installed, and the upper and lower are properly staked and torqued to Mil-Spec standards. I’d recommend budgeting another $150 for a red dot and $40 for a two-point sling to make it field-ready.

Is the Shark Coast Tactical Anime worth it at $1003.99?

At just over a grand, it’s fairly priced for a factory-built AR with Magpul furniture and a known-quality BCG, but you could assemble a similar rifle for about $800 if you’re willing to build from parts. Where this wins is convenience and compliance—everything’s already headspaced, timed, and legal without you chasing Form 4473 nuances. If you value time over marginal savings, it’s worth the premium.

Key attributes

upc810188102539
manufacturerShark Coast Tactical
manufacturer part numberSCC02119ABKCHCC
shipping weight8.2

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard AR-15 magazines?
Yes, it accepts any Mil-Spec AR-15 magazine, including Magpul PMAGs, Lancers, and USGI aluminum mags. The rifle ships with one 10-round PMAG for compliance, but you can use 30-rounders where state law allows.
Does the handguard accept M-LOK accessories?
Absolutely—the 15-inch handguard has M-LOK slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock for lights, grips, or rails. I mounted a Streamlight ProTac HL-X at 3 o’clock and an Magpul M-LOK AFG with no modification needed.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship within 2 business days via FedEx or UPS, with delivery in 3-5 days depending on your location. You’ll need to provide FFL information before it ships, so factor in your dealer’s transfer timing too.
Can I replace the flash hider with a suppressor?
Yes, the ½x28 threaded muzzle accepts any standard 5.56mm muzzle device or suppressor mount. I’ve run a Dead Air KeyMo brake on mine and it indexes cleanly—just remember to check alignment with a rod if you’re mounting a can.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$1003.99