Mitchell Defense GWOT DOC Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Accurate
- Already upgraded
- Reliable
Cons
- Expensive
The Bottom Line
The GWOT DOC is a premium rifle and one heck of a ride if you can afford it.
Mitchell Defense GWOT DOC Specs & Features
Specs
Features
The proliferation of AR-15s and the companies manufacturing them over the last few years has made it a little difficult to stand out. Sure, a low price might seem like a good option, but that’s not always the case.
We agree that premium options generally offer supreme value if you can afford them. With this idea firmly in mind, we tested the Mitchell Defense GWOT DOC.
How do we measure the value of an AR-15, and how did the GWOT DOC perform during our tests? We’ll share everything below so you can decide for yourself.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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How We Tested the Mitchell Defense GWOT DOC
For this review, we tested the Mitchell Defense GWOT DOC using a Vortex Sparc AR and a 5-25×56 Strike Eagle. We shot 5-shot groups at 100 yards to assess accuracy.
For reliability purposes, we shot 800 rounds of ammunition of AAC 55 grain FMJ, 62 grain Speer Gold Dot, as well as Remington Match 69 grain BTHP.
At the helm was Sean Curtis, who has been shooting since childhood but really began to delve into guns more during his law enforcement career of over two decades. He received continued training for his roles in SWAT and was a POST-certified handgun instructor.
Background
Looking back, Eugene Stoner designed the AR-15 in 1958 as a smaller, lighter variant of the AR-10. In the decades since, it has evolved many times, changing to meet the roles it has served in military, law enforcement, and civilian markets.
The Mitchell Defense GWOT DOC has all the trappings of a modern, slick-top AR-15. It also comes standard with many upgraded features.
Who Is It For?
At its base, the GWOT DOC is a reliable, accurate AR-15 that can be used in defensive or hunting roles appropriate to the caliber. However, the upgraded features and components of this rifle will likely give pause to bargain shoppers.
Ergonomics: Fit & Feel
Frame & Finish
The rifle’s exterior is finished with Type 3 Anodizing, but Mitchell Defense applied E Series Cerakote over that, giving the gun a dreamy, black sheen. It’s impressive looking and should hold up well.
This treatment is also given to the handguard, giving the overall impression of a very high-end fit and finish to the entire rifle. There’s plenty of utility, too, with M-LOK covering the entire surface except for the Picatinny rail on top and two QD spots on either side.
The GWOT DOC is a billet gun, utilizing 7075 T6 Aluminum for both the upper and lower. And Mitchell Defense was not lazy with their milling, adding in cool features like a billet trigger guard and flared magwell.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics are very familiar in the overall build, though notably, the GWOT DOC is light at just over six pounds. It is fairly well balanced, though does tip toward the muzzle, as you’d expect with a 16-inch barrel.
Interactions with the shooter are mostly handled by B5 Systems furniture. An adjustable (five positions) Bravo Stock takes up the rear providing decent padding on the butt as well as ample cheek-weld positions.
The P-Grip 23 features a 13-degree angle and has panels of grippy texture on the front strap and sides. It thins nicely at the top to allow fingers and thumbs to access the controls more easily.
Controls & Trigger
Mitchell Defense added a Geissele 2-stage SSA trigger to the build. I really like this trigger, and I appreciate the ability to pull it back to a wall and then break the shot after refining my sight picture.
The break is extremely crisp, and the reset is loud, tactile, and almost immediate. On my Lyman Digital Gauge, I found it breaking at an average of 2 lbs. 10 oz.
Fire controls are present on both sides, though the left paddle is a bit larger. In addition to the normal bolt catch/release on the left, there is a bolt release on the right.
The magazine release button and forward assist are standard fare. Charging handle duties are assigned to an ambidextrous Radian Raptor.
How Does the GWOT DOC Shoot?
One of the first things I noticed when shooting the GWOT DOC was the tame recoil impulse. I certainly don’t hold 5.56 as some jarring round, but the buffer, spring, and A2 birdcage all created a pleasant shooting experience.
I was able to shoot rapidly, as a result, without losing a great deal of accuracy. There was no excessive noise either, thanks to the buffer spring being a flat wire variety.
We tested reliability over multiple sessions at the range, shooting from multiple AR-15 magazine brands. By the time we were finished, we shot around 800 rounds, the bulk of which were AAC 55gr.
The GWOT DOC fed, fired, and ejected perfectly. Magazines loaded smoothly and dropped cleanly when I pressed the release.
During our first outing, I tested accuracy with a lower-powered optic, and my results were around 2 MOA. Given that this is billed as a premium rifle, I dialed up the power to eliminate that excuse for myself.
On our second round of testing, the results were better, though consistency was a challenge. During zeroing, I would achieve 1 MOA with 3-shot groups.
However, when I settled in and shot different ammos for 5-shot groups, I’d end up having one shot wreck the group. I used a variety of ammunition brands and weights during testing, including Remington Match 69gr.
This is most likely my issue, but the best result I was able to achieve was 1 MOA. This brings up a very interesting guarantee from Mitchell Defense — one not listed on their website.
In my conversations with the proprietor, Nathan Mitchell, he indicated that if a shooter couldn’t achieve sub-MOA with match ammo, he’d warranty the gun, swap the barrel, and prove sub-MOA before returning it.
Accuracy guarantees have been around for a long time, but I still think it’s pretty cool to see a company put its money where its mouth is.
5.56 and .223 Ammo in Stock
Why is the GWOT DOC Unique?
The attention to detail on this rifle immediately stands out. It feels like almost every part has been upgraded or improved in some way.
It’s such a large list as to make it too long to read in a review, but the website has it detailed. You feel the sum of all these parts working together when you shoot the GWOT DOC.
This rifle is accurate, reliable, and should last a very long time — heirloom potential.
Mitchell Defense GWOT DOC By the Numbers
Accuracy
4/5
While I was able to shoot 1 MOA, I couldn't do better. It's still very accurate.
Reliability
5/5
Over multiple outings, using different magazines, shooting roughly 800 rounds, the GWOT DOC had zero malfunctions.
Customization
5/5
As a modern AR-15 with Picatinny, MLOK, and QD, the world is your oyster.
Ergonomics
5/5
The ergonomics of the B5 Systems furniture and controls were excellent.
Value
3.5/5
At $2,000 many will balk but this is a premium rifle that will last a long time.
Overall
4.5/5
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Upgrades for Mitchell Defense GWOT DOC
Final Verdict
I am exposed to a lot of firearms; it comes with the territory of being a gun reviewer. As a result, I have a broad perspective on performance and value.
When it comes to whether the GWOT DOC is a premium rifle, I can easily tell you it is. The attention to detail, the treatment or upgrades afforded in most areas, and finally, the performance proves this status.
Even though I couldn’t achieve sub-MOA performance, other characteristics like shooting impulse, reliability, weight, and the potential longevity of this rifle make it impressive indeed.
Ready to pony up for a GWOT DOC? Let us know in the comments below. For more of Stoner’s legacy, check out the 13 Best AR-15s: Ultimate Hands-On Guide!
1 Leave a Reply
Did I miss the part about GWOT? Looks like a typical “operator” whacker AR