I figured this group would enjoy seeing this picture of the new 2022 redesign (top), next to one I bought in 2020 (bottom):
Some of the differences from handling them side by side:
- They have machined the upper to blend into the hand-guard, so you don't feel the back corner of the hand-guard in your hand.
- They deleted the forward assist.
- I noticed that the new one uses a standard carbine buffer and standard tube. The old one is slightly shorter tube with a short buffer.
- The slightly longer stock (must be about 1/2") doesn't bother me as I always used the old one extended to at least first position.
- Ambi charging handle seems a little lower profile now.
- The new safety is an improvement with the 45 degree throw, and is very thin now on right side - it doesn't interfere with my trigger finger anymore.
- The new CMMG grip feels in my hand to be exact proportion of the magpul MOE one.
- All the new machining really makes the gun seem more unique now and less like it was thrown together with AR parts.
- Only thing I didn't like is the new bolt catch design seems to fit loose and rattle around.
Also the new one has the same problem with the barrel threading the old one does. The threading is not relieved at the barrel face. This forces me to use shims to get my Dead Air mask seated all the way down. The Spectre II doesnt seem to have that problem as there is relief in the threading on the silencer.