I read a lot about the FN SCAR and watched a few shows that reviewed it when it first came out. My first impression was it is a great weapons system, but it just looks like a gas-piston ar with a different stock.

Well, I was at the gun shop yesterday, and they had one in stock, and told me they'd knock off $500 for me. I was checking it out, and wondered, is it really worth the amount of money they want for these things? I mean, I can get a Ruger SR-556 for around $1500 out the door, or a Sig516 for around the same price. Both are good quality gas piston Ar's. Hell, you can even get a Les Baer gas piston AR for around $2000.

Most SCAR's are close to $3000. With my discount, it would have been somewhere around $2500.

Now, even though the controls are similar and the SCAR is based on the AR platform, there are a lot of differences. SCAR bolt carrier is heavier, action spring is different, cam pin travel slot is longer and less abrupt, the bolt is bigger, the extractor is bigger, firing pin retaining pin is almost double the diameter, there's a lot more contact surface of the bolt carrier to the upper receiver.

There's also the obvious differences, the sights are slightly different, and the stock is different, among other things.

Some of these things I noticed inspecting at the store, some I've read about.

I just don't know if these changes are worth spending the extra cash.

Does anybody have one of these, or shot and compared it to an AR? What's your opinion? Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to shoot one yet.

I'd take an AR over a SCAR. I've never shot a SCAR, but it seems too bulky and heavy for my liking. The AR is cheaper, very reliable, maneuverable, and pretty light. Just my two cents though.

You can buy a conversion kit for the AR 15 that utilizes a piston system. The fact is, the SCAR does not really offer anything new for the price.

The Bushmaster ACR(Formerly the Magpul Masada ACR) at least attempts to put more versatility into it's new multi-caliber tool less assembly/disassembly system, as well as it's ambidextrous controls. The jury is still out on the reliability of this weapon system as I don't believe enough private sector hands have been able to test it yet, and there simply hasn't been ANY battlefield testing done as far as I know.

I simply wouldn't buy either the SCAR or the ACR until 1. the price came down, and 2. the reliability of either system is proven. It may be a while before I abandon the AR/M4 platform for something else.

Like all FN firearms it's crazy overpriced.

Something happened in the last couple of years that set absurdly high prices for the trendy guns.

The SCAR's and the ACR come to mind as the he's examples.

There is absolutely no real tangible reason they should be selling either of these for even half of their respective MSRP's.

It's like some fake financial bubble all its own.

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How about an FNAR if you want a great gun? It is still an FN Herstal and guaranteed to 1/2 M.O.A. accuracy. 7.62x51. I have one and loove it! I've put thousands of rounds through it and it has never jammed! It has a chrome barrel and stays super clean as it has a short stroke gas piston. Was about 1200 bucks.



ETA: An M1A would be my next choice. Also, I know it is not as "sexy" as a SCAR or some of the other rifles but it is a great rifle.

Wow, you're right, 7th, that SRSS is wicked!!

And that FNAR is definitely added to my wanted list. If they're that accurate out of the box, that's a really great deal. Is it around $1200 as shown with bipod and scope?

My first thoughts were that the SCAR was overpriced, and I'm glad everybody agrees. Hey, Projectvxn, do you think any of the internal changes were needed? I know you have a lot of AR experience.

Avoid the FNAR.

It's overpriced for what it is.

Number one reason to avoid it like the plague: proprietary magazines!!

Better off getting an AR-10, M14 or PTR-91.

It's comfortable and it's accurate it's just that like any other luxury toy the upkeep is ridiculous.

If they made it accept a standard magazine I wouldnt have a bad word to say about the rifle but they didnt.
Last I knew FNAR mags were going for $50-$80 and up.