The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: kilopaparomeo on July 01, 2010, 05:32:34 PM
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Well, just as SOCOM decides to cancel the FN Mk16 SCAR, I picked mine up. I thought I might as well post some pictures of my "collectors item" and some initial thoughts.
I originally handled one of these at the NRA show in St Louis a couple of years ago. I wasn't impressed as I thought it was "fat" compared to my ARs. The FN rep that field stripped it for me fumbled through the process so it came across as less than intuitive. That said, sometimes I get and itch and have to scratch it. Was waiting on a 1:7 barreled RobArms XCR but they seem to have forgotten me. I found a good deal on a SCAR with 60 round through it.
(http://i47.tinypic.com/dw6qu9.jpg)
Initial impressions
+ I don't know what I was thinking when I first saw it...this rifle is trim
+ Feels lighter than my ARs...maybe it is a center of gravity thing
+ Light and handy
+ Controls are all familiar to any AR shooter - most are ambidexterous...don't know why they kept the stupid ping pong paddle bolt release of the AR though
+ Reciprocating charge handle doesn't bother me but its placement is poor...hand hits my optics all the time
+ The adjustable cheek piece is nice...really well placed. Feels flimsy but so not sure how it would stand up to long term use.
+ Folding stock is a huge plus...seems well made but I think the early ones had a cracking issue at the hinge
+ Trigger is similar to a stock AR but less creep and crisp let off...I'd say 6 lbs or so
+ BUIS sights are well made and positive
+ Field stripping is much different than an AR but very straightforward
+ I put 20 quick rounds through it at my FFLs range behind his house when I first got it...shot to shot recovery was very quick with the comp on it. No accuracy testing yet.
(http://i45.tinypic.com/211u6p.jpg)
OK here's my "modest" FN collection and yes I'm stretching the definition a bit. Starting from the bottom
+ FN SCAR Mk16S
+ FN PBR in .308
+ FN HiPower 9x19mm
+ DSA StG58A (hey, it's BASED on a FN design!!!)
+ FN49, Egyptian, 7.92x57mm
+ DSA SA58 Para (again, BASED on an FN)
+ bet this one has you guessing...a stupid sporterizing job I did back in the 1980's...an FN manufactured Israeli Mauser 98 in .308. I turned what is now a $500 milsurp into a $250-300 sporter. Ah well, live and learn.
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Kilo,
Let us know how the accuracy is compared to a "upper middle class" AR. Bill T.
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You have yet another beauty added t your collection that makes us all jealous. Congratulations. ;D Range Report is expected.