Rifle Purchase.. Considering FN SCAR... HELP!!

[Jsig29]

Hey all,

I never really got into rifles, however I spent the afternoon at the local gun shop that has A LOT of high end rifles. Until today I did not know what a FN SCAR was, but I have to say, its quite impressive. The owner explained to me that if there is one rifle to buy, this is it. He also expressed how SOCOM is using them now, and that the SCAR is the future of combat weapons. I was thinking of getting an M4A1 until I saw the SCAR. I actually didn't know that most rifles are primarily plastic, especially the SCAR! Anyways, I just wanted to know everyone's thoughts on purchasing a SCAR, what accessories are best (handle, sight, etc). Also, which model is best for shooting at a range? From what I was told, EOTECH makes a great sight for this rifle, though I'm not sure what model it is, if anyone can help with that, any any other information, it will be much appreciated. Thanks all, and be safe!

 

[desidog]

How can you get an M4A1? NFA and all that....

As to the SCAR...if you asked the Marines opinion, as seen in another active thread right now, they just passed up the SCAR for the HK 416.

I'm a civilian, and although the 2nd implies that i should be able to possess hardware to rival an oppressive government...i'm oppressed and cannot own one of those as per our government.

 

[Jsig29]

I'm sorry, it may be a regular colt M16..I got the two confused.. I was looking to find one prior to 1986 so I can get it as full auto. You cannot own which particular rifle the M4A1?

 

[desidog]

The M4A1 (the full-auto M4) was created/built after 1986, so as per the national Firearms Act no civies can have one....very unconstitutional, but the way it is.

 

[Avenger29]

Don't listen to the owner of the shop- he's trying to sell you an expensive product.

The SCAR is in limited military service currently. I have not heard any word back on how it is doing, though.

An AR-15 (you don't get an M4A1, you get an AR-15, because you are a civilian) would serve very well as a general purpose rifle for less than half the cost of the SCAR (how much did he want for it?).

Sights- the Aimpoint is the way to go for a red dot sight. Not as sexy as an Eotech, but much longer battery life (as in 10,000+ hours depending on the model).

I'd be hesitant to drop the cash on a SCAR if I did not have much experience with rifles. I wouldn't quite go so far as to say SCAR is "the future!!!!!!".

Bottom line- don't fall for a sales pitch. Do some more research.

In the world of very nice 5.56mm rifles, there are also Steyr AUG clones that you might be interested in, the FN FS 2000, and supposedly the Israeli TAVOR is coming to our shores soon.

 

[desidog]

I should add that you can get an M4 upper for your NFA M16 lower....pretty much the same thing, but i was splitting hairs.

 

[Jsig29]

Extremely unconstitional... I shot a full auto colt m4 today at the range; first rifle i ever shot... quite different than a handgun to say the least... aiming seemed so hard for some reason, yet im quite good with a handgun...Definitely something I will do again! I would like to purchase ONE, so I'm trying to decide which would be best for me

 

[Jsig29]

Someone else recommended the same thing.. How is a SCAR? I'm sure very few people have shot one.

 

[Uncle Mike]

You could get two AR's for the price of the SCAR...two rifle set up for two different scenarios, instead of the one rifle....or a nicer AR with a smokin' optic on it...and some ammo...and a case...and a sling....!

SCAR...waaaay over priced! And for what?

 

[Jsig29]

"SCAR...waaaay over priced! And for what?"

Haha, THATS WHAT IM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT!! for $3300 +sights+ extras will approach/exceed $4000 For that much money I can get a custom 1911, a rifle, and another sig sauer...Then again, I dont want to spend 4k, unless its 100000000% worth it and exceeds every other rifle in the world... Wanna talk about overpriced.. Cheytac m200... Please explain how that can cost anywhere near 15k?

 

[Avenger29]

Haha, THATS WHAT IM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT!! for $3300 +sights+ extras will approach/exceed $4000 For that much money I can get a custom 1911, a rifle, and another sig sauer...Then again, I dont want to spend 4k, unless its 100000000% worth it and exceeds every other rifle in the world... Wanna talk about overpriced.. Cheytac m200... Please explain how that can cost anywhere near 15k?

Both the SCAR and the Cheytac that you mentioned have supply and demand.

They are fairly rare rifles. The SCAR is brand new- just released. Not many in the wild. Supply and demand drives up the price. Much like a full auto civ legal M-16- that's going to cost, IIRC, around $15K or so, and I may be on the low end.

Oh, and the $3300 is way overpriced. If you buy a SCAR, look for $2400. There, I just saved you $900. Thank me later.

I'd start out with one AR-15 and shoot it. Then you have a better basis for deciding what you want...

The SCAR isn't going to be that much better than the AR-15 to justify the cost. I'd save some money, buy an AR, and run the ammo you purchased with the money you saved through it.

 

[Jsig29]

Avenger, thanks a lot... BTW, does anyone know the MSRP on the SCAR... I suspected $3000 was over msrp due to S&D... Funny how everything else is discounted heavily except firearms... Seeing the SCAR is new, does that mean it will be updated, or any significant changes in the near future?

 

[gunnutery]

Sounds like the gun shop owner was laying it on pretty thick. I personally love the inovations of FN and hear great things about their customer service, but the prices are just too high. I had no clue they were going to ask $3300 for the SCAR. I thought $2100 was way too high for the FS2000 (which I'd also like, but not at that $$$). I'd do a lot of research before slapping that kind of cash down, for any rifle really, since you're not a rifleman yet.

 

[Jsig29]

Exactly what I'm doing. Thanks to you all, I'm learning already! Im not sure if you guys are familiar with Sig Sauer handguns, but a good sig will run between $900-$1200. What is the range for a good AR? Also, how much would normally be spend on upgrading to sights, handle, and normal tactical mods? Are there any links that show the prices for these options? Thanks again.

 

[Avenger29]

Seeing the SCAR is new, does that mean it will be updated, or any significant changes in the near future?

Who knows?

I've never seen a firearm that hasn't gone through updates, and often at least some of those updates come shortly after it's introduced, while others happen over the production life of the firearm.

The price for a good AR is going to be in the range of a Sig. I'd look at LMT, Daniel Defense, Colt, Charles Daly (believe it or not), Bravo Company USA, or S&W. Top quality rifles in that price range, and all of those manufacturers have good customer service. And then I'd shoot it before changing a thing.

When it comes to components, I like Magpul's stocks, grips, and magazines, Daniel Defense and LaRue rails and mounts, and Aimpoint reddots.

Keep in mind my recommendations are based on a hard use rifle that's quality. Others will push you cheaper, but I insist on the highest quality for my dollar, and I feel you are the kind of person that insists on quality.

 

[Isher]

As my late mother would often opine

"Sweet jesus christ in the foothills!"

Are you looking for a gun,

Or a gun?


isher

 

[Jed Carter]

SCAR not worth the price, neither is the FN FiveseveN, both are great guns but way over priced. Get a SIG 556 classic, not full auto, not $4000 just a great rifle for around $1500. Take the rest and buy me something nice for making such a fantastic suggestion. Or you could be selfish and get the 556, 2 pistols and enough ammo to feed each for a long time. SCAR nice, PRICE stinks.

 

[nwilliams]

If the SCAR was priced around $1500 I would buy one in a heartbeat. However $2500 or more, no thanks.

The AR-15 works fine for me and if I wanted something different than an AR I would look at the XCR before jumping to the SCAR.

 

[Uncle Mike]

The SCAR is victim of the penis envy thing right now...they are worth nowhere near what they cost, we sell them, and for a bit more than $2500 mind you!

It's new and there are a lot of guys, and gals, that want to be the first at work to own one....never fails, but it makes money!

You would probably be just as satisfied with a nice(er) AR!...and that new SIG!

Don't get me wrong, the SCAR is a superbly built firearm, worthy of the praise it receives...to a point, the builders realize all the hype, and promote such.

Hey, if HK didn't all those defense(foreign and domestic) contracts....you bet they would bottom their prices to get product on the street. Look what happened to Colt!