FN FS2000 vs PS90 vs Sig 556 vs AR vs Masada

[silentpoet]

This year I want to buy one nice carbine before 1 of the 3 Democrats running gets into office. I have handled all of the ones I want except the Masada of course. The FS2000 is the one I really like but it is on the high end. I can get an AR set up like I want it with optic for the price of the FS2000. The PS90 is kinda of at the back of the pack, but it is very compact.

The gun would be for fun and maybe home defense. Absolute accuracy is not super critical as long as it is reliable and fun to shoot. Ammo availability has me leaning to one of the 5.56/223 rifles. Taking AR mags would be nice. The FS2000 takes metal ar mags but not 20 rounders and PMAGs. But it does fit me nicely.

On the Sig I would likely get the commando model with the folding stock. But even the base model would be nice.

For the AR I have looked at the SW MP15 that is a flat top with both front and rear flip up sights. Also looked at a mark 12, bushmaster I think, flat top. I would consider a wilson combat if the price/quality was similar.

 

[GunNut]

Only one?

Heck, I have a PS90 on layaway and will be buying at least one to two more "high" end semi-autos in the next 6 months.

In the last 10 days I have picked up a GSG-5(.22lr MP5 German made clone) and a milled Arsenal SA-93 AK47.....

I've got an AR already, but am considering getting a LMT or Colt sometime in the very near future.

I can't afford all of these guns, but if the worst happens, I can't afford not to have them.

The PS90 and FS2000 would be the easiest guns for a dem President to ban as they are totally imported and all it takes is an executive order. If either of those are on you list, then I recommend buying them first.

 

[Daemon688]

Well you can rule out the Masada since they're delaying it until 09. Personally, just to save some cash I would get the 556 or the AR. Otherwise FS2000 goes to the head of the pack because it's a bullpup, few people have it, and it looks like a space gun

 

[GunNut]

Also, don't forget one of the AUG clones or possibly a real Steyr AUG which should be available later this year.

I have always wanted an AUG and will probably pick one up over the FS2000.

 

[trbon8r]

I would disagree that just because the Masada is delayed until '09 that you should rule it out. Keep in mind that even if Hussein Osama is elected, he won't take office until January of '09. He as well as the rest of the Dummycrats will still have other pesky "minor" problems to deal with like the war, economy, housing market, health care, deficit......etc. It's not like banning all AWs will be priority number one in Hussein's administration and everything will automatically be banned come January 2009.

This isn't to say you shouldn't buy what you want now and prepare for the worst. I have. I'm just saying that even if we lose, we still have a minimum of a year, and likely a bit longer to go before legislation could be passed and implemented.

 

[taliv]

if you don't have an AR, get one. a good one. and another one just like it. then get the toys

 

[silentpoet]

I looked at the MSAR aug once, I prefer the FS2000 and the FN is cheaper.

What I didn't like about the PS90 is it seemed a little short stocked for me. Also mag changes seemed a little akward. But I do like having 50 rounds on tap.

The FS2000 really fit me well and is compact. The only possible concern would be the availability of spare parts. It does accept 30rd AR magazines.

I just have never really warmed up to ARs. I think I would have to get one with one of the magpull stocks or a standard a2 stock.

This rifle will be my primary rifle. So I want to make a good choice and also pick a top of the line rifle that I can be happy with for years to come.

 

[GunNut]

I looked at the MSAR aug once, I prefer the FS2000 and the FN is cheaper.

That's not true. MSAR Aug's can be had for around $1500 in an optics ready setup. Which puts it $500 less than the FS2000.

I do like the FS2000 but i like the more sleek look of the AUG more. I have a dealer who will sell me a FS2000 for cost, it's the one with the factory optic, but it will still cost me $2100 out the door.

Good luck in deciding, I really think you need a part time job so that you can buy one of each.......

 

[trbon8r]

Not to offend the FS2000 or PS90 folks, but in my opinion those two rifles fall into the high priced toy or novelty category. In other words they are items to be bought once you already have a basic rifle that is your go to piece. I've handled the PS90 and it felt like a clunky kludge of a weapon. I've never heard anyone in the know that proclaims either of those rifles as contenders for an "only" rifle. Not to mention the PS90 fires and oddball caliber that will cost a lot to shoot.

The AR is a battle tested piece, and you can't go wrong with buying an AR from one of the top of the line vendors.

Some people seem to be happy with the 556, but I don't see what it does that an AR doesn't. The Masada/ACR is a wildcard. Who knows how that will turn out once it is eventually released. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[TexasRifleman]

The PS90 is in the toy category. I have one and it's mainly a toy because of the 5.7 round.

In it's current civvie legal form that round is just not quite up with 5.56 in the other rifles.

Something to keep in mind if you're looking at any defensive use.

 

[silentpoet]

On the aug I was just going by prices at my local store. I may end up getting an AR, but like I said they just never really seem right to me. I know it is a proven platform, but they just seem off to me. Like glocks, I know they are very good but glocks just don't fit me. The AR has a lot going for it, I am just not yet convinced it is for me. Maybe I just need the right setup and the right stock.

Right now I would rank what I am most likely to buy to least likely to buy. This is of course subject to change.
1. FS2000
2. Sig 556
3. AR

 

[George Hill]

"Some people seem to be happy with the 556, but I don't see what it does that an AR doesn't."
Increased reliability in all conditions and quicker and easier to clean. What's not to like about that? You can mount everything on a 556 that you can mount on an AR. The 556 is the gun I wish I had in the Army. And it is a battle proven design, taking from the 550 series... so it's not a virgin like the ACR or FS2000.

 

[Ivy Mike]

Don't forget the Robinson Arms XCR or M96.

 

[taliv]

ergonomics on the sig556, if that's what you're talking about, are teh suq

 

[trbon8r]

Increased reliability in all conditions and quicker and easier to clean.

More reliable? I'd like to see some testing above and beyond the useless stuff found in gun rags that would support this claim.

 

[elmerfudd]

This isn't to say you shouldn't buy what you want now and prepare for the worst. I have. I'm just saying that even if we lose, we still have a minimum of a year, and likely a bit longer to go before legislation could be passed and implemented.

This is true, but if the 'rats win in Nov the prices will rise dramatically the very next day and they'll keep rising until legislation is passed.

 

[Z-Michigan]

#1) Get two AR-15's for the price of any one of the others. Get an M4-clone and a longer barrel one (20" or 24") with a stainless 1-8 barrel and nice trigger. So many options to choose from. AR's are reliable for anything you're likely to do. Spare parts and magazines will never be an issue. And almost nothing semiauto is more accurate than a quality AR.

#2) Get the Sig 556 if you don't want an AR or wish to blow all your $$$ on a single rifle. It's older tech, but is very nice. I looked at one and started drooling, and I own several AR's and a Robinson M96. (However, I probably won't actually buy one because I can't find that it is really better than the M96 I already own.)

I have had a chance to inspect an FS2000 pretty closely and I wasn't imrpessed. It is a bullpup that ejects to the front. It is clumsy, poorly balanced, feels cheap, has a questionable trigger, no last shot hold-open, etc. etc. I would buy one for $700, maybe. I wouldn't think about it for the $1900 or so they actually go for.

The PS90 is basically a toy with civvie ammo. To make things worse, only FN makes and sells ammo right now. Yup, one supplier. It's cool, but not a pick for SHTF.

The Masada/ACR will probably be great when it comes out. Whenever that is. Could be a while. Dates always seem to slip. If you're going to wait that long, I would get the Keltec RFB, another near-unicorn with a similar future and floating delivery date.

Not on your list but worth consideration is the Robinson XCR.

 

[Wes Janson]

Or buy a Kel-Tec RFB when it comes out!

 

[Leif Runenritzer]

How about a combination? I'm tempted to get an AR-57, and the price of the ammo isn't horrendous.

Too bad there isn't an F$1000.

 

[Jason_G]

PS90:
I absolutely detest the way the PS90 handles. Too short and simply does not feel natural to shoulder, at least in my hands, YMMV. You have to search for the sight/optic/whatever you want to call that pitiful excuse of an aiming device . Optics are available, but would almost be a necessity rather than an optional modification. The PS90 would however be a good weapon for someone in enclosed spaces like a vehicle to have vs. a pistol or full length rifle. Otherwise, it's a less than substantial rifle other than being a conversation piece. If you want one just to own one, then that's a horse of a different color. Personally I could find much more use for a full length rifle.

FS2000:
Handles better than the PS90, but I still wasn't super-impressed with it. I don't particularly like the way the rifle operates. Seems like a jam would be a real PITA to clear, and I don't care for the way the cases are "ejected" (crapped out is more like it). Most folks that own one seem to like theirs though.

SiG:
Never really handled one, but on paper I like 'em. They look like a great rifle IMO, but like I said, I haven't shot one to know for sure.

AR-15:
I would either go with a good AR or the Sig out of the choices you've laid out. An AR can obviously be fitted with different uppers for more versatility. Optics abound, as well as other possible mods. You are really unlimited on this platform in terms of different things you can do to it.


Jason

 

[Coronach]

My personal opinions:

FS2000: I shot one once, and I thought that it handled better than it looks. However, that ain't saying much, and I still think that the ergos were substandard. I think you could get used to them, though, and I freely admit it is not a fair comparison since I only handled one once.

PS90: I like the general ergonomics, but the sighting system is bleh and the cartridge is bleh squared.

Sig 556: I like the action and I would love to love this rifle, but man, it somehow manages to be unwieldy out of all proportion to its dimensions. Again, I've only fiddled with one, so one could easily grow to love it, but IMHO it handles like a pig compared to an AR.

AR15: I really hate to say it, but in smallboreEBRville, the AR is still the standard by which others are judged. I know they jam up and are so fragile that the gossamer wing of a butterly fluttering in the adjoining township can cause one to break, but I must be lucky, with mine still running like a top.

Masada/ACR: Right now, this thing is perfect. But only because we haven't managed to get our grubby mitts on one to find its faults. Like the Sig556, I want to love this rifle. But we'll only see if the reality can keep up with the hype.

Mike

PS You forgot the XCR, which may very well be the only one of the next-generation EBRs to make it into widespread circulation, depending on what happens next year.

 

[taliv]

well, it's hardly 'next-generation' but the microtech aug might be my next purchase. (after i buy a few CD ARs, of course)

 

[Tarvis]

AR15: I really hate to say it, but in smallboreEBRville, the AR is still the standard by which others are judged. I know they jam up and are so fragile that the gossamer wing of a butterly fluttering in the adjoining township can cause one to break,

Boo this man!

but I must be lucky, with mine still running like a top.

Thats what I'm talkin about .

Friend of a friend came out to shoot one day with a fancy new M&P ar15. Looked really nice, but I smirked when he said he paid $1200 for something I can build for $700-$800 depending on the handguard.

I really like the concept of the PS90, only thing keeping me from buying it is the price. I hate buying anything I can't get the cost out of, wether I plan on selling it or not. The 5.7 cartridge is weak sauce in comparison to 5.56, but what platform offers 50 round standard mags in a platform that small and handy? Besides, no one complained about the energy/performance of the 17 hmr when it came out. As far as the standard sights go, agreed they are pretty weak, which is why you should get the tri rail and put on what you like.

XCR looks really cool and I'm sure is really reliable and very modular. Problem is, I'm not rich. A salesman at a recent gunshow told me it is the ultimate battle rifle, capable of firing almost any practical cartridge. Problem is, it is on the same basis as the AR in the fact that .308 size cartridges require a different lower. I haven't figured out what the platform has to offer that is leaps and bounds, put another way, worth $700+ a homebuilt AR with a piston system has to offer.

Masada, see above. Really cool, really expensive.

FS2000, not really sure. Looks cool, uses AR mags which is cool, can hold 3 spent cases without ejecting or jamming which is pretty much only good for committing crimes which none of us do, not many people have 'em which makes you cool if you have one, so it gets an A+ in the cool department. Function wise, what does it do a piston AR doesn't?


My vote: build a few AR's in the calibers of your choice, put a piston on one and a 22lr conversion on another and the problem is solved.

 

[Coronach]

The cost of the XCR and the Masada (depending upon final configuration and price point) is somewhat mitigated by the capabilities that they bring to the table. Assuming you're looking for something that can do what the XCR and ACR can do (switch calibers, switch barrels, fold stocks, have rails everywhere, etc etc etc), you're probably about even or ahead by going the XCR/ACR route as opposed to buying an AR and tarting it up. This assumes, of course, that you want/need the extra capabilities that the nextgen rifles will allegedly have. If you're looking for a basic EBR .223 rifle, you're money ahead buying an M4 and calling it a day.

Mike

 

[taliv]

heh, probably coronach, but it depends on what replacement/wear parts cost for the xcr/acr, too. over the lifetime, the tarted up AR might yet pull ahead