FN SCAR-16s or AR15?

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CGRifleman

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I got a chance to take a look at the SCAR-16s at the PX today, and I'm thinking of replacing my AR15 with one. I have a few questions for current SCAR-owners or users.
1. Can the SCAR accept AR-style grips, specifically, a Magpul MIAD?
2. Can it accept an AR15 trigger group?
3. Aside from cost, are there any significant disadvantages to the SCAR as compared to the AR15?
Please don't respond unless you have actually used this weapon. I'm looking for firsthand knowledge here.
Thanks!
 
1. I think so, not positive.
2. no
3. parts availability. some people hate the reciprocating charging handle.
 
SCARs are overrated IMO. It is still just a .223 round going down a 16-20 inch barrel, just with fancy furniture and a newer design. Honestly, for that much money, about 2-2.5 grand, it seems like it would be better to get something like a POF. The AR-15 is a much, MUCH more versatile platform than the scar. Think of all the uppers and lowers you can have...
 
The reason I ask is because the SCAR has all the same features as my AR, but also has the gas piston (I know they make gas-piston AR15s but mine's a DI system and my upper won't allow for a conversion) and left-hand charging handle (kind of a big deal for me). In addition, I could steal some parts from the AR (optics, grips, etc) and still probably sell the AR for just under 2K, so I'm wondering if the improved reliability/ergonomics might be worth the net cost.
 
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and still probably sell the AR for just under 2K,
Click to expand...

The AR market is bad most places right now I'd do alot of checking before planning on pocketing $2k from a bare AR.
 
CGRifleman said:
The reason I ask is because the SCAR has all the same features as my AR, but also has the gas piston (I know they make gas-piston AR15s but mine's a DI system and my upper won't allow for a conversion) and left-hand charging handle (kind of a big deal for me). In addition, I could steal some parts from the AR (optics, grips, etc) and still probably sell the AR for just under 2K, so I'm wondering if the improved ergonomics might be worth the net cost.
Click to expand...
Not many people (and no sober-minded person) would pay that much for a used AR that has no accessories and, for whatever reason, can't accept a piston conversion.

IMHO, the only advantage that the SCAR has that ARs dont is weight. When I held a SCAR, I immediately noticed how light it was. But it is not that difficult to build a lightweight AR-15. Just use a lightweight barrel and A2, single-shield handguards, and a micro red dot and you'll have yourself a very light AR-15, no more than 6.5 lbs I estimate.
 
The AR is still fully functional and has other upgrades... maybe 2k was a stretch, but I bet I could get $17-1800 for it. However, roughly $800 net cost for a couple improved features is a little steep. Still considering it, though...
Thanks for the help.
 
What kind of upgrades? I don't mean to be rude or anything, I'm sure your rifle is great, but price wise I look on the gun auction websites (gunsamerica, auctionarms, gunbroker) and I see piston rifles that are very nice going for 1500 top, most around 800-1000.
 
I would not order a SCAR in 5.56mm it was dropped by SOCOM. The 7.62mm is going forward.

I would worry about parts and after market support later on in life.

John
 
Given overall recommendations and specs of both models, I think the SCAR is in fact a better rifle, but it's not worth the cost. For my purposes I think my current AR will work fine.
Thank you all for talking me out of this.
 
I see selling your AR (and probably taking a big loss) and buying the SCAR as a lose-lose situation. Sounds like you've got your AR tricked out and won't get near what you put into it. This could be a $1000 piston, I'd pass.
 
I own both and honestly, I would stick with the AR if I had to choose one.

The SCAR is very mild on recoil, it really out shines the AR in this reguard.

The SCAR is slightly more ergonomic than the AR, but it's not a vast improvement. But if you like the AR you'll likely love how the SCAR feels. Most people that shoot mine thinkso anyway.

But its really a high priced novelty right now as spare parts are non-existent. If you run it hard and break something you can't just pick a spare up on the 'net like you can with the AR.
 
I've only had a small pool of gas piston guns that I've actually tried, and the scar was definatly nice. But then so was bushy and lwrc. Being able to easily swap barrels on the bushy might be a plus to some. All felt front heavy to me. If I were going into the desert for actual combat every day I'd want a piston type gun, probably the LWRC, mostly because di AR's are a pain to clean.

I have A ddm4 type di gun with a few mods including a fail zero bolt/carrier, an h buffer and extra power buffer spring and, even though I'd like to have a nice piston gun, I would not trade my daniel defense. I have made several mistakes in 20 plus years of trading/buying guns. The ones I remember most are trading guns that I know are reliable and can find parts easily for; for the latest greatest whatever gun. If I had 2500$ laying around and just wanted a new gun, I'd go for it but I don't. To each their own.
 
MMCfpd, comparing the SCAR to AR on weight is hard given all the possible AR configurations but the AR will generally be lighter between comparable configurations. The SCAR has a relatively thin barrel so an AR with similar barrel and a light quad rail will easily be lighter unless a super heavy quad rail is attached. Even with a gov't profile barrel and monolithic quad rails the Colt SP6940 is listed at 6.6 lbs while the SCAR is listed at 7.24 lbs.

I've been thinking about getting a SCAR. I think the operating system will be superior to the AR for reliability, DI or Piston. I say will be because my opinion is not based on actual use of the SCAR but only my evaluation of the operating system on paper. My gripe with AR pistons is that they are too thin(have to be to fit through gas tube hole) and piston actuated carriers work far batter on rails. I know, ARs are perfecty reliable IF you keep them lubed. I don't think the IF will be necessary with the SCAR. One of my favorite things about the SCAR is the quick change barrel capability so swapping barrel lengths and calibers should be a breeze. Unfortunately, none of the needed parts are readily available. Plus, i dont want to pay top dollar for a SCAR and then the price drop the next day so i'm waiting to see how things pan out.
 
If your so interested in a piston driven 5.56 rifle, why not look into the RA XCR it's piston driven, can take what ever standart 1913 stuff you got, has the same feel as an AR and takes AR mags.

That's my opinion.
 
Reaver, I've considered an XCR in the past as well. I'm reluctant to buy any gun from such a small, inexperienced company though for anything beyond recreational shooting though. I don't know about today but i read about many people having to send their XCR's back in for problems that were way too common. The same could be said of the MSAR. I love mine but would be reluctant in carrying for real world use. It runs great but i did have to send it in to have the little tab on the bolt replaced because they were originally made of inadequate metal and mine broke. A real Steyr though i would happily take to war. Not to mention the blog that the RA owner wrote slamming his customers turned me off from the company permamently. That and i don't agree with his previous political invovlements. I don't want profits from my purchases being used to fund candidates i dislike.
 
I missed a smoking deal on a used unfired SCAR at my LGS. I ended up putting a deposit down on the ACR. Both very cool rifles. Are they better than AR, IMO doubt it, but that is so subjective. I'm happy with purchase of ACR.
 
As others have said, the SCAR's biggest drawback (accessories / configurations) is the AR's biggest plus. Kinda like the Ruger 10/22 vs the Marlin Model 60. Not knocking the SCAR one bit, just point out that this may or may not be an important consideration.

To me, it is like being a kid and having a choice between 2 different lego sets. One is a small kit that you can build a few different things with (the SCAR), while the AR lego equivalent is a literal dump truck load of pieces that can keep you entertained for a while longer :D.
 
I have converted the rifle I carry in my patrol car to a piston system rifle. Heres a few pictures(she's minus the ACOG now)
PR1002.gif
PR1003.gif
Its a Stag lower/RRA mid-length upper/Adams Arms piston conversion and a few other things I like. recoil is much different from a DI gun. Different recoil impulse, muzzle rise seems different, and from what my shooting buddies tell me, she even sounds different than a DI AR.
It is what you make of it, I like both the piston and DI AR, but my piston gun is one I bet my life on.
 
I own a SCAR and an AR. My SCAR impresses me much more than the AR. To answer your questions...

1. Yes, with slight modification to SCAR mounting surface. (Youtube)

2. No, completly different

3. The SCAR completly destroyed not only the AR in the Socom trials, it beat the best competition as well. (HK 416) If I had to choose between my AR and my SCAR... its an easy choice, but that's my opinion from my own experience.
 
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