Re: Is The FNH SCAR 17 Worth It?
I have a SCAR 16 & 17 and they are very fine battle rifles. I've read some stuff in this thread and other threads that are either hyperbole, BS, rumor, ignorance or nonsense. Like the guy that said that all these new rifles (and he listed several including the ACR along with the SCAR) are so new they are still working all the bugs out. This made me laugh, you cannot compare an ACR to a SCAR. The SCAR is the most thoughly US military tested rifle in HISTORY before purchasing was allowed. Look it up.
One guy in this thread said he had 2 SCAR 16s until he got buyer's remorse. Sounds like crap to me, either he bought the wrong rifle for his intended use and expectations, he decided he spent too much and needed the money, or he doen't know what a really fine, modern, well engineered rifle is. Hey, I guess there are people who might prefer a Chevy Malibu to a Lexus too, I guess that's what makes the world go around.
Then there are all the folks who expect a SCAR 17 16" tube assault rifle to group like a bolt action sniper rifle. The standard SCAR 17 was designed as an all around battle rifle. Many of the AR type 308s were designed more for stationary sniping, but not all of course. If you want a rifle for long shots buy a rifle made for long shots and tight groups. BTW The SCAR rifles are pretty accurate while still being light weight, I'm not gonna put a 2 pound scope on my 17. No 15x or 20x hunks of glass or Elcan of lead for me, it is a rifle designed to be CARRIED, its not a bench bunny. If you want a semi auto rifle to punch holes try a FNAR Heavy with a 20" tube and save yourself $1500.
And who is the genius that says that a larger/heavier bolt carrier ensures that you will have MORE recoil (I guess he meant sharper recoil)? Sorry, but that is simply not a fact. If it was true then a bolt action 308 rifle (no bolt carrier) weighing the same as a SCAR 17 and shooting the same round would have a lighter (less sharp) recoil than the SCAR 17. Felt recoil is much more complex than that. BTW the SCAR 17 has a very soft recoil IMHO.
I bought my SCAR 17 FDE in December for $2900 shipped WITH the goofy Comiefornia modifications. And I bought my black SCAR 16s for $2350 shipped in June 2010. The black SCAR 17s is usually cheaper (for now)if you want one of those. The high price for the 17 is driven by the fact that the Military and LE folks get first dibs.
FN announced to their dealers back in August (I think) that they would ship very few SCAR Heavy (17) rifles until at least the end of the first quarter of 2011, because of other comittments. So maybe the supply will increase, and, therefore, the price will drop after that, who knows.
Parts are NOT as big an issue as everyone is whining about. I bought lots of spare parts for my SCAR 16 (remember when everyone was whining about "never" getting parts for those) and there is some interchangability (is that a word) between the SCAR 16 and 17.
As someone said the SCAR barrel service life is about 30,000 rounds or so. I'm sure barrels will be available before you wear one out. AND BESIDES IF YOU CAN AFFORD 30,000 ROUNDS OF .308 THEN YOU CAN AFFORD A NEW RIFLE IF NECESSARY. Other spare parts will be coming for the SCAR 17 according to FN.
Yes, barrels will come and there are already people who are back-engineering the gas block and other pieces for future additions to the aftermarket. I've seen CAD drawings.
I saw someone in this thread who argued against the SCAR because they didn't like the plastic selector switch, geezus people. I can understand why someone might not like the stock or the selector switch (Magpul has a replacement), but these rifles have only been out for a few months and I'm sure there will be aftermarket replacements. Me, I love the stock except it rattles when jerked around. The selector switch could be better, but that is not going to keep me from enjoying a really good MODERN rifle.
Tangodown (I think its TD) has an aluminum folding stock latch and some other goodies, there are now rail extensions, an alternative shape charging handle, and different sights are coming. Someone has a prototype stock replacement as well. Check FNForum and M4Carbine forum. And Geissele (spelling?) has a replacement trigger.
IS THIS RIFLE WORTH IT? H3ll YES! There is very little I would do for mods which means I don't have to spend a lot on modifications, so yes, the extra bucks are worth it and it shoots great.
So, if you don't like well designed and military tested rifles with modern engineering and (IMO) great ergonomics, that come pretty much fully loaded (just add glass and go), then don't buy this rifle.
BTW stop saying there are NO magazines available, I just bought five 25 round C-products magazines (I have to buy rebuild kits) for about $40 each. If someone still cannot find magazines I'll be happy to sell these for $100 each...LOL
Hey, buy some other rifle if you want, but if you want a .308 BATTLE rifle this is my favorite, and the fewer you buy, the sooner the price will come down so I can buy more.
I just get kinda frustrated sometimes with people who just cannot deal with anything they don't already know.