Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

[GasLight]

So I am contemplating a build for a .308 semi-auto. My question is why not the AR style platform? The benefits are clearly support options from barrels to stocks and everything else, but there are some what I would term cool alternatives these days. The FNAR is one that I was looking at, and the Match version with the McMillan stock is of particular interest. My question is what are the percieved advantages to other platforms?

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

What are some of the other alternatives besides the FNAR? I guess what I'm asking is what choices have you narrowed it down to.

 

[BCP]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

Um, if you want a semi auto 308 there's no good reason not to build on the AR platform. None.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Um, if you want a semi auto 308 there's no good reason not to build on the AR platform. None. </div></div>
There is no reason not to.

 

[ORD]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EndGame</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So I am contemplating a build for a .308 semi-auto. My question is why not the AR style platform? The benefits are clearly support options from barrels to stocks and everything else, but there are some what I would term cool alternatives these days. The FNAR is one that I was looking at, and the Match version with the McMillan stock is of particular interest. My question is what are the percieved advantages to other platforms?

Thanks!

Dave </div></div>

If you are thinking about the FNAR Match rifle, you could be waiting a while. One of the FN reps (Ben Voss) posted this in a recent thread on these rifles:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2322400#Post2322400

From the sound of things...they will be available only in very limited numbers (due to the stocks and getting enough of them from McM). While I think they are great looking rifle and I am sure that they'll perform well if based on nothing more than the improve ergos in relation to the less-than-stellar base stock on the FNAR, you are still pretty limited in terms of what you can add/change/etc. with the rifles. The proprietary nature of rifles like the FNAR make them somewhat difficult to work with in terms of enhancements/upgrades/etc. and the options available direct from FN are extremely limited.

Frankly, if you want a semi-auto .308 rifle, you are far better off building on an AR-based platform (whether it be the DPMS/KAC or the Armalite platform). Tons of modularity, tons of aftermarket support including all of the best components you could ever want, a plethora of options to fit your needs/wants from stocks to grips to handguards to, etc., etc., etc.

 

[GasLight]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anchor Zero Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are some of the other alternatives besides the FNAR? I guess what I'm asking is what choices have you narrowed it down to.</div></div>

I guess I was saying there are many alternatives just because there seem to be several out there, FNs, ARs (several proprietary varieties), FNAR, SCAR, H&K, stuff like that. The ones I have been looking at have primarily been the DPMS because of magazine availability and price, but the ergos of the FNAR Match look enticing.

The heart of my question is basically, why does FN come to market with something that will compete directly with the AR platforms if there isn't some type of benefit, or at least perceived benefit? What is the selling point of the FNAR Match over a built DPMS or AR-10? Are there weaknesses, or is the FNAR just something different? Does the FNAR do something better?

I appreciate the input!

Dave

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

My 2 cents, FN offers products to a global market. I think some of the things they offer here in the US dont really fit in with what we readily accept such as their bullpups and FNAR.

If these products dont sell well in the US I dont think it has a big impact on FN as I'm sure they sell quite well in Europe where our products such as AR's and AR 308 may be much more difficult to get.

AR's are Legos and if you like to tinker with your guns they are by far the easiest and parts are everywhere. If you just dont like AR's or if you just may be bored with them try an M14 in a McMillan stock...mags are cheap and replacement parts are fairly easy to find.

 

[jason8251]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

Why make it harder on yourself just to have something different?

 

[1stIDvet]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jason8251</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why make it harder on yourself just to have something different? </div></div>

Because this is America and we like variety. As time goes by it gets boring when you only shoot an AR15 and Remy 700. Im not saying that happens to all people, but as Americans we like to mess around with a whole bunch of guns. I dont think its about being different, more about trying new designs.

I like what Anchor zero six says, I also believe they offer something different for people who do not like the AR platform. The FN AR somewhat reminds me of the BAR. Maybe I missed something and its suppose to.... Anyways I believe there just looking for shooters who would prefer a different platform.

 

[Zebra644]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

I agree with Anchor Six, Well being different is not allways good lol. With the various types AR platforms chambered in 308 thier are enough aftermarket parts to change and replace parts with, even Aramlite being an example of a propiatary system, enough companies make enough stuff for them you are ok. The FNP I am sure is a shooter and a nice rifle, at this point if FNP or a hook up you may find or have, cant or dont make parts, find parts or install them, you could be up the ole creek without a paddle, until they are out for a little while longer.

 

[George63]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

If there was a single platform for .308 AR's they would really dominate the precision battle rifle market

 

[notquiteright]

Re: Serious Question, not bashing, why not AR plat.

It looks like a blend of the Ruger 10/22 and M14.

I'd say its on the market because a company offers what it has patents for. You cant get market share without something in the marketplace.

It has a more traditional rifle look, that may appeal to the M14 nastolgia buffs.

Eronomics are in the eye of the holder. Civilians and very old school soldiers might like the traditional stock while younger generations find the Mattel toy pistol grip erognomic. The current love of the forearm spike shows function isnt always pretty.

Have fun fondling whatever you select