New Range Gun!! Sterling R18!!

vultr said:
I would have thought due to the easier machining involved with 7075 they would be pretty comparable? Maybe I'm being naive though.
Click to expand...

7075T is much harder to machine and the material itself is double the price of 6061. We won't have a firm price pretty much till we have them made.

JR
 
I got one of the first run rifles sitting in my safe right now. So far I am really impressed with the fit and finish of the rifle. Ambi bolt catch is an awesome addition. Looking forward for the weather to clear so I can start shooting this thing.
 
Nick-o-shea said:
I asked the very same question three months ago
No response or reply.
This may just be a ruse a product like the gold mine that never was.
Click to expand...

What are you referring to as a possible "ruse" product? If it is the R18 you are doubting, then you are right out to lunch. The "Pencil Barrel" model is selling as we speak while the Mk2 Production Rifle is undergoing manufacture for February sales.
 
I know this is being advertised as a "Range" gun, but is there any chance the R18 will be taken to Quesnell Brutality for showcasing and hard condition testing?
 
Last edited:
R18 Manual, https://www.theshootingedge.com/ccms/index.cfm?LinkServID=28BF4AEE-EA9E-53ED-6EE3C8697D38DF39

R18 2.0 (Pencil Barrel, No Adjustable Gas Block, lower Picatinny Stock Rail, upgraded other internals from 2.1 to be sent in February) Sales Link, https://www.theshootingedge.com/cproduct/8004/r18-mk2-telescopic-moe-stock-5*56%7C223-18*6
R18 2.0 Zhukov (Same as above with variable length of pull folding stock) Sales Link, https://www.theshootingedge.com/cproduct/8018/r18-mk2-zhukov-stock-5*56%7C223-18*6

TSE may want to add some options on the 2.1 listing to swap the factory non-folding buffer tube with the folding buffer tube adapter, or for one of the other 1913 stocks they have available on the site.
 
Reddit Member Bepisnivok posted the following cold weather feedback on the R18 (presumably pencil barrel version), with the annotation the factory lubricant/transport protection medium may have been causing cold weather issues.
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/sfstq4/r18_in_the_wild_attempt_1_26_frozen_lube_and_bad/

The ammo issues may be addressed by the R18 2.1 parts package that will be sent to 2.0 pencil-barreled users. Increasing the gas flow on the 2.1's adjustable gas block temporarily may also help in this situation.
 
Ustauk said:
Reddit Member Bepisnivok posted the following cold weather feedback on the R18 (presumably pencil barrel version), with the annotation the factory lubricant/transport protection medium may have been causing cold weather issues.
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/sfstq4/r18_in_the_wild_attempt_1_26_frozen_lube_and_bad/

The ammo issues may be addressed by the R18 2.1 parts package that will be sent to 2.0 pencil-barreled users. Increasing the gas flow on the 2.1's adjustable gas block temporarily may also help in this situation.
Click to expand...

A combination of cold weather, inappropriate lubricant and low pressure ammo (Barnaul) is NOT the guns fault. Increasing gas flow is not a solution. Learning how to maintain your firearm for cold weather usage is. His experience was 100% operator error.
 
TSE JR said:
I think this is a reasonable question.

Firstly; while it is not the consumer's issue; small batch manufacturing is pricey. If SAI could plan on scale like IWI (Tavor) the price would probably be reduced significantly but we can only commit to much smaller numbers, so they in turn will only run so many parts at a time. I think it is probably more fair to compare the price of this to the FAMAE SG543-1 line that another importer is working on for a Spring 2022 delivery. Small batches specifically for the Canadian market add costs that cannot be amortized.



As to why the SAI R18 is significantly more $$ than the other "180" offerings: We think we have incorporated a significant number of upgrades and design features that warrant this. These features all cost more money for various reasons.

We also think the ergonomics and visual lines are pleasing such as the flared mag well and grip blending.

Specifically for features:

Internal bolt catch
Ambi-bolt release
Ergonomic pistol grip interface
Ease of use for after market triggers
Non-reciprocating cocking handle
Non-exposed action channel
Non-proprietary stock interface
AR15 barrel extension
Oversized bolt catch
Multi piece recoil impulse system
1913 Picatinny rails

We also believe the rifle length recoil system is far superior for felt recoil reduction and reduced ammo issues.

To keep things in perspective; ATRS made a $3000 AR when we (as Canadian shooters) had $600 Norincos available and Rick managed to build a very strong and solid business. Various NR AR style rifles in Canada "pre-ban" still ran in the $1800-$2000 range.

The SAI will not be for everyone in either esthetics, price point or ergonomics. But we still feel strongly to try to offer this to the shooting community in Canada. Whether it succeeds or not commercially, will depend on a number of factors and I'm willing to risk it.

JR
Click to expand...

How can I get in on the famae sg 540 tac?
 
Moparman1303 said:
How can I get in on the famae sg 540 tac?
Click to expand...

As someone who has owned and fired at least 1000 rounds out of each rifle, I can tell you that the R18 is the more refined firearm design as compared to the 5.56 mm FAMAE SG 540 series. The action and cycling of the R18 are far smoother than those of the SG 540. The R18 !Charging Handle is non-reciprocating and the cocking slot in the side of the Upper Receiver is sealed against the ingress of foreign matter, both features that the SG 540 lacks. I could readily continue, noting the R18's easily upgraded Trigger, adjustable Gas Block, full-length Picatinny Rail, swappable Buttstocks, and so on and so forth. At the end of the day? The R18 is a true modern sporting rifle, whereas the SG 540 design (aside from some recent FABARM "lipstick") dates back to the 1970s. For my money the R18 is the better rifle.
 
Last edited:
Comparing this to an ATRS MS is a bit of a stretch, it’s not in the same ballpark.
My MS ,with IBI barrel and Timney trigger cost me around $2300

Your features cost almost as much as an competitors similar complete rifle.

But it’s your rifle and you have the right to charge whatever you want.
 
45C said:
Comparing this to an ATRS MS is a bit of a stretch, it’s not in the same ballpark.
My MS ,with IBI barrel and Timney trigger cost me around $2300

Your features cost almost as much as an competitors similar complete rifle.

But it’s your rifle and you have the right to charge whatever you want.
Click to expand...

Fair enough, but what year did you buy it in? How much would it cost today?
 
Ustauk said:
Fair enough, but what year did you buy it in? How much would it cost today?
Click to expand...
2020
I understand inflation, cost increases , whatever.
I just don’t see the point of comparing the 180 to an ATRS MS, its a losing comparison.
In any event, the market will tell the tale.
Are the first 40 sold yet?

But I just got a few items, timney trigger ,Barrel,CTR stock,etc and the prices haven’t changed that much.
Maybe 5% at most.
 
45C said:
2020
I understand inflation, cost increases , whatever.
I just don’t see the point of comparing the 180 to an ATRS MS, its a losing comparison.
In any event, the market will tell the tale.
Are the first 40 sold yet?

But I just got a few items, timney trigger ,Barrel,CTR stock,etc and the prices haven’t changed that much.
Maybe 5% at most.
Click to expand...

Yes the first 40 sold. 30 went out the door in the first week and the rest trickled since then. We are getting a nice list together of those that are simply waiting now for the tweaked version.

I agree, the MS is not a good example: The work to build a MS is waaaaaaaaaaaay less than building a 180. Also, the mass produced parts to finish off a MS are far more plentiful and correspondingly cheaper.

For example: The machine time on a MS upper is about 25-32 minutes from billet while the SAI is about 75-80 minutes. The SAI R18 could be redesigned to use an extrusion and screws, but I think that significantly diminishes the concept and long term, as well as the esthetics.

There are a lot of parts / assemblies for the R18 that are unique and not "off the shelf". The gas system alone in a R18 adds hundreds compared to a simple gas tube / gas block.

Time will tell if we have a winner or loser. However the first reports are pretty darn positive.

Currently our range gun has over 1700 rds through it and we've only had to tighten the handguard.

JR
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom