blaxsun
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
So having just received my new ACR I thought I'd post a few pictures of it disassembled (scroll down) along with some first impressions. This particular unit is a black hybrid (basic model with the aluminium tri-rail) and was acquired through Saskatoon Gunworks (thanks again guys!)
I've been looking forward to this gun ever since its originally unveiling as the Magpul Masada. Contrary to some of the comments and reviews I've read on the ACR, the fit, finish and quality is first-rate; there is very little (if any) play. The Magpul lower is very lightweight - being almost entirely out of polymer, while the heavier aluminium frame/upper receiver is of Bushmaster design.
The gun feels really solid and well-built. With the heavy profile barrel I was expecting it to be front heavy, but was surprised to find that it was actually well-balanced (not like an MR223). The finish is a nice matte black throughout and the polymer/aluminium blend really well together. The pistol grip/grip pads on the magazine well feel really good, the elongated trigger guard is perfect and both stocks are really high quality (the base stock is similar to a non-collapsible (albeit lighter) UBR.
A lot of thought and design has obviously gone into this rifle, and the one aspect that I really liked is the completely tool-less disassembly. Just like an AR, 2 push-pins separate the upper and lower receivers. But this is where the differences end. Removing the aluminium rail is as simple as pushing a pin and sliding it forward and off. Replacing the stock is even easier: one pin and it slides up and out. The trigger group is also apparently drop-in.
Just a few quick technical specifications: the ACR weighs-in at 8.19lbs (3716g); the lower is 1.94lbs (879g) which the upper assembly is 6.25lbs (2837g). The majority of this weight is apparently in the barrel itself, and it's unusually heavy (just shy of 2.6lbs or 1175g). Incidentally, Questar's 18.7" NR match barrel is only 0.95kg - so despite being longer, even with the piston/quick-release assembly it should come it at a few ounces less.
For those interested in switching out the stock, this reduces the OAL by approximately 1" and increases the weight by 0.6 ounces. Although pricey and hard-to-find, the folding/collapsible aspect to reduce OAL and length of pull is definitely worth it.
OK, now I'll get all my little gripes about the ACR out of the way...
Everyone has probably heard about the positioning of the safety ambidextrous safety. It's not ideal, and if you have large hands your thumb is going to come into contact with it - which can apparently be annoying. My hands are about average size, so for me it's a non-issue as I barely graze it (maybe Magpul or someone will release an aftermarket one).
While the ACR does ship with two magazines, these are not the 10-round LAR15's we've all grown to love - but rather some neutered 5-round Shrubmasters. And if that weren't bad enough, they were manufactured with a second raised indentation (?) above the magazine catch such that it prevents them from either dropping free or being released entirely. I ran a test and comparison against PMAGs (2nd and 3rd gen, 20 and 30-rnd), EMAGs, Lancers (20 and 30-rnd) and HK steel magazines and all of the aforementioned worked flawlessly in the ACR. The Shrubmaster magazines are such crap that the only thing I can think of using them with is an XCR...
(sorry, that'll be my only XCR poke).Obviously at 8lbs and change this is a bit heavier than what we'd like. However, one has to bear in-mind that this is a complete rifle that features a folding/collapsible stock and cheek riser, heavy profile barrel, full length upper rail and lower tri-rail. And, for those going the NR route with the lighter match barrel, this will probably come in at just under 8lbs complete). Compared to a SAN @ over 9lbs (this is before any mounts of accessories) or an XCR @ 7.5lbs it's not that unreasonable.
I found the cheek riser on both types of stocks to be a tad stiff, but will probably loosen up a bit with use. The collapsible stock doesn't lock into position but kind of "floats" in a folded position instead; I actually really like this feature. The only aspect of the collapsible stock that I didn't like is the extend/reduce button(s), because they're in an awkward position that's difficult to reach from the top and it feels unnatural grasping them from the bottom. I also didn't like having to depress both simultaneously. Compared to a CTR, ACS or UBR, the operation feels clumsy at best (definite improvement here is needed). It does fold really nicely and both stocks feature forward/lower slings mounts as well as an ambidextrous QD sling mount.
The only other minor quirk was that the edges of the aluminium rails are all bloody sharp, which made cleaning with any kind of rag a PITA. Other systems like Knight and HK have done a much better job with bevelling the edges, but I'm optimistic that after mounting and sliding a few accessories on and off that these will smoothen out a bit (barring that, ladder protectors or rail covers should do the trick).
Addendum: I can't stress enough how sharp the edges on the rails are. There's mil-spec and then there's anal-spec... I had a heck of a time getting the MBUS and lower rail cover on (use of a rubber mallet was required), and even the ladder protectors were snug on the sides. Since it's altogether too easy to scrap or even cut yourself on these I highly recommend rail protectors of some type.
Here are a few snapshots by popular request (I just did a really quick wipe, so there's still some oil and packing grease on it).
Not sure what's up with the second extrusion on the Crapmaster magazines (left).
Aluminium tri-rail.
Complete lower (featuring optional folding/collapsible stock).
Upper receiver, showcasing the quick-release system.
Upper receiver with factory barrel and A2-like flash hider.
Upper receiver with ambidextrous charging handle.
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