Any Other Reason To Own MRA Renegade Other than Porting Over AR Parts?

[thegazelle]

Hi there,

I am considering buying an MRA Renegade. Canadian made, never owned a straight pull, looks like I can get a first generation at a decent price. Something different.

I took an hour or two to look up all previous posts on this - it looks like the vast majority if not all of the previous posts extol the virtues of the Renegade as something that one can buy in order to move AR parts to it, or custom build for receivers and such. I haven't read too many posts where people are buying it standalone for no other reason. It almost seems like this gun was made and designed in response to the OIC AR ban so AR owners can have something for which they can port over AR parts.

The good news is I haven't read anything really bad on the generation 1s except for the fact that there is no bolt catch/release on it.

I know the MK2 just came out and not sure if anyone here has one and can compare it with the MK1.

Would appreciate any comments and input on the value and operational reliability of this gun, aside from moving AR parts to it. Would a generation one MK1 be a better value buy instead of the bolt-action Bison from BCL? (I know it's comparing apples to oranges here).

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Morc]

The primary advantage in my mind beyond the basic porting of AR parts is the ability to build an extremely small rifle (26" OAL) while keeping good modern ergonomics.

 

[hbean]

After OIC all my 7.62x39 rifles were reclassified as prohibited and I had lots of 7.62X39 ammo in storage, buying a Renegade was a no brainer for me since I have a 7.62X39 upper I can use for parts, once all my 7.62X39 ammo is exhausted I can swap out the barrel and bolt over to .223/5.56 in which I own 5 barrels of various length from 7" all the way to 19", since it is a straight pull action I don't have to deal with the restricted registry as long as I keep the overall length above the legal requirement.

 

[1ABNDT]

The primary advantage in my mind beyond the basic porting of AR parts is the ability to build an extremely small rifle (26" OAL) while keeping good modern ergonomics.

That's what draws me to the platform.

 

[propliner]

With a backpack sling they carry totally hands-free in the center of the back and are still quick to draw.

 

[thegazelle]

It seems like most of the ones I have seen here and elsewhere have scopes on them, not red dots. Is that due to the nature of straight pull, that it's almost treated like a bolt action?

 

[propliner]

It seems like most of the ones I have seen here and elsewhere have scopes on them, not red dots. Is that due to the nature of straight pull, that it's almost treated like a bolt action?

I see it as more of a hunting rifle. The ease of carry and light weight make it a replacement for my bolt rifle. Mine is 6lbs with scope.

 

[Canadianwood]

I’m not worried about having a semi auto and the straight pull action let’s you have a 12.5 inch barrel .
I have the mk1 and I can tell you the addition of a bolt catch on the mk2 makes me wish I’d waited a bit longer.
The stock at furniture is nice and there are lots of options out there to meet your needs and tastes.
Plus I love supporting Canadian made goods.

 

[Dexter Morgan]

Anybody who ever wanted to hunt with an AR-15 will enjoy these rifles.

Non-restricted, even with a short barrel.

Light weight.

Infinitely customizable.

 

[thegazelle]

I see it as more of a hunting rifle. The ease of carry and light weight make it a replacement for my bolt rifle. Mine is 6lbs with scope.

That is amazing. I just scoped and bipoded my new precision rifle, weighed it and it is 13.8 lbs. This will be a dream compared to that.

OK, I have just ordered the last one remaining on the MRA site for the MK1s. Guess they are all discontinued now that the MK2 is out. Only 16" available but got a great price!

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[thegazelle]

I’m not worried about having a semi auto and the straight pull action let’s you have a 12.5 inch barrel .
I have the mk1 and I can tell you the addition of a bolt catch on the mk2 makes me wish I’d waited a bit longer.
The stock at furniture is nice and there are lots of options out there to meet your needs and tastes.
Plus I love supporting Canadian made goods.

Agree! I buy Canadian whenever I can. Many people seem rather hard on our own products, but it's like anything else - all companies can have good and bad products. I do like the fact that if I have a problem, the warranty is just "down the street" more or less.

Just bought one of these bad boys. I could have bought an MK2, but the price for the last MK1 is good enough for me.

Can't believe this thing is only 6 lbs. My scrawny frame and brittle arms will be thanking me for this purchase.

 

[Dexter Morgan]

I think you'll enjoy it.

Obviously rapid fire mag-dumps aren't it's strong point.

But for slow aimed shots; It's exactly like shooting an AR-15.

 

[thegazelle]

I think you'll enjoy it.

Obviously rapid fire mag-dumps aren't it's strong point.

But for slow aimed shots; It's exactly like shooting an AR-15.

Thanks very much for the feedback. I have never owned and AR before and unless I move to the USA, I guess for the forseeable future I will not be able to own one here in Canada. I have had so many people tell me what a pleasure it is to shoot the AR. I am happy for this benefit of being able to own another Canadian developed product. Can't wait to take it to the range!

 

[jiffx2781]

One day I wasn't thinking clearly so I bought a Renegade receiver set. I haven't even built it yet. Just couldn't get into it.

Look at it this way:

After having this

Are you really going to enjoy this?

Sorry, that's my reason not to own one but I guess you were looking for reasons to own one. I haven't came up with a reason to own one but if I do (highly unlikely) I'll be sure to let you know....

 

[thegazelle]

One day I wasn't thinking clearly so I bought a Renegade receiver set. I haven't even built it yet. Just couldn't get into it.

Look at it this way:

After having this

Are you really going to enjoy this?

Sorry, that's my reason not to own one but I guess you were looking for reasons to own one. I haven't came up with a reason to own one but if I do (highly unlikely) I'll be sure to let you know....

Haha...The Fiero! Ah, that brings back memories.

Total tangent but since we are talking about cars...I told my kids tonight that I want a basic car now...I am tired of all the electronic doo dads in my car and just some stupid programmed stuff like this week I had to get my steering wheel tilt counter reset by not the dealership (who wanted $400 to reset it with their proprietary software) but I found a guy who for $80.00 reset my steering wheel tilt counter (I didn't ask too many questions where he got the software from) so it electronic tilts and telescopes again - why the German manufacturer put a 500 tilt limit on the car before locking up the tilt and requiring a reset, I will never know.

But I told the kids I actually have been looking at a very BASIC OLD car that mostly senior citizens drive - the Mercury Grand Marquis. Like an old one - no air conditioning, crank windows, tape deck, no digital...nothing. Analog grandfather looking clock. Velour seats, which I am sure smell like a nursing home. So would anyone go from a high end German automobile to a Mercury Grand Marquis? I would. Only because inherently I am realizing I like simplicity.

Not really looking for a reason to own one - just wondering if they are only being sold for AR parts porting. If it acts like my WK, I already have one, but between buying Canadian and having something different, this seems intriguing...shall know soon once I get it.

 

[Ravage]

The fact that it looks extremely similar to the dreaded AR that anti gun people who see posts or pics of it will get triggered always brings a smile. Being non restricted it allows for bush carry and you can easily make a light short rifle with the excellent ergonomics that makes the AR platform so popular. My 10" barreled 300 blackout is 28" long and a sweet little rifle

 

[Hubris]

The fact that it looks extremely similar to the dreaded AR that anti gun people who see posts or pics of it will get triggered always brings a smile. Being non restricted it allows for bush carry and you can easily make a light short rifle with the excellent ergonomics that makes the AR platform so popular. My 10" barreled 300 blackout is 28" long and a sweet little rifle

It'll happen.

Guns advertised on Brisbane billboard sold as 'military' use in US
https://www.theguardian.com/austral...brisbane-billboard-sold-as-military-use-in-us
Gun control advocates have dubbed the Victrix guns “high-powered and military-style”. They warn that an increasing range of these guns – which still have design specifications that allow them to be classified as sporting and hunting firearms – have hit the Australian market.

Gun Control Australia has called for a rewrite of weapons classifications, which the group says are outdated and do not properly codify modern hi-tech guns.

The group’s chair, Sam Lee, has pointed to several examples of category A and B weapons (those licensed for hunting and sport) that come with a box magazine that can be easily modified to increase capacity.

She said several weapons manufacturers were pushing models that had the base specifications of hunting or sports-shooting rifles, but with trimmings and capabilities that made them much more dangerous.

“They’re importing these firearms at very swift rates,”

 

[thegazelle]

I picked mine up this morning before heading to work.

Those who mentioned the weight - I couldn't believe it. The weight is sooooo good for me. Even if I were to lift it again, my body is automatically bracing for something heavier (like with my WK). The ergonomics of this are fantastic.

The feel and weight distribution is superb. Can't wait to shoot it.

Gotta figure out a good optic for this - any suggestions?

I was thinking, if only this came in semi-auto but guess if it did it would be banned...but I guess now I know why all the AR people like their ARs...

Very, very happy with the purchase. Price was great and I'll get used to no bolt catch given the savings...

Can't wait to take it to the range.

The best part...it came with stickers!!!

 

[STEELCITYSLICKER]

Glad you picked one up! Did you get a MKII?

I built mine as a hunting rig, with a 10.5" .300BLK barrel. Hunting in Ontario means that I dont need a super powerful optic, so I picked up a 1-4 from bushnell.

Loved the gun so much, that I built a second upper. This one with an 18.6" barrel and a 2.5-10 scope for target shooting.

What do you plan on using the rifle for?

 

[thegazelle]

Glad you picked one up! Did you get a MKII?

I built mine as a hunting rig, with a 10.5" .300BLK barrel. Hunting in Ontario means that I dont need a super powerful optic, so I picked up a 1-4 from bushnell.

Loved the gun so much, that I built a second upper. This one with an 18.6" barrel and a 2.5-10 scope for target shooting.

What do you plan on using the rifle for?

Nope, I got the last MK1 they MRA had in stock - they said it's been discontinued so I bought the last one they have. Picked it up from them onsite this morning from MRA directly. 16". I can't imagine this in a 12" - I quite like the 16. Got a Magpul 5/30 Gen 2 with it.

Gentleman who gave me the rifle this morning indicated that the only real difference between MK1 and MK2 is the bolt catch and for him the MK1 is fine. I just told him I liked the price.

So your 1-4 from bushnell is 32mm? 40mm? What size rings did you use, or what kind of mount?

Planned application is target shooting at my range only. I am pretty boring that way.