I was wondering when the XCR users would start trolling... So big deal; some (emphasis here) of the earlier ACRs may have this issue which is easily remedied by a thicker replacement washer/shim from Bushmaster (probably easy to get one made as well). It's still better than requiring a free lifetime supply of loctite...
I would imagine he'll probably get the barrel arma-coated at some point, but I really appreciate him foregoing this in lieu of getting a detailed range out to us instead.
- Full-length top rail - no need for separate low profile rail ($$ savings)
- Multiple points for rails on the polymer hand guard ($$ savings)
- Removable BUIS; eliminates the need for separate riser/mount ($$ savings)
- Optional folding/collapsible stock with adjustable cheek riser ($$ savings)
- It's a
Magpul (+kool-aid)
-
NO loctite!
(just kidding!)
HAHAHAHA! This is going to be too funny. AR guys dumping on XCR guys who will dump on ACR guys who will dump on SA guys ...and the world goes round and round.
Seriously, hope the ACR makes it as well as the XCR-M and the RFB. For me its about choice. No need to worry about the SA - its carved out its niche.
For me to consider the ACR though three things have to work:
1. price has to come down! Its in the realm of the SA and is a Bushmaster! Calling it a Remington won't help either. Might even make it worse now that Remington is owned by a holding company. A 6.8 XCR-L is what $2400 and a .308 RFB a little less but there's a waiting list so real price to get one is probably higher. Last time I looked the .223 ACR was a $3125 gun.
2. Bushmaster or someone has got to make that conversion to 6.8 possible without cannibalizing parts from the .223 set up. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here but as I understand it its not just a simple barrel swap.
3. Its got to be reliable. I'm waiting for reliability reports especially in the winter (same goes for the RFB). If its prone to jams or doesn't cycle when its -15 t0 -30 then its useless to me.
For those with deep pockets that collect black rifles or only want a range gun (whether a real range or a gravel pit) then the ACR may carve out a niche like the SAs, Tavors, SCARs, etc. Sure you can shoot gophers and yotes with a .223 ACR but heck that would be a pretty expensive gopher gun. If its meant to compete strictly on a licensed rifle range guns well the AR has won that battle unless you're a member of the aforementioned deep pocket crowd.
For the deer hunters that want a black rifle to hunt with (me) then the ACR in
6.8 SPC is competing with the XCR-L, XCR-M and RFB with only the XCR-L having a proven track record (thank you Camp Cook and others). I'm excluding the CZ 858 (not really a black rifle but close once customized and its $700 base price leaves a lot of money to customize, and 7.62x39mm cartridge is good enuff but not the same as 6.8 SPC or .308; might be interesting to see where the CZ evolves) and exotic expensive assault rifles like the Valmet. I'm no gun designer but I would think a .308 ACR would be the
big thing but I'm guessing a redesign not in the immediate works for a new rifle which seems to have been designed to compete with the AR.
And about those $$ savings - the base price difference between the .223 ACR and the XCR-L is over $700. Add what another $200 or so for a 6.8 barrel. Thats almost a
grand. Sure you get a
Magpul stock but a CTR is what $120 and a UBR $250 or so. Add the price of a buffer tube assembly and you can outfit your XCR with a
Magpul for $350 or less. That still leaves money for loctite or some
ACR shims. (just kidding!)
Just my opinions - you don't have to share them or even like them. Looking forward to a range report on the ACR in
6.8 SPC.
