M-96?

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Bob Morton

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Does anyone own an M-96, the ones that they are selling on Wolverine supplies?

What do you think about this gun...any good?
 
I bought mine for about $2500 new from wolverine supplies. I've run about 250+ rounds through it, with only 2 failure to feeds so far (both in the first 20 rounds ever shot). I've had the bolt carrier tail upgrade (free via wolverine).

I've found my particular rifle fairly accurate (3.5" at 100 yards, iron sights, from improvised benchrest); mind you, since I've not had much experience with rifles, this rifle could probably do a lot better in more capable hands.

I like the ergonomics, and the quick disassebly for easy cleaning.

Just my 2 cents, anyway...
 
It's the cat's arse... Just picked up my 2nd:

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Deckard said:
Seems pricey for what you get, there were some technical issues requiring factory mods to the bolt carrier, but probably good to have as they are hardly seen.
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I would offer that if you want something bad enough, then the price is entirely subjective. The owners of those $6000+ HK G36s and UMPs would likely tend to agree....

For my money, the M96 is extremely good value for the money. I say this as an extremely satisfied owner of the M96 dating back to before they were readily available on the Canadian market. Mine was one of the first two examples imported into Canada. The other one was Mr Wolverine's personal demo rifle. I'd hazard to say that I am pretty familiar with the platform, and have put it through the ringer. I have yet to be disappointed with either the firearm or my investment.

I urged Mr Wolverine to enter into a distributorship with Robinson Armaments because I recognized the M96 as an entirely "new" non-OIC'ed rifle that would appeal to military firearms collectors. Quite frankly, the M96 was (and remains) the closest that a Canadian would ever come to owning a close approximation of Eugene Stoner's greatest design achievement - a modular firearms system based on a common receiver that could serve as everything from a carbine to a medium machinegun. I simply had to have one.

My historical/design interest was such that I would have been satisfied had the M96 been a mediocre rifle. But as it turns out, the M96 is far, far more. It is in fact, an ultra-reliable and extremely ergonomic firearm that performs far better than advertised and discussed on various "pooh-pooh" discussion boards. I've put more than 5,000 rounds through M-96s, and have experienced a grand total of 3 failures to fire. I don't "baby" my rifles, and often go in excess of 500 rounds between cleanings. The reliability of the operating system is exceptional. The ergonomics are excellent (in my view). The 2-stage trigger blows away that of the AR competition. The stainless steel fabrication results in near-zero maintenance requirements. The modularity and adaptability of the platform are second to none - notwithstanding the fact that Robarm hasn't produced a bunch of the adaptations and accessories that were promised. So what? Even a techno-boob like me was able to fabricate a folding stock for the M96 using a surplus Galil system. Now ACE stocks manufactures after-market folders at a reasonable price.

I bought my M96 with the expectation that the "Bren" mag-top-feed conversion, a short gas-system and barrel conversion, and a belt-feed conversion would give me a fully-realized example of the classic Stoner 63A "modular weapon system". The Bren kit was marketed, the "carbine" gas system and barrel were marketed, but the belt-feed kit has yet to materialize. And now Robarm is consumed with getting the XCR to market, which throws the entire belt-feed project into doubt.

So, am I bummed out regarding the apparent stall in M96 development? Not in the least!

I still have the single most reliable 5.56mm rifle in my personal inventory - and I do also own a Swissarms Classic Green. The M96's accuracy is merely acceptable (2 MOA) thanks to its quick-change barrel. So what? That is better than good enough for my needs (or ability). Where the M96 really shines is in its inherent reliability, durability, ease of maintenance, ergonomics, etc. In those aspects, the M96 is simply outstanding.

Don't be put off by the fact that Robarm had to upgrade the M96 op-rod, bolt-carrier extension, and barrel-latch. Those minor upgrades were designed and offered to owners in record time, based upon direct user feedback. In my mind, that simply reflects an admirable manufacturer regard to the needs of the customer. In direct comparison, it seems to me that the AR-series has been in constant upgrade mode since the early 1960s. Something to consider, eh?

All of the above to say that the M96 is a darned fine rifle in its bone-stock configuration. I personally wouldn't continue to own one if it weren't. My ARs (yes, I own several) tend to collect dust in the safe these days. But somehow my M96 always ends up at the range with me. 'Nuff said about that....

FWIW,

Mark C
 
Bartok5 , do you have the Bren kit for it? I was thinking of getting that one day for my M96.

Not sure why people give it a bad rap without even firing it once,they don`t know what they are missing or they do and are jealous :)
 
Deckard said:
Oh it is probably OK and better than the 180B....but the price for this sheet metal gun is high. To each his own.
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Another hater, have you ever fired one? and its made out of welded stainless steel not stamped sheet metal .
 
Looks old school beat-me-up-cause-it's-kinky-and-I-like-it tough. :D

Non-restricted you say? I'll assume, of course, that's just a function of the barrel length...

I think I found my new love. :D
 
It's worth it. Welding stainless like that is a biotch in itself... Very impressive constuction and engineering. Have you actually fired one? I don't doubt to you have, but just have to ask. I hear tons of "sheet metal" gun comments until people handle and shoot them, the things are rock solid and are actually a beautifully TIG welded stainless masterpiece. And my "sheet metal" guns are a crapload tougher than my machined alloy AR's...
 
How can anyone say they wouldn't want one? :D
Dear Santa - if I'm REALLY good will ya bring me one?
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I will find the article I have on it (in the magazine "special weapons for police & law enforement"). I have handled one in a shop, never fired one. But.... from what I read in this magazine, and I believe it is a pretty reputable magazine, it states that it is a good and well designed firearm. Why people need to piss about something they know little about is beyond me. I know little about this gun yet I would never say it's crap. Read up on a topic, try out the gun if possible, then state your opinions. I'd be pissed off if I was an owner of a m-96 and someone who never shot it would be telling me it's a piece of sh*t...

Anyhow, I would like to get one, when I can afford it. The quick change bbl option is neat, plus looking at how it field strips it would be a 100% easier to clean and detail then my ar15.

cheers & cheer up,

Alex
 
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