New Range Gun!! Sterling R18!!

[Ustauk]

Having the charging handle slot only exposed during charging and not firing is doing even the BRN-180 one better. They should really add one picture of the left side of the rifle to the first post highlight this feature, as it is one reason to justify the expense over the other 180 platforms. Unlike the other 180 variants (aside from the J180), this might actually pass the InRangeTV mud test

 

[Sveinn84]

Having the charging handle slot only exposed during charging and not firing is doing even the BRN-180 one better. They should really add one picture of the left side of the rifle to the first post highlight this feature, as it is one reason to justify the expense over the other 180 platforms. Unlike the other 180 variants (aside from the J180), this might actually pass the InRangeTV mud test

It's why I've avoided the other 180 variants but i'd still rather spend the money on an x95 again at this price. Kicking myself for selling mine.

 

[Ustauk]

It's why I've avoided the other 180 variants but i'd still rather spend the money on an x95 again at this price. Kicking myself for selling mine.

If the platform proves itself long term, this may be useful for people willing to spend Tavor money but who are bullpup averse Only time will tell.

As cool as a non-reciprocating charging handle is, it does add complexity to the system, and could be another point of failure. Hopefully it will prove to be robust enough to be dependable over the long term.

 

[Scotty454]

All the comparisons to the Tavor rifles... So bullpups suck. A Tavor just isn't and will never be an option for people that are familiar with competing with a rifle with AR ergonomics. Seems like the 180 platform is the most viable semi-auto platform with ergos that resemble an AR, and this seems to be the best quality version of that. Admittedly the bar is pretty low, but still. That's the justification for buying this over a Tavor, IMO.

 

[Sveinn84]

All the comparisons to the Tavor rifles... So bullpups suck. A Tavor just isn't and will never be an option for people that are familiar with competing with a rifle with AR ergonomics. Seems like the 180 platform is the most viable semi-auto platform with ergos that resemble an AR, and this seems to be the best quality version of that. Admittedly the bar is pretty low, but still. That's the justification for buying this over a Tavor, IMO.

Yeah I agree for sure. Those that compete in 3 gun etc won't want to run a tavor. Get way better accuracy out of a 180 platform. I still have my eyes on this but the price took me aback a fair bit.

 

[Hypox!a]

$2700?! Whoa... What's the mark up on these, $2000?

 

[stevelarry]

Gotta make up for the Swiss arms lost rev, my guy.

 

[Levon12345]

I compete in 3 gun with my first run (magnetic charging handle, .223 wylde) WK-180. It leaves small things to be desired and this looks like an excellent step up.

People complaining about price need to remember that time on a CNC machine costs a lot of money and when a model comes along with extra parts to close a slot in the side of the receiver and has high end parts in a gun, it might cost more than the WK-180 that was designed to be a thousand dollar rifle from the get go. (Probably still pretty close to that if you adjust for inflation)

Hot take: bullpups aren't that great and the Tavor isn't the best bullpup out there. An L-85A3 is more accurate.

 

[Bartok5]

You guys complaining about the R18's price need to take a realistic look at what a Canadian machinist earns these days. The R18 was not designed as just another $1000 AR180B clone. It addresses most, if not all, of the shortcomings noted with the "bargain" rifles, including the WS-MCR with the upgraded Lower Receiver.

If you cannot afford an R18 that is fine - that is why different systems are offered at various price-points depending on the machine time and effort required to bring the rifles to market. Can't afford an R18? Buy something less expensive. Don't like the price? Buy something less expensive. Don't like the design? Keep waiting for the IRG/NDS/PWS vapor-rifle that has been on the books for over a year. I could really care less, as I don't stand to make a dime off of the sales of R18 rifles.

Do whatever seems best for you, but don't ##### about pricing without first doing your homework. Nobody is going to get rich quick building rifles for the miniscule Canadian market, and that includes the R18. Just be happy that the option exists, as I don't see too many other Canadian businesses risking their $$ to bring other semi-auto rifle-calibre designs to market in these uncertain times.

 

[98/29]

They make these things called sights.

Yeah and those things are aligned with the shooters eye on a properly designed platform not the top of his skull dome.

I could really care less, as I don't stand to make a dime off of the sales of R18 rifles.

But you sure do put in extra effort in peddling this cope gun for someone who's posturing to be a non-beneficiary party. Pathetic.

 

[TSE JR]

What makes this Sterling, {$1000+} better than the new MCR?

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

 

[TSE JR]

How do you aim with this thing? Through the receiver? You won't see anything if you get a good cheek hold on that buttstock.

We put a red-dot on top of this and the cheek weld / eye position is perfect.

The folder model uses a Magpul Zhukov, so adding height is simple with pre-made .5, .75 and 1" cheek risers.

 

[apexanimal]

There's a ton of unnecessary passive aggressiveness on both sides of this. Thanks JR for the level headed cost assessment, myself i dont have an issue with the price, but i can see why others misunderstand it. Is it possible at any point in the future that youd consider an upper reciever with a more traditional height? or are the generational improvements going to be less drastic than that?

 

[deagle2008]

What if my rifle happens to be a lemon and parts start breaking. Will you issue a refund or leave me out there to dry?

 

[deagle2008]

What about warranty? Do you want me to send you the rifle at my cost for issues/broken parts? I've entered my information on the website and is ready to press purchase but 1st I want to know what I'm dealing with. $2900 is not little money to throw away

 

[TSE JR]

What if my rifle happens to be a lemon and parts start breaking. Will you issue a refund or leave me out there to dry?

When we had an issue with some of the first SAI 102s, we did a 100% replacement. I've never just left someone out to dry; these are expensive purchases and we have SAI's blessing to make sure the customers are looked after: Especially early adopters as sometimes issues will not surface until a much larger sample is out in the real world and rounds go down range in a multitude of conditions.

 

[TSE JR]

Warranty is going to be through TSE and Target. If you need to send the rifle back, we'll send you a pre-paid Canadapost shipping label. If it's simply parts: Out they'll come to you asap.

JR

 

[TSE JR]

Is it possible at any point in the future that you'd consider an upper receiver with a more traditional height? or are the generational improvements going to be less drastic than that?

I will ask SAI to look at that. However, what we've found so far is that we can now mount optics lower (closer to the bore height). That being said; if it looks like the bulk of our users are looking for more AR style mounting solutions; we may have to look at repositioning the rear picatinny.

Me, I'm going to get the Zhukov folder and install a fixed height riser to get my perfect fit, once I decide on my optic.

JR

 

[deagle2008]

Warranty is going to be through TSE and Target. If you need to send the rifle back, we'll send you a pre-paid Canadapost shipping label. If it's simply parts: Out they'll come to you asap.

JR

Thank you. I will proceed with my purchase

 

[Ustauk]

Is it possible at any point in the future that youd consider an upper reciever with a more traditional height? or are the generational improvements going to be less drastic than that?

I will ask SAI to look at that. However, what we've found so far is that we can now mount optics lower (closer to the bore height). That being said; if it looks like the bulk of our users are looking for more AR style mounting solutions; we may have to look at repositioning the rear picatinny.

Me, I'm going to get the Zhukov folder and install a fixed height riser to get my perfect fit, once I decide on my optic.

JR

Note that even the vaunted and prohibited up here BRN-180 has a higher rail height then is standard on an AR-15. This is referenced on the InRangeTV review of the Primary Arms 1X MicroPrism, where the reviewer noted he had installed the optic with no riser at all due to the height of the BRN-180, but would have needed a riser on the AR-15.