It's official, the T97NSR is not vaporware!
Got a chance to handle one today at Target Sports and watch it being fired. (Demo only, not for sale)
Overall impression?
I like it a lot for what it is. (The following is my opinion only, take it for what it's worth to you.)
- It is slim, lightweight, points better than a Tavor, it feels durable and fairly well built, and best of all, it is ~$1000.00.
- The safety position is not the greatest, being at the back of the gun rather than on the pistol grip, but it is manageable.
- Mag release is on the far side of the magwell, so you have to reach around the mag to push the button, and actively pull the magazine out. Not good or bad, just different from what most people will be used to...
- Cocking handle is good and accessible, I like the design of it, and it feels solid.
- Being a piston gun, this gun throws brass out hard. Reloaders take note of this.
- Multiple rear aperture sights, seems like a quality piece.
- No bolt hold open or bolt release button. The only way to hold the bolt open is by shooting the gun dry or inserting an empty magazine and racking the bolt open. To close the bolt, you must use the cocking handle on top.
Overall, I really liked it for what it is. Remember, this is not an AR, so don't try to compare it to one when it is not designed to be like one. This is a simple no frills infantry rifle, with no bells and whistles, just the basics, and it works great for what it is designed to be.
I will be adding one to my collection 100%, and I think a lot of others will be doing the same. The T97 NSR is the perfect storm of Function, Form, and Price in my books.
