SAI R18, early impressions
- Thread starter uAJollyRogering
- Start date
Looking good! I predict that you are going to be very happy with your R18. I am extremely curious to hear what kind of accuracy people are getting with the new heavier-profile Barrel?
^
Thanks for the update!
One advantage the R18 has over the MCR and WK is the piston system is not one long op rod, but instead is split into several pieces, like in the original AR180. Even if the gas block is a little off true, this means there is enough flex in the system for things to work without snapping, whereas the WK is especially known for snapping pistons when the gas block is off true.
Thanks for the update!
One advantage the R18 has over the MCR and WK is the piston system is not one long op rod, but instead is split into several pieces, like in the original AR180. Even if the gas block is a little off true, this means there is enough flex in the system for things to work without snapping, whereas the WK is especially known for snapping pistons when the gas block is off true.
I was running a TriggerTech AR15 pack in the test rifle with zero issues. I'm not sure about the AR9 pack, but it makes sense based on what was said about the height of the Firing Pin in relation to the Hammer-swing.
I guess the real question is, is the R18 worthy of its Tavor-level of pricing, or, for bullpup haters, is it worth the money over the Gen2 WK and does it provide enough quality that people don't feel the need to save further for a Bren 2, B&T or H&K? Only time well tell, and all feedback towards an answer to the question is appreciated. If the R18 can be to a B&T what a high end AR-15 is to a SCAR-L, it will do well.
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Ok, back at it.
Had a triggertech standard drop in ar15 trigger on hand, popped that in easy peasy. Very happy with that.
I was correct about the beavertail radius and also the trigger guard are out of AR15 spec by just a hair. not the end of the world just an odd thing to be out of spec on.
Beavertail radius interferes with magpul MIAD grip, easy fix with a dremel on the grip
The trigger guard terminating higher up than it needs to is just odd. that's a standard measurement. it's not a problem it's just absolutely silly that it's not correct, that's way easier to get right than a radius, and honestly I'm surprised they managed to get it wrong.
Apart from those two minor faults I'm so far quite pleased.
That trigger guard would drive me nuts. Looks awesome otherwise
I will post a comment here I also made on Reddit:
If you have Tavor money, but not B&T money, the additional questions are if the Sterling R18 likely more fault tolerant multi piece rifle length gas system with adjustable block, neoprene impact cushion on the guide rail end plate to reduce the BCG impact energy when it hits, non-reciprocating charging handle sitting on a mobile panel cover that seals the charging handle slot entirely against detritus entering the receiver, AR-15 angled flared magwell and likely overall better QC is worth the price over a Gen 2 WK or paying the same as a proven military rifle to avoid the bullpup form factor, is it good enough to not take the extra time to save for a B&T, and does the controversy surrounding the firearms sponsor justify not buying the R18. Only individual choices and time will tell.
If you have Tavor money, but not B&T money, the additional questions are if the Sterling R18 likely more fault tolerant multi piece rifle length gas system with adjustable block, neoprene impact cushion on the guide rail end plate to reduce the BCG impact energy when it hits, non-reciprocating charging handle sitting on a mobile panel cover that seals the charging handle slot entirely against detritus entering the receiver, AR-15 angled flared magwell and likely overall better QC is worth the price over a Gen 2 WK or paying the same as a proven military rifle to avoid the bullpup form factor, is it good enough to not take the extra time to save for a B&T, and does the controversy surrounding the firearms sponsor justify not buying the R18. Only individual choices and time will tell.
Ok, back at it.
Had a triggertech standard drop in ar15 trigger on hand, popped that in easy peasy. Very happy with that.
I was correct about the beavertail radius and also the trigger guard are out of AR15 spec by just a hair. not the end of the world just an odd thing to be out of spec on.
Beavertail radius interferes with magpul MIAD grip, easy fix with a dremel on the grip
The trigger guard terminating higher up than it needs to is just odd. that's a standard measurement. it's not a problem it's just absolutely silly that it's not correct, that's way easier to get right than a radius, and honestly I'm surprised they managed to get it wrong.
Apart from those two minor faults I'm so far quite pleased.
Some AR lowers don’t fit the Magpul grip perfectly at the back either.
