What can I say I had a chance to pick one up for $1300 ($1469 after taxes), so I did. It was a dealer show piece with 0 rnds and still mint, just no box but full warranty. Having done 8 years regular force, I have always liked the AR platform and I am happy to say I have always been pretty good with one. I do own them, but hate the fact that they are restricted.
I can't stand the mini 14 don't have any experience with the XCR, Tavor, or Ar180. So I can not give you heads or tales on those firearms. I have used an HK SL8, but didn't want to spend 2 grand.
Initially, I had reservations about purchasing this firearm due to the fact some people in the US complained about it's accuracy, that is until I realized they were talking about the carbine version (mine is a 20inch full stock). Upon initial introduction I was not a big fan of the mag release position or the bolt hold open button, however after firing a few hundred rounds they have grown on me. Granted mag changes will not be super fast a la AR, but I have every confidence they can be speedy with practice using the left side release button. Just one point if you have the old school hand under the mag well grip you may inadvertently engage the bolt hold open causing a stoppage (this was my one and only stoppage, easily fixed by cocking the rifle and chambering the next round).
So I'll start with the good, I really like the feel of this rifle, it provides quick shouldering and instant instinctual sight picturing. Shooting is smooth easy and accuracy was more that acceptable for the short distance and rapid fire I was performing (my home range is only 25 yards for rifle). I only brought two types of ammo, american eagle bulk pack 50 gr hp and russian .223 made by tula (given to me by a friend). Both fired well enough from standing to put ten shot groups in the black target ring. Slower fire from the bench allowed three rounds easily within a quarter consistently, into a nickle with with two rounds touching if I took some time. In the rifles defence I was short on time and fired a few hundred rounds in a span of about 25 minutes.
Stripping the rifle is extremely easy (thank you youtube!) and cleaning was a breeze. Don't let the plastic body fool you this is one solid rifle. I only used the factory magazine and one of those LAR 10 rounders, both functioned flawlessly with the exception of the above mentioned stupidity stoppage. Let me just say this gas system rocks, having experience with FN FALs, SKS's, AK'S and various Gpigs this thing it done right. Very robust and sturdy.
Now, the not so good (I can't say bad because it was all quite functional, just some things could use improvement). The front hand guards, they are usable and comfortable but in my opinion an after market aluminum quad rail (think AR) would be nice, if anyone knows Joe at Dlask maybe we can plant a seed. The barrel also seemed a little thin, but the advantage is the weight reduction and the overall easy of pointing, you'll have to decide for yourself I guess. The iron sights are quick and easy to use they also provide an excellent cheek weld, but I feel if you were inclined to mount optics the cheek weld would suffer. Lastly, the mag release, takes some time to get used to, however there is a distinct advantage when fielding the rifle in the fact that an accidental release of the mag is almost impossible.
Overall, I think I've fallen in love with this gun, and it really feels as though it will just keep on shooting. Unfortunately, I don't get the chance to shoot too much (work,kid) and I don't think I'll be able to stretch it's legs any time soon, if you get the chance please respond.
Now that's just my 2 cents, I couldn't find any information on this forum so I figured I'd give you guys the little bit I have. Again, I by no means profess to be any type of an expert and the gun only has a few hundred rounds down the pipe.
That's it for now,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
I can't stand the mini 14 don't have any experience with the XCR, Tavor, or Ar180. So I can not give you heads or tales on those firearms. I have used an HK SL8, but didn't want to spend 2 grand.
Initially, I had reservations about purchasing this firearm due to the fact some people in the US complained about it's accuracy, that is until I realized they were talking about the carbine version (mine is a 20inch full stock). Upon initial introduction I was not a big fan of the mag release position or the bolt hold open button, however after firing a few hundred rounds they have grown on me. Granted mag changes will not be super fast a la AR, but I have every confidence they can be speedy with practice using the left side release button. Just one point if you have the old school hand under the mag well grip you may inadvertently engage the bolt hold open causing a stoppage (this was my one and only stoppage, easily fixed by cocking the rifle and chambering the next round).
So I'll start with the good, I really like the feel of this rifle, it provides quick shouldering and instant instinctual sight picturing. Shooting is smooth easy and accuracy was more that acceptable for the short distance and rapid fire I was performing (my home range is only 25 yards for rifle). I only brought two types of ammo, american eagle bulk pack 50 gr hp and russian .223 made by tula (given to me by a friend). Both fired well enough from standing to put ten shot groups in the black target ring. Slower fire from the bench allowed three rounds easily within a quarter consistently, into a nickle with with two rounds touching if I took some time. In the rifles defence I was short on time and fired a few hundred rounds in a span of about 25 minutes.
Stripping the rifle is extremely easy (thank you youtube!) and cleaning was a breeze. Don't let the plastic body fool you this is one solid rifle. I only used the factory magazine and one of those LAR 10 rounders, both functioned flawlessly with the exception of the above mentioned stupidity stoppage. Let me just say this gas system rocks, having experience with FN FALs, SKS's, AK'S and various Gpigs this thing it done right. Very robust and sturdy.
Now, the not so good (I can't say bad because it was all quite functional, just some things could use improvement). The front hand guards, they are usable and comfortable but in my opinion an after market aluminum quad rail (think AR) would be nice, if anyone knows Joe at Dlask maybe we can plant a seed. The barrel also seemed a little thin, but the advantage is the weight reduction and the overall easy of pointing, you'll have to decide for yourself I guess. The iron sights are quick and easy to use they also provide an excellent cheek weld, but I feel if you were inclined to mount optics the cheek weld would suffer. Lastly, the mag release, takes some time to get used to, however there is a distinct advantage when fielding the rifle in the fact that an accidental release of the mag is almost impossible.
Overall, I think I've fallen in love with this gun, and it really feels as though it will just keep on shooting. Unfortunately, I don't get the chance to shoot too much (work,kid) and I don't think I'll be able to stretch it's legs any time soon, if you get the chance please respond.
Now that's just my 2 cents, I couldn't find any information on this forum so I figured I'd give you guys the little bit I have. Again, I by no means profess to be any type of an expert and the gun only has a few hundred rounds down the pipe.
That's it for now,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
